AWARE-NS

19/03/2026

We’re pleased to share that AWARE-NS's Safety and Injury Prevention programming is fully up and running. 🚀

Public sessions are currently open for registration - visit our website at https://learn.awarens.ca/in-person to explore available offerings, with more sessions being added soon.

Organizations interested in private training can connect with our OHS Advisors by reaching out to [email protected] to schedule a session tailored to your team.

13/03/2026

AWARE-NS Operational Funding Restored

Dear Sector Members,

Over the past several weeks, the health and community services sector experienced a period of uncertainty following the announcement that AWARE-NS operational funding would be withdrawn.

We are pleased to share that the Government of Nova Scotia has restored operational funding for AWARE-NS, allowing our safety and injury prevention programming to continue.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of Nova Scotia for reconsidering this decision and recognizing the importance of prevention programming that supports the safety of frontline workers across Long-Term Care, Home Care, and Disability Support Programs.

We would also like to express our gratitude to our members, partners, and sector colleagues who demonstrated leadership and collaboration during this time by sharing their perspectives and highlighting the importance of safety and injury prevention infrastructure in protecting workers and supporting stable care environments.

AWARE-NS remains committed to working collaboratively with government and sector partners to strengthen workplace safety across Nova Scotia’s health and community services system.

Programming Update:

AWARE-NS is currently working to reschedule all public and private programming. Updates on newly launched sessions will be shared on our social media channels. Sector members can also subscribe to our newsletter for updates by emailing [email protected].
Sincerely,

AWARE-NS Team

04/03/2026

Frontline workers are the heart of our Health and Community Services sectors.
When safety and injury prevention infrastructure disappears, the risk shifts directly onto the people delivering care to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

02/03/2026

In light of the 2026-27 Nova Scotia budget, AWARE-NS’s Safety and Injury Prevention programming, which supports Nova Scotia’s health and community service workforces, has been cancelled.

This change comes as Disability Support Programs implement the Human Rights Remedy; Long-term Care expands; new workplace safety legislation is required; and WCB reports historic low injury rates. The loss of AWARE-NS funded safety programming shifts the cost directly to care providers, many of whom are already facing declining operational budgets. Removing this infrastructure now creates cumulative system pressure and directly impacts frontline workers.

Without coordinated safety programming, frontline health and community services are more susceptible to workplace injuries, staffing shortages, and service disruptions.

In light of the 2026-27 Nova Scotia budget, AWARE-NS’s Safety and Injury Prevention programming, which supports Nova Scotia’s health and community service workforces, has been cancelled. This change comes as Disability Support Programs implement the Human Rights Remedy; Long-term Care expands; n...

18/02/2026

Today we’re thrilled to celebrate Jonathan’s (aka Murley) one‑year anniversary as an OHS Advisor at AWARE‑NS - and what a year it’s been.
From day one, Murley has brought an outstanding work ethic, unwavering dedication, and a true “safety‑first” mindset.
Whether he’s championing safer workplaces through delivering programming, bringing laughter and good energy to the team, or dropping the occasional Star Wars reference (we see you, Jonathan), he’s made a real impact. In fact, we’re pretty sure the Force is strong with this one.

Here’s to one year of excellence and many more adventures ahead

10/02/2026

📢 ✨ AWARE‑NS is launching a new program, Psychological Health & Safety: Employer Obligations!
A one‑hour session designed for leaders, managers, and directors who want clarity on their PH&S responsibilities, recent legislative updates, and the first steps toward a safer, healthier workplace.

02/02/2026

AWARE‑NS was glad to attend last week's open house at WCB Nova Scotia

Executive Director Dawn Pickering and OHS Advisor Reza Jannati, loved the new office space and appreciated the chance to connect with our partners at WCB and many familiar faces in the safety community.

Thank you for the invitation and for fostering the kind of collaboration that strengthens workplace safety across Nova Scotia. 🎉

21/01/2026

📢 Don’t miss important updates!

Subscribe to the AWARE-NS mailing list for new programs, newsletters, and safety updates.

🔗 www.awarens.ca

15/01/2026

Our Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee training has been busy!

Public sessions have been filling up fast, and we love seeing so many organizations investing in safer workplaces.
If your team needs JOHSC training on your schedule, private sessions are available. They’re a great way to secure spots, customize the experience, and meet your training requirements!

📩 Connect with AWARE‑NS to book a private JOHSC session for your organization at [email protected]

16/12/2025

✨ AWARE-NS Holiday Newsletter is here! ✨
We’re wrapping up the year with stories, updates, and resources to keep you informed and inspired.

📩 Want to stay connected? Register for our mailing list at awarens.ca or email us directly at [email protected] to join!

🎄 From all of us at AWARE-NS, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a bright, healthy New Year!

Access the Newsletter here:
https://conta.cc/4rCzMER

Email from AWARE-NS HOLIDAY NEWSLETTER Pictured: The AWARE-NS Team at their Holiday Party: Reza Jannati, Dawn Pickering, Beth Barczyk, Gary Hunt (of Fish Safe NS who joined in on the festivities), Jon

09/12/2025

We are thrilled to welcome three outstanding leaders to the AWARE-NS Board of Directors.

Their experience, passion, and commitment to safer, healthier workplaces will strengthen our work across Nova Scotia’s health and community services sector.

● Craig Thiel – Acute Care Representative, Manager of Occupational Health Nursing, Acute Care, Occupational Health Safety & Wellness, Nova Scotia Health.
● Sandra Mullen – Labour Union Representative, President of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union.
● Stephanie Girard-Fraser – Member-at-Large, Executive Director of the Health and Community Care Sector Workforce Council.

We are grateful for their dedication and the valuable perspectives they bring. We look forward to a collaborative and impactful year ahead.

02/12/2025

📣 New Workplace Safety Updates in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has launched Safer Workplaces Together — a new province-wide prevention strategy from WCB Nova Scotia and the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration.
This initiative strengthens collaboration across the prevention system and focuses on the areas where workers are most at risk.

2025–2026 Prevention Priorities:
Based on provincial data, three key priorities will guide injury-prevention efforts:
1️⃣ Reducing sprains, strains, and other MSIs (Nova Scotia’s most common workplace injury).
2️⃣ Preventing psychological injuries, including harassment and traumatic incidents.
3️⃣ Supporting supervisors with the tools and knowledge needed to lead safe workplaces.

Why This Matters?
Workplace injuries have dropped significantly over the past two decades — yet too many Nova Scotians are still being hurt at work. These updates aim to build safer, more respectful, and more resilient workplaces across the province.

At AWARE-NS, we are committed to working with our partners to operationalize these priorities. By focusing on high-risk areas like patient handling and psychological safety, we can build a stronger culture of safety for all care workers.

➡️ We’ll continue sharing guidance and training opportunities to help workplaces navigate these changes.

Together, we can build safer, healthier workplaces for all.

Access our website and public resources: awarens.ca

-NS