28 BUILD MANITOBA winnipegconstruction.ca CSAM NEWS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CSAM CSAM: THE Safety Conference – North America’s Largest and Canada’s Premier Construction Safety Conference CSAM: THE Safety Conference 2026 was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when Manitoba’s construction industry comes together with a shared commitment to safety, encompassing not only physical safety but also psychological well-being. Over two days, we welcomed 1,682 registered participants and issued a total of 2,249 training certificates. The event was supported by 62 corporate sponsors and two conference partners, demonstrating once again that safety excellence is not just a priority, but a collective responsibility embraced across our industry. With 37 dedicated instructors, attendees benefited from expert-led training sessions focused on strengthening knowledge, improving skills and reinforcing safe work practices across all sectors of construction. From supervisors to frontline workers, the level of engagement reflected a genuine desire to learn, adapt and continuously improve. The conference tradeshow floor was another highlight. This year featured 75 exhibitors across 91 booth spaces, providing opportunities for participants to explore innovative products, emerging technologies and practical solutions designed to enhance workplace safety and health. These interactions remain a vital part of the conference experience, connecting attendees directly with those developing the tools and services that support safer work sites every day. A significant focus of this year’s conference was mental health and psychological safety in construction. Multiple sessions explored the realities of psychological hazards, the importance of recognizing emotional distress in the workplace and the responsibility employers have to provide environments that are not only physically safe, but psychologically safe as well – now a legislated responsibility here in Manitoba, with additional regulatory requirements expected to be introduced this year. Leadership sessions and panel discussions examined how organizations can respond once psychological risks are identified, move from awareness to action and build workplace cultures that reduce stigma and promote early access to mental health supports and resources. These conversations were especially timely following recent amendments to Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Act that strengthen expectations around psychologically safe workplaces. The success of CSAM: THE Safety Conference 2026 is a testament to what can be accomplished when industry leaders, safety professionals and workers unite with a common purpose. While our work sites and challenges may differ, our objective remains the same: ensuring every worker returns home safe at the end of the day. The strong attendance and engagement in the sessions demonstrate that safety remains a core component of Manitoba’s construction industry. Thank you to our sponsors, partners, instructors, exhibitors and attendees for making this year’s conference such a success. Together, we are building a safer tomorrow for Manitoba’s construction industry. Sean Scott Executive Director Construction Safety Association of Manitoba For more information about CSAM’s services and programs, visit their offices at 1447 Waverley Street in Winnipeg or 950 10th Street in Brandon, or contact us at safety@constructionsafety.ca.
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