In Dan’s case, charges were laid under Ontario’s Occu- pational Health and Safety Act, and there was an inquest into his death. Carolyn and her family were involved in all the proceedings. The inquest made two recommenda- tions: • That the general contractor on a residential construc- tion site be responsible for a daily inspection of the entire job site prior to work commencing and should any hazards be determined, to be corrected immedi- ately. • That the general contractor on a residential construc- tion site be responsible to submit to any subcontrac- tors any obvious dangerous situations unique to that job site prior to work commencing. Again, while the recommendations are specific to the construction industry in which Dan worked, the principles make for good practices on any job site: making regular inspections to identify hazards, and communicating those hazards to all workers. As part of her involvement with Threads of Life, Carolyn carries that safety message out to the public every chance she gets. She trained to become a member of the Threads of Life speaker’s bureau. This group of volunteers all have personal experience with a workplace tragedy, and they tell their stories at schools, workplace safety meetings, conferences and other events to ensure no other families have to live through a similar experience. Carolyn has also become one of the volunteers, called Family Guides, who work one-on-one with others experi- encing a workplace tragedy. “I want to be able to be there for families who are deal- ing with the loss of a loved one,” she says, “and let them know they are not alone.” There are a variety of ways individuals and companies can get involved with Threads of Life to promote safety and support families affected by workplace tragedy. The organ- ization hosts an annual fundraising walk, called Steps for Life (www.stepsforlife.ca), which takes place in more than 30 communities across Canada each spring. Individuals can participate as walkers, volunteers or fundraisers. Steps for Life is also a perfect way for companies to demonstrate their safety commitment and boost employee involvement. Large and small companies can get involved in the Steps for Life Corporate Challenge. Many companies also make Threads of Life their “charity of choice” and support the organization through fundraisers like golf tournaments, barbecues and dress-down days, and through corporate donations. The Ontario Petroleum Contractors’ Association has dedicated money raised through its annual golf tournament to Threads of Life, do- nating close to $15,000 in 2014 and 2015. Threads of Life currently supports more than 2,300 family members across Canada. In addition to the peer-to-peer Volunteer Family Guides program, it offers events called Family Forums where families can gather to share their ex- periences and learn positive coping skills. Family members are provided with information including a quarterly newsletter, and with opportunities to get involved in work- place health and safety by telling their stories and repre- senting Threads of Life at safety events and conferences. To learn more about Threads of Life, visit www.thread- soflife.ca. Susan Haldane is Threads of Life’s manager, communi- cations and marketing. OVER $1,000,000,000 600 - 1000 Centre St. N Calgary, AB Main 403.296.2400 Toll Free 1.800.565.8132 rogersinsurance.ca The Canadian Design and Construction Report — May-June 2016 – 11