AFRWC Hosts First Leadership Training Workshop
At the beginning of August, the Alberta Federation of Rural Water Co-ops (AFRWC) hosted its first Leadership Safety Training workshop.
The event brought together co-op leaders from across the province for a full day focused on improving workplace safety and leadership practices. This was more than just a seminar - it was a hands-on exchange of ideas, experiences and practical strategies.
| “These engaging workshops are essential for empowering our co-op leaders to protect their teams and communities ensuring they have the tools they need,” said Chris Hancock, Executive Director AFRWC. “By focusing on leadership we’re reinforcing the idea that safety starts at the top.” |
Led by Randy Shantz, a seasoned safety expert, the workshop covered five key areas of safety leadership: legal responsibilities, hazard awareness, risk assessment and reporting, safety protocols and staff training.
| “This workshop is about empowering boards to act appropriately by informing them of their obligations and equipping them with the tools to do so,” explains Randy. “Scenario-based workshops help boards move beyond simply understanding legal duties to actively creating safer workplaces.” |
One of the most appreciated aspects of the workshop was its interactive format.
| “We worked in small groups on real-world scenarios drawn from our own experiences as water co-op members,” explained John Morgan, Director Georgian Del-Rich Co-op. “This sparked lively discussions and gave participants a chance to learn from one another. I look forward to other presentations like this one.” |
Participants left with tangible tools including completed forms and the beginnings of risk assessments for common activities like repairing curbstops, a challenge familiar to most co-ops.
With such positive feedback and clear demand for practical leadership training, AFRWC is committed to offering more sessions that equip co-op leaders to lead with confidence and keep their teams safe.