Powell River’s one-stop shop for everything first aid and health and safety related is Select Safety Services, according to company president and team leader Gary Amundsen.
Tapping into more than 35 years of professional health and safety experience in forestry, manufacturing, mining, construction and public service, Amundsen started the company in 2014 and has watched it grow over the past four years.
Select Safety Services provides a wide range of health and safety services. With more than 30 years working for BC Ambulance Service as a paramedic, Amundsen says he saw the opportunity to create a company that provides clients with job site first aid attendants, paramedics and other safety personnel, and the capacity to help companies develop and keep up to date with their own health and safety programs and policy manuals, a requirement of WorkSafeBC and other health and safety governing bodies.
“Select Safety Services is not just a first aid or a health and safety consulting company, it’s an all in one,” says Amundsen. “Whether you need safety officers or medical personnel for your job sites, regulation-approved first aid supplies or workplace inspections, we have you covered.”
Amundsen says the company’s goals include zero safety incidents and full compliance with health and safety regulations for clients and employees.
“Helping our clients to be proactive with their health and safety programs is very rewarding,” he adds.
The company’s team of professionals are trained to meet or exceed legislative health and safety and requirements, including those set out for Canadian registered safety professionals, national construction safety officers, construction safety officers and advisors, paramedics, first aid attendants and occupational health and safety nurses.
Amundsen, who was born and raised in Powell River, says that because the majority of his team members live locally, he has a great deal of confidence in the quality of work they provide on the job site.
“I know when I’m sending someone for a job they will look after things; that peace of mind is huge,” he says. “We supply very experienced personnel, that’s not only important for our customers but also for the company.”
The company is ready to send qualified medical staff wherever they are needed, he adds.
During summers when the province has faced wildfires, Select Safety Services has been contracted by the provincial government to assist firefighters and provide first aid services in the field. The company has also worked with BC Hydro, City of Powell River, local logging companies and construction firms.
“We’ve been doing quite a bit of work for the logging industry and other firms in town lately,” says Amundsen. “It’s been really good. I love getting out there with the people.”
In addition to supplying health and safety and medical personnel to worksites, and providing consultation on policy manual development, the company also supplies employers with WorkSafeBC-approved first aid kits and AED defibrillators. Although the company does not yet have a storefront for its first aid supply sales, Amundsen encourages the public to contact him to set up a needs assessment, so Select Safety can provide supplies that have the best fit and are budget friendly.
Industrial facilities and construction sites are dangerous places to work, which is why ensuring safety should be a top priority for all employers, says Amundsen.
“It is an absolute must that everyone goes home safe at the end of their shift,” he adds. “We all share the benefits of a healthy and safe workplace.”
For more information about how to improve operational and safety performance at your workplace, contact Select Safety Services at 604.414.4367 or info@selectsafetyservices.com, or visit the company’s website at selectsafetyservices.com.
