Brian McConnell Named OHS Professional of the Year by OHS Canada
Strike Group is proud to announce that Brian McConnell, Vice President of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), has been named the 2025 OHS Professional of the Year by OHS Canada Magazine. This prestigious individual award, presented annually at the OHS Honours ceremony, recognizes a Canadian occupational health and safety professional who demonstrates exceptional leadership, initiative, and dedication to advancing workplace safety.
This is not the first time Brian’s leadership has been recognized at the highest level. In 2022, he was unanimously selected by the Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA) judges as the NCSO of the Year, a testament to his influence as a safety leader in Canada’s construction industry.
For more than a decade, Brian has been at the forefront of Strike Group’s commitment to safety—our #1 core value and the foundation of everything we do. His leadership has helped ensure that every employee comes home safe at the end of each day.
Prior to pursuing a career in safety, Brian earned a degree in Psychology and a certificate in Human Resources. His past education has ensured that Brian thoroughly understands the human approach to safety and is an effective communicator.
Brian’s journey with Strike began as an HSE Lead in Crossfield, Alberta, and grew through progressive leadership roles to his current position guiding Strike’s entire Health & Safety Management System across 26 business units in Western Canada. Along the way, he has earned industry-leading designations including CRSP and NCSO, completed advanced training in investigation, behaviour-based safety, and emergency response, and mentored the next generation of safety professionals.
Some of his most impactful contributions include:
- Refreshing Strike’s Safety Observation Card (SOC) Program, tying each submission to charitable donations. Since 2021, this initiative has raised over $200,000 for local organizations while reinforcing proactive safety reporting.
- Launching the Safety Ambassador Program, a peer-nominated recognition initiative that has celebrated more than 30 employees for going above and beyond in safety leadership.
- Establishing and supporting Regional Joint Health & Safety Committees, strengthening collaboration across business units and ensuring worker voices are represented in health and safety decisions.
- Championing mental health and suicide prevention, introducing resources, partnerships, and awareness campaigns that support employees and their families both on and off the job.
- Driving innovation, including a digital HSE Resource Library accessed through QR codes on equipment and PPE, making safety materials more accessible than ever.
Brian’s leadership has also guided Strike Group to win numerous external safety awards, including:
- Trailblazer Award from the ACSA, recognizing organizations that enhance workplace safety and promote safety in their communities (2022)
- Safety Award from the CEPA Foundation (2022)
- Contractor Safety Award for Safety Innovation from Trans Mountain (2024)
- First-ever Contractor Safety Award from ATCO EnPower (2025)
- Shortlisted for Canada’s Safest Construction Employer at the 2025 Canada’s Safest Employers Awards (winner to be announced later this year)
Brian’s colleagues describe him as a calm, principled leader who listens first, communicates with empathy, and creates practical, people-first solutions. His work has not only improved Strike’s safety performance but also reshaped how safety is lived across our company and industry.
“Brian never seeks recognition for himself,” said a colleague who nominated him. “But there is no one more deserving. He has transformed safety into something personal, meaningful, and lasting.”
Congratulations, Brian, on this well-earned recognition. Your leadership reflects the very best of Strike’s purpose: to make a difference.
