Health and Safety

Outdoor courtyard with picnic bench on the Penticton campus

Health and Safety Committees

Okanagan College has four Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) Committees based out of Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm, and Vernon.  The Committees are composed of representatives from all employee groups at Okanagan College including BCGEU Vocational and Support Staff, OC Faculty Association, Administration, and Management.  The Committees meet monthly and work collaboratively to enhance and promote health and safety in the workplace. 

Campus committees

Kelowna campus

Kelowna committee terms of reference

Contact Email: johskel@okanagan.bc.ca

NameLocationRoleRepresentation
Danny MarquesT115HEmployer Co-ChairTrades (Senior Mgnt)
Halia ValladaresC245Employer Co-ChairScience & Technology (Senior Mgnt)
Phil AshmanP111CEmployer RepAncillary & Business Services (Senior Mgnt)
Eunice HoekstraP111AEmployer RepFacilities Management (Admin)
Rox PollockE217Employer RepCommunity Engagement & Careers (Admin)
Heather CarsonA104AWorker Co-ChairStudent Services (BCGEU Support)
Nicole DavisE412Worker RepOffice Administration (BCGEU Vocational)
Kevin DradonT163Worker RepCentral Stores (BCGEU Support)
Leonard LermerC289Worker RepScience & Technology (OCFA)
Kevin McKenzieP105Worker RepCampus Planning & Facilities Management (BCGEU Support)
Frithjof PetscheleitT104Worker RepTrades (BCGEU Support)

Penticton campus

Penticton committee terms of reference

NameLocation   RoleRepresentation
Juliana BuitenhuisPL139 Employer Co-ChairRegional Dean's Office South (OCAA)
Kristine ClarksonPC234Employer RepContinuing Studies (OCAA)
Karin Grosstessner-HainPC247Employer RepBCBTAC (OCAA)
Catherine KubisPC244Worker Co-ChairBCBTAC (BCGEU Support)
Kristi Bauman PL140Worker RepRegional Dean's Office South (BCGEU Support)
Brennan BoydaPC 218Worker RepTrades (BCGEU-VI)
Eva Gavaris (on leave)PL 105Worker RepLibrary (OCFA)
Sarah LefeburePL 111Worker RepCounselling (OCFA)
Sharon MansierePL106Worker RepScience & Technology (OCFA)
Gitan Rakhra (on leave)PL105Worker RepRegional Dean's Office South (BCGEU Support)

Salmon Arm campus

Salmon Arm committee terms of reference

 NameLocation  RoleRepresentation
Margaret ScharfSA104Employer Co-ChairCommunity Engagement and Careers (OCAA)
Brent MoffatTrades - ST01Employer RepTrades (Admin)
Bryan WhiteSA117Worker Co-ChairScience & Technology (OCFA)
Diyame Derrick CarterSA184AWorker RepStudent Services (BCGEU Support)
Lanie GreeenhoughSA 132Worker RepLibrary (BCGEU Support)
Shannon KiehlbauchSA119Worker RepStudent Services (BCGEU Support)
Joanne StaceySA103Worker RepRegistration (BCGEU Support)

Vernon campus

Vernon committee terms of reference

NameLocationRoleRepresentation
Margaret ScarfSA-104Interim Employer Co-ChairCommunity Engagement and Careers (OCAA)
Steve CremaC245Employer RepScience and Technology (Senior Mgnt)
Christy GelzVE123Employer RepContinuing Studies (OCAA)
Kelsey RossT115LEmployer RepTrades (OCAA)
Paxton Friesen (on leave) Worker RepHealth and Social Development (BCGEU - VI)
Michael SempleVT205Worker RepTrades (BCGEU - VI)
Craig SmithVC325Worker RepAdult Upgrading (BCGEU - VI)

Committee minutes

View Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm, or Vernon committee minutes

JOHS committee minutes

Want to Join the JOHS Committee as a BCGEU Rep?

If you’re a BCGEU Support Staff or Vocational Instructor, you can apply to be an Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Representative.

How to Apply:

  1. Fill out the Expression of Interest (EOI) form
    https://ohs.bcgeu.ca/ohs_rep 
    Include your contact info, worksite(s), and why you’re interested.
  2. Submit the form
    Your local chairperson will review it. If approved, you’ll receive an appointment letter.

  3. Sign your BCGEU membership card

    Why Join?

  • Make a real impact on workplace safety and well-being. 
  • Be the voice for your co-workers on health and safety issues. 
  • Gain valuable training and knowledge supported by BCGEU. 
  • Build leadership skills and strengthen your professional network.