Safety has always been a cornerstone of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Born out of a need to protect workers from unsafe conditions, the union continues to lead with this mission, especially in the utility sector where the risks remain high.
The Canadian Utility Safety Program (CUSP) was created in 2012 after a group of IBEW utility Business Managers met at the All Canada Progress Meeting in Halifax. They recognized the need for a national platform where safety could be discussed openly and solutions could be shared across regions.
That first meeting in Toronto brought together 21 delegates. Since then, CUSP has grown into an annual event hosted in cities across the country. Each year, members gather to address pressing safety concerns, from on-the-job hazards to broader issues like mental health and the physical demands of the work.
This June, IBEW Local Union 37 welcomed 42 delegates to Bathurst, New Brunswick, including IBEW Director of Safety Mark MacNichol. The conversations were honest and focused, driven by a shared goal: keeping members safe not just at work, but in every part of their lives.
Utility work is demanding. It often means working in harsh conditions, responding to emergencies, and being there when communities need help most. These workers are frequently the first on the scene after storms or outages, putting themselves at risk to restore essential services.
IBEW leaders understand that safety goes beyond physical protection. The emotional and mental strain of the job can be just as challenging. That’s why mental health remains a central part of the safety conversation. It’s about making sure every member feels supported, whether they’re climbing a pole or heading home to their family after a long shift. IBEW Canada’s work through CUSP is a reflection of its long-standing values. By staying connected to the realities members face on the job and at home, union leaders continue to find better ways to protect and support the workforce.