At CUPE’s National Convention in October 2025, members adopted a resolution declaring 2026 the Year of Health and Safety.
One focus of the Year of Health and Safety is strengthening health and safety committees. These committees play an important role in preventing injuries and protecting workers. They identify hazards, address risks and help ensure workers get home safe at the end of the day.
To support new and developing health and safety committees, CUPE has created a Health and Safety Committee Self-Evaluation Checklist. This tool helps worker representatives review core committee functions and identify areas for improvement. For established committees, CUPE has developed a new Health and Safety Committee Audit to assess health and safety programs in more detail.
CUPE has also released a new, plain-language booklet on health and safety committee basics for all members. The booklet outlines the role of health and safety committees, the role of the union and how members can get involved in this important work.
Throughout 2026, CUPE will host health and safety conferences across Canada. We will also be developing new ways for health and safety activists to connect, share updates and stay engaged.
Access our new health and safety resources and learn more at cupe.ca
