Candace Carnahan

In this powerful and thought-provoking speech, we explore the concept of safety not just as an obligation, but as a profound opportunity. Too often, safety measures are viewed as tasks that must be checked off—a routine compliance. But what if we shifted our perspective? What if we embraced safety as a proactive choice, an opportunity to protect not just ourselves but our colleagues and communities? Candace knows firsthand the devastating consequences of a reactive approach and challenges us to rethink our attitudes toward safety.

This speech is a call to action, urging each of us to see safety as more than a duty—it’s an opportunity to make a difference, to lead by example, and to ensure that every voice is heard in the pursuit of a safer, more mindful workplace.

In this compelling and uplifting keynote, Candace shares her remarkable journey of recovery after a life-altering workplace incident that resulted in the loss of her leg. While losing a leg was a challenge, Candace learned early on to look out for silver linings— think of the money she's saved booking her pedicures half price! With wit and wisdom, Candace reveals how life’s toughest moments often come with unexpected perks.

Through heartfelt storytelling and candid humor, Candace reveals how hope and positivity not only shaped her path but also fueled her ability to embrace life’s challenges with grace. She highlights the profound impact of seemingly small acts of kindness and courage—demonstrating how even the simplest gestures can spark transformative change for ourselves and those around us. Audiences will be inspired by Candace’s message of perseverance and will walk away empowered, knowing that they, too, possess the strength to overcome adversity and create lasting change in their own lives.

In a work world that traditionally emphasizes physical safety, it's crucial to recognize that true protection begins within - the vital connection between psychological health and physical safety.

A key component is the role of leadership. We delve into the transformative power of leaders who dare to show vulnerability. When leaders openly express their own challenges, uncertainties, and emotions, they create a ripple effect. The openness breaks down barriers, fostering a culture where psychological safety thrives, enabling everyone to bring the whole selves to work without fear of judgment.

By addressing the often-overlooked aspects of psychological safety, we'll reveal how mental well-being acts as the foundation not only for preventing incidents and ensuring physical safety, but also cultivating a culture of caring in the workplace.

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of why protecting our minds is the first step in safeguarding our bodies, equipped with actionable strategies to create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.

Candace has learned what she believes to a crucial life lesson the hard way: ‘The first step in not getting hurt is knowing that you can be.’ She believes that avoiding needless injuries through day to day life and activities can be achieved just by simply realizing that the potential for injury exists.

Candace challenges the “invincibility factor” which, for her, is the most troubling hazard facing working youth – the belief that injuries won’t happen to them. In her one hour presentation, Candace speaks about her typical life as a university student, working summers to pay for school in the fall, and how one step in the wrong direction changed the course of her life forever.

Candace’s energy and enthusiasm is contagious, and through her many stories, she sends a message that reaches far beyond that of workplace health and safety. Candace encourages her audience to use their education, knowledge, experience, and awareness to expand on the importance of safety within their day to day lives. Candace inspires her audiences to ‘stand up for safety’ (both figuratively and literally) and to ‘say something’ when they ‘see something.’

Expected outcomes Reduction in recordable injuries, an empowered student body/workplace that is inspired to keep themselves and their loved ones/colleagues safe.

Candace believes that “The first step in NOT getting injured is knowing that you CAN be.”

Her unimaginable experience dispels the myth that we are invincible; what you don’t know, in fact, can hurt you – lessons Candace learned the hard way.

Candace shares her very personal account about the day that changed her life forever, after suffering the loss of her lower left leg to an unguarded conveyor belt system.

With her ever present sense of humour and passion for her message she emphasizes that when an injury happens, there is rarely only one cause or contributing factor – emphasizing the countless opportunities to intervene in the name of safety.

In guiding audiences through her fateful day, she recounts her thoughts or ‘distractions’ and talks about her then subconscious belief that nothing “bad” could ever happen to her.

Candace’s presentation focuses on identifying the many contributing factors (insufficient training, unguarded machinery, unsafe culture, etc.…) that led to her injury, while assuming responsibility for her own role in the incident.

Candace encourages people to take a leading role in their own health and safety! Encouraging them to embrace, and even celebrate, their right to an injury-free and healthy environment.

Combating complacency, and encouraging people to “focus on focus!” are key components to Candace’s message. Her story is a reminder that safety isn’t 9-5 – rather, it’s a state of mind, an attitude that we must carry with us throughout our day to day lives.

Expected outcomes Reduction in recordable injuries, enriched safety awareness, accountability, an empowered and cohesive student body and or workforce.