The CUSW Spotlight Podcast

Safety Reps Protect They Don’t Police with David Aviles - Episode #19

Canadian Union of Skilled Workers Episode 19

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 19:45

Before he became a Health, Safety and Wellness leader with CUSW, David Aviles spent nearly two decades roofing and building a business with his father, learning firsthand what hard work truly means.

In this episode, David shares his journey from starting his construction career at an early age to becoming a Joint Health and Safety Representative at Hydro One and Chair of the CUSW Health, Safety and Wellness Committee.

Since stepping into the role in 2020, David has become a powerful voice for workers, not by policing, but by protecting. He talks about what it really means to represent members, how safety is about people and not paperwork, and why this role has changed him both professionally and personally.

From mentorship and certifications to Mental Health First Aid and collaboration with organizations like the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, David reminds us that safety leadership is about awareness, accountability, and humanity.

This conversation is about culture, courage, and protecting someone’s parent, partner, or child every single day.

Want to connect with David?  Feel free to reach out to him directly at daviles@cusw.ca, and if you are looking for training opportunities, visit https://www.cusw.ca/group/cusw/training

If you are considering taking a training course and wondering whether it is eligible for tuition reimbursement, email  info@ettrust.ca

Don’t forget to visit www.cusw.ca to explore more opportunities and resources. If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic you’d like to hear on the podcast, email Dan at podcast@cusw.ca



🔻 Learn More About CUSW  

Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW - Who We Are 

🔻 Stay Informed  

Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News 

🔻 Get in Touch  

Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page 

🔻 Get Involved  

Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model 

🔻 Never Miss an Episode  

Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Here 

🎧 Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

📺 Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here

🎵 Music Credits: Music Credits: Original music by Glen MacNeil (lyrics, vocals, guitar) with production by Brad MacNeil.

Tune in, stay inspired, and keep shining that CUSW spotlight!