Speaker: Paulette Baker
Paulette has been a registered nurse for 17 years, working in extended care, medical/surgical, pediatrics, and emergency. In 1996, Paulette completed a one-year contract in Sri Lanka, operating a mobile health unit in poorer areas of Columbo, and working on health improvement projects such as: immunization, health teaching, a clean-drinking-water initiative, wound care, and proper sanitation.
Paulette joined WorkSafeBC in 2005, and has worked as a nurse advisor in the food and beverage and transportation industries, health care, education, and corporate environments. She’s been responsible for arranging graduated return-to-work plans, job coaching, and advising employers on staff safety and the importance of early and safe return-to-work programs. Paulette has also worked with the Prevention Department on injury-prevention education, and assisting employers to improve safety in the work place.
Currently Paulette is working on a Fraser Health Authority initiative that involves implementing early and safe return-to-work programs. She spends much of her time communicating with workers, physiotherapists, physicians, specialists, and employers about the benefits of early and safe return to work. It’s not uncommon to see Paulette on a jobsite meeting with workers and employers to learn about the industry, and providing coaching on how to create a successful return-to-work program for injured workers.
Paulette is married and the proud mother of two children; a six-year-old daughter, who keeps her young at heart, and an 11-year- old son, who keeps her active with football.