Over the past ten years, FortisAlberta’s MoveSafe program has evolved into one of the company’s most successful and enduring health and safety initiatives. What began as a workplace wellness concept has grown into a deeply embedded part of the company culture—thanks to committed leadership, engaged employees, and a shared understanding of the program’s value.
The number one factor cited across all interviews for the program’s success? Executive buy-in. As Derek Johnson emphasized, FortisAlberta’s CEOs—past and present—have played a pivotal role in embedding MoveSafe into daily operations. “They support the program by participating. They speak about it. They ask questions if people aren’t doing it,” he said. This leadership commitment trickles down to supervisors and team leads, fostering a strong culture of accountability and engagement.
Kevin Hasselbeck echoed this sentiment, noting that teams with visible leadership support are more likely to adopt and sustain the program. “It helps to have your President and CEO so gung-ho about the program. You see her talking about it, encouraging people to do it, and it trickles down from there.”
The statistics tell a compelling story: musculoskeletal injuries at FortisAlberta have significantly decreased since the implementation of MoveSafe. In 2012, the company recorded 19 soft tissue injuries. By 2016, that number had dropped to just two. While the COVID-19 pandemic saw a temporary uptick, post-pandemic participation has helped return those numbers to record lows, with 2023 showing 0 soft tissue injuries.
Just as importantly, workers are experiencing real personal benefits. From reduced pain to improved flexibility and better energy throughout the day, employees across the board are reporting positive changes. Ryan Pawlitzki, a MoveSafe Leader for the line crews noted, “Guys that were grunting and groaning when they bent over to pick something up weren’t doing that anymore. They had better flexibility and were stronger. It works.” Not only are there physical benefits from the program, but there are also social benefits. “It’s just a good opportunity to touch base with everybody, find out what’s going on. It just keeps everybody more connected.”
At the heart of MoveSafe’s success is its network of dedicated MoveSafe Leaders. These champions facilitate daily warm-ups, adapt stretches to meet team needs, and keep momentum going across geographically dispersed offices. Whether in the field or behind a desk, FortisAlberta’s MoveSafe Leaders have brought creativity, consistency, and a personal touch that resonates with participants.
Blair Debaar, an MoveSafe Leader in the office setting, shared how he uses music, variety, and humor to maintain engagement. “I personally think the music helps. Maybe that’s just me. The singing covers up all my bones cracking.” His sessions now draw employees from multiple departments and locations, with requests for specific stretches and even music genres. “Same time every day. People know they can jump on and get a stretch in. And I think that helps. Consistency helps. Have fun with it.”
While the pandemic disrupted routines, it also revealed the strength of the MoveSafe community. Teams adapted by using virtual tools, and in some cases, the program took on new forms. More employees began doing the stretches at home, incorporating them into their daily routines—proof that the habits built through MoveSafe had staying power.
Perhaps the most telling sign of MoveSafe’s success is how deeply ingrained it has become in FortisAlberta’s culture. Meetings often begin with MoveSafe breaks. New hires are introduced to the program right away. And MoveSafe Leaders regularly remind teams of the “why”—not just because it is an essential foundation of the program, but because they’ve also seen the benefits firsthand.
From injury prevention and improved well-being to team connection and leadership development, MoveSafe has proven itself far more than just a set of exercises. As Derek noted, “This is probably the longest-lasting program we’ve had from a health and safety perspective. And the reality is—it works.”
With fresh training materials in development, more MoveSafe Leader Summits on the horizon, and continued executive support, FortisAlberta is not just sustaining the program—it’s evolving it. As the company grows and changes, the MoveSafe program is well-positioned to keep helping employees move better, feel better, and work safer for years to come.
