Edelnario Jr. Named Among Canada’s Top 25 Under 40 in Occupational Health and Safety

Honouring Leadership in a Growing Field

When Edelnario Jr. (Del) learned he had been named one of Occupational Health and Safety ~ OHS Canada’s Top 25 Under 40 for 2025, it marked a defining milestone in his journey as an occupational health and safety professional. This esteemed recognition celebrates not only his personal dedication and influence but also his contribution to the advancement and importance of occupational health and safety education in Canada. For Del, the honour represents more than a career achievement; it reflects a decade-long commitment to improving safety culture, mentoring future professionals, and advancing standards that protect workers across industries.

At Anderson College, we could not be more proud to celebrate this incredible accomplishment with him. Having Del as part of our instructional team is both an honour and an inspiration; his dedication reflects the very heart of what we strive to reflect in our program and instruction and instill in our students. We were deeply grateful to have him share his story and his passion for safety education with us. We know you too will be inspired by his journey – one that flows from engineering to occupational health and safety, from discovering purpose to mentoring others, and from quiet determination to national recognition.

Here’s Del story, in his own words …

Finding a Calling: From Engineering to Occupational Health and Safety

They say it takes a decade to find the work you love. I found mine well before that milestone. I began my career as an engineer in the Philippines, working as a software engineer on Java and SAP projects before transitioning to a business analyst role. As a business analyst I learned to document and improve processes, but it was an opportunity to become an auditor—focused on compliance and assurance—that changed the course of my professional life.

Auditing sent me across my country and into many different operational environments. I audited safety, health, environment, security, operations and maintenance, and supply chain functions—everything except IT and financial audits. It was in that work, seeing how systems, people, and processes intersect with risk and regulation, that I discovered my passion for occupational health and safety (OHS). A decade later, I remain committed to that first love: OHS practice and education.

A Global Journey in Teaching and Mentorship

Teaching became my second love, although it was not something I expected. I have always been introverted and preferred doing the work behind the scenes. Ten years ago, however, I accepted an invitation to teach in the Philippines. That first classroom led to many more engagements—and to teaching opportunities abroad in Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, and Dongguan. Those experiences taught me that when opportunity knocks, you must be ready to answer.

After moving to Canada and obtaining my CRSP designation, I wanted to return to teaching. I reached out to Bradley Dedrick and applied for a part-time instructor position in Hamilton; he took a chance on me. Today I teach at the North York campus and at several colleges across Ontario. Combining industry experience with teaching has become the most effective way I know to mentor future occupational health professionals. In the classroom I bring real-life incidents, audit lessons, and practical tools alongside the formal training and certifications I have earned—because knowledge that is not shared has limited value.

Recognition and Purpose

Being recognized as one of OHS Canada’s Top 25 Under 40 for 2025 was a profound honour. As a former international student who has only recently made Canada my home, this recognition affirmed that hard work, practical experience, and a commitment to teaching can open doors. I hope my students—both in the classroom and in the field—see this as encouragement that a career in occupational safety and health offers real opportunity.

Teaching with Purpose and Practical Impact

My teaching style is practical, energetic, and passionate. While I remain an introvert in many parts of my life, stepping onto the podium for an OHS class brings out an extroverted side of me. I blend academic theory with real-world application: lectures are supported by case studies, simulations, role-play, and stories from audits and site work. This approach helps students develop the judgment and situational awareness they will need on the job. I remain committed to teaching, learning, and advocating practical safety solutions that save lives and improve working conditions.

Core Competencies for Future Professionals

I believe there are two core competencies every OHS student must master. First is legal and regulatory compliance: understanding the laws, standards, and obligations that govern workplace health and safety. Second is risk management: the ability to identify hazards, assess risk, and design effective controls. Mastery of these two foundations opens many career paths in every sector.

Preparing students for real-world scenarios is not easy. It requires moving beyond the textbook to simulate the complexity of workplace problems: competing priorities, human factors, incomplete information, and unforeseen consequences. In my classes we practice decision-making under pressure, analyze incidents from multiple perspectives, and design practical, compliant solutions that work in context.

A Growing Profession with Purpose

Occupational health and safety is a vital and growing profession because organizations everywhere need guidance to manage risk and meet regulatory obligations. In Ontario, across Canada, and around the world, industries such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, mining, and many others require competent safety professionals. The demand for skilled graduates is strong and the opportunities are varied.

My advice to students considering a career in OHS is simple: start now. Complete your program, pursue recognized certifications such as CRST or CRSP, and never become complacent—never stop learning. Most importantly, never forget the basics: sound legal knowledge, rigorous risk assessment, clear communication, and practical problem-solving. These fundamentals will carry you far in a career that is as rewarding as it is necessary.

If you bring curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures, a career in OHS can be deeply meaningful—both for you and the people whose health and safety you will help protect.

Celebrating Leadership in Occupational Health and Safety

Del’s journey, from engineer to educator, auditor to leader in safety standards, embodies resilience, mentorship, and purpose. To be named one of OHS Canada’s Top 25 Under 40 is a truly extraordinary accomplishment, recognizing not only his professional excellence but his lasting influence on this evolving industry and the future professionals who will pave the way in OHS. Del’s achievement stands as a testament to how one person’s vision and unwavering passion can not fuel a professional dream to elevate workplace safety but also inspire future leaders and strengthen businesses and communities across Canada.

For those ready to follow in his footsteps, earning a diploma in Occupational Health and Safety can be the first step toward a career that empowers you to make a difference … and perhaps, one day, to stand among the leaders shaping a safer world.
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Still considering if the OHS field is for you? Take our Health and Safety Professional Career Discovery Quiz and determine if this is your best program fit.

When you’re ready to explore how you can achieve your career goals in OHS, check out the details of our Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) approved OHS program. And we’re always here to help you navigate your way; just book a virtual appointment with an admissions advisor and let’s get you started!

Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!

We want to make sure you have what you need to succeed! Check out these reference links:

• Top 25 Under 40: Meet the class of 2025
• Your Future in Occupational Health and Safety – 47-weeks – Online