We are a Kingston-based health and safety company providing training, consulting and workplace safety support across Eastern Ontario. We work across many industries, with construction and particularly high-rise construction at the heart of our experience.
It started with an opportunity. It became a passion.
I didn't plan a career in health and safety. I started in an administrative role, and a mentor gave me an opportunity to become more involved in workplace safety. I took it, started learning and quickly realized I had found work that genuinely mattered to me. I became interested in the why behind safety. Why did something happen? Why was the job being done differently than the procedure described? What was making the work difficult to do safely and what could we do to make it better?
The more time I spent in the field, the more I realized you can't truly understand the work from behind a desk. You must see it, talk to people and listen to the people doing the job. That experience shaped the way I still approach safety today. It's not about telling people everything they're doing wrong. It's about building relationships, earning trust, understanding the problem and working together to find a safer way
I wanted to build a company people could call when they needed more than a generic answer or another piece of paperwork. A company that would get involved, give honest advice and help find a solution. We've grown, but that hasn't changed.
— Kelly Widdop, Founder & Owner
Built on experience. Driven by people.
Kelly is comfortable at every level of an organization from working through due diligence with senior leadership to standing on a jobsite asking a worker, “Show me how you actually do this.” She believes the best safety professionals don't just know the requirements.
They understand the work, connect with people and are willing to get involved. For Kelly, trust is earned by listening, treating people fairly, giving honest answers and following through. That's the standard she has built StartSafe around and expects from everyone who represents the company.
Your Safety is Our Priority.
Different Strengths. One common Goal
No two people on our team are exactly alike and that's a good thing. We bring different personalities, experience and strengths to the work, but we're connected by the same expectations.
Kelly Widdop
Founder & Owner
Bio
Kelly brings more than 20 years of health and safety experience, but it's her ability to connect with people and find solutions that defines her approach. She's hands-on, asks questions and isn't afraid to get involved. Whether she's working alongside workers and supervisors, helping a client through a difficult issue or navigating a Ministry of Labour inspection, Kelly knows how to bring people together, communicate openly and find solutions that work.
Andrew Van Vlack
Health & Safety Coordinator / Trainer
Bio
Andrew has an energy that’s hard to miss. He genuinely loves safety, loves the work and loves sharing what he knows with others. That enthusiasm comes through whether he’s on a jobsite or standing in front of a class. Behind it is a remarkable depth of knowledge around safe work practices and years of practical experience. Andrew has a way of making safety interesting, approachable and relevant to both new workers and seasoned crews.
Lyndia Cooper
Health & Safety Coordinator / Trainer
Bio
Lyndia brings a no-nonsense, straightforward approach to safety. Years of experience have given her a sharp eye for hazards and the confidence to act quickly when a safer plan is needed. In the classroom, she brings that same direct approach while getting people involved in the conversation. Lyndia doesn’t just want workers to hear the material. She wants them asking questions, sharing experiences and understanding why it matters.
Jason Gordon
Health & Safety Coordinator
Bio
Jason brings a steady, thoughtful presence to the jobsite. His background in the trades gives him an immediate understanding of the work and the people doing it. He’s organized, detail-oriented and never afraid to ask another question if it means getting something right. Jason genuinely cares about the people around him, and that shows in the way he works. He takes the time to understand what’s happening, spot what others might miss and make sure nothing important gets overlooked.
Lauren Austin
Health & Safety Coordinator
Bio
Calm under pressure and naturally organized, Lauren approaches safety with a steady eye for detail. Her background as a paramedic taught her how to assess situations carefully, communicate clearly and stay composed when it matters most. Although she’s newer to construction safety, she’s adapted quickly and has already proven herself to be reliable, thorough and eager to learn. She asks questions, follows through and makes sure the work gets done properly.
Matt Taylor
Operations & Marketing Manager
Bio
Matt plays a big part in keeping StartSafe organized, moving and growing. He leads our marketing, coordinates training and supports the day-to-day operations of the business. He’s constantly looking for better ways to do things, building systems that save time, keep the team organized and make work easier for everyone. Matt is always thinking ahead, bringing new ideas to the table and finding practical ways to help StartSafe improve.
Proudly Woman-Owned.
We are a proudly woman-owned company! Kelly built her career in an industry where women have historically been underrepresented. She earned her place by knowing the work, asking questions, speaking up when it mattered, treating people fairly and earning trust over time.
Those experiences shaped the way StartSafe was built. We’re grounded in respect, strong relationships and the belief that credibility is earned through the work you do and the way you treat people. Today, we're proud to see more women building careers and taking on leadership roles across construction, skilled trades, supervision, health and safety and industry leadership.
We believe strong workplaces benefit from different experiences, perspectives and people having a voice. Construction is changing. We're proud to be part of that change.
Safety Starts with a Conversation
Whether you're training your team, strengthening your safety program or dealing with a challenge in the field, tell us what's going on. We'll listen, ask questions, and work with you to find a solution that works.
