Dan Plexman

Keynote Speaker | Thunder Bay, Ontario

Workplace Safety Advocate
Burn Survivor & Resilience Leader | Occupational Health Expert

Dan Plexman Expertise Health & Wellness, Health Performance, Psychological Safety, Workplace Culture, Demographics & Workforce Trends, Resilience & Adversity, Workplace Safety, Corporations & Businesses and Occupational Safety.

Dan Plexman

About Dan Plexman

Dan Plexman is an international workplace safety expert, burn survivor, and world champion arm-wrestler from Thunder Bay, Ontario. After surviving a catastrophic electrical arc flash fire that caused severe burns to 60 percent of his body and left him with 13 amputations, he turned his experience into a mission to prevent similar tragedies. Today, Dan Plexman educates organizations across North America on the importance of safety culture, mental health, and emergency preparedness. His compelling journey from life-threatening injury to global competition exemplifies resilience, recovery, and responsibility in creating safer workplaces for all.

Dan Plexman Videos

Live, Love, Learn, Repeat.

Health and Safety is Something That Needs to Be Taken Seriously. Learn

Introducing the Cusw Spotlight Podcast with Dan Plexman

Dan Plexman Interviews & Podcasts

Health and Safety is Something That Needs to Be Taken Seriously

The Importance of Team-based Safety Culture

Introducing the Cusw Spotlight Podcast with Dan Plexman

DAN PLEXMAN BIOGRAPHY

Dan Plexman is an international workplace safety expert, speaker, and world champion arm-wrestler based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He is recognized for his powerful presentations on safety culture, mental health, and resilience, drawing from his lived experience as a survivor of a catastrophic electrical arc flash fire.

Before his accident, Dan Plexman built a career in the pipeline, oil sands, and construction industries, later entering a four-year electrical apprenticeship. He worked across various high-risk environments where he observed gaps in training, supervision, and communication that placed workers at unnecessary risk.

In 2008, while working alone in a manlift under live power lines, Dan came close enough to trigger an electrical arc flash that engulfed him in flames. The explosion caused third- to sixth-degree burns to 60 percent of his body and led to a 17-foot fall. Doctors gave him only a 13 percent chance of survival.

Dan spent weeks in a coma and endured more than a decade of surgeries, grafts, and rehabilitation to rebuild mobility and manage chronic pain. The accident also resulted in the loss of 13 digits and lasting trauma that required ongoing psychological recovery and adaptation. Over time, Dan discovered new purpose through advocacy and public speaking, helping companies, safety professionals, and employees understand the human impact of workplace negligence.

He emphasizes that preventable incidents are not simply compliance failures but breakdowns in awareness, culture, and accountability. His sessions provide actionable frameworks for building safer work environments through leadership responsibility, open communication, and practiced emergency rescue plans.

Beyond the stage, Dan Plexman contributes to safety conferences and advisory committees, collaborating with industry leaders and trade unions to advance national safety standards. His involvement with the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers highlights his ongoing commitment to education and peer mentorship within the skilled trades.

In addition to his professional work, Dan found healing and strength through adaptive athletics, ultimately becoming a world champion arm-wrestler in the 80-kilogram disabled division at the 2022 World Armwrestling Championships in France.

His return to elite competition after a near-fatal injury serves as a testament to human perseverance, physical discipline, and mental resilience.

Today, Dan Plexman continues to travel across North America to share his story and strategies for safety excellence, ensuring that workers, families, and organizations never experience what he endured.

Dan Plexman Topic Presentations

Dan Plexman Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Plan & Prepare. Prevent & Protect

The Cost of Complacency

Resilience After the Fire

Dan Plexman Books & Articles

Safety in the Service Industry
Safety in the Service

Thunder Bay Arm-wrestler Who Nearly Lost Both Arms Prepares to Defend World Titles in Malaysia
Thunder Bay Arm-wrestler Who Nearly Lost Both

From nearly losing his arms as a result of a workplace accident to becoming a world champion arm-wrestler, the last 15 years have been a...

Dan Plexman Speaking Testimonials

"Dan Plexman is an engaging and energetic presenter; he shares his personal burn recovery journey in a frank and honest way. He is able to inspire others by offering insights into what has made him successful on his path. He will motivate you to be your best, no matter what your personal journey"

Barbara-Anne Hodge

Chair, Canadian Burn Survivors Community
Canadian Burn Survivors Community

"​Dear Dan Plexman, I work with a Commissioning and Startup group on a major project in the Fort McMurray area. Recently we have had some LOTO issues resulting in a safety stand down to help our team of approximately 150 refocus on the importance of perfection. After reviewing our statistics and the path forward I shared your 5-minute video from After the Cocoon and it was incredible the impact it had on all levels. I wanted to thank you for sharing and from the discussions after our meeting all I can say is the impact was fantastic. Your ability to add levity to your presentation showed that you were a real person struggling with the real side of being injured. Thanks so much"

Jon Mack

CSU HSE Lead - Bantrel Management Services
ConocoPhillips Surmont 2 Project

You May Also Like

Dr. Janelle Abela

Dr. Janelle Abela

Culture Strategist | Systems Thinking, Inclusive Leadership & Workplace Transformation

Dr. Janelle Abela

Speaker Topics

  • Innovation & Creativity
  • Business Leadership
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Accessibility
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Inclusive Leadership
  • Unconscious Bias
  • Workplace Culture
  • Women In Business
Dr. Janelle Abela is a systems strategist, researcher, and organizational culture architect who helps leaders build equitable, high-trust,...
Charles Achampong

Charles Achampong

Leadership Speaker & Author | Leadership Under Pressure, Judgment & Decision Making Expert

Charles Achampong

Speaker Topics

  • Leadership and Change
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Leadership Development
  • Governance
  • Change Management
  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Resilience & Change
  • Mindfulness
Charles Achampong is an award winning keynote speaker, storyteller, and Executive in Residence known for helping leaders lead under...
Meghan Agosta

Meghan Agosta

Olympic Champion & Police Constable | Leadership, Teamwork & Resilience Expert

Meghan Agosta

Speaker Topics

  • Leadership
  • Leadership and Change
  • Peak Performance
  • Teamwork
  • Resilience & Change
  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Burnout Prevention
  • Olympians & Olympics
  • First Responders
Meghan Agosta is an Olympic gold medallist with the Canadian women's hockey team, competing in four Olympic Winter Games. Renowned for her...
Dr. Kevin Alderson

Dr. Kevin Alderson

Mental Health | Diversity And LGBTQ2 Expert

Dr. Kevin Alderson

Speaker Topics

  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Addictions & Substance Abuse
  • Business & Corporate
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Change Management
  • Confidence
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Disability
Dr. Kevin Alderson is a dynamic keynote speaker with 30 years experience as psychologist who is a recognized expert in...
Calgary Calgary, Alberta
Dr. Shahana Alibhai

Dr. Shahana Alibhai

Women's Health & Emotional Resilience | Mental Health, Menopause & Burnout Recovery

Featured

Dr. Shahana Alibhai

Speaker Topics

  • Mental Health
  • Health & Wellness
  • Health Performance
  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Change Management
  • Burnout Prevention
  • Medical & Healthcare
  • Healthcare Innnovation
Dr. Shahana Alibhai is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and leading voice in emotional health. A family physician and Medical Director...
Andrew Allen

Andrew Allen

Multi-Platinum Singer-Songwriter |Transformational Thought Leader | Keynote Concerts

Andrew Allen

Speaker Topics

  • Mindset & Goal Accomplishment
  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Personal Growth
  • Mental Health
  • Leadership Development
  • Intentional Habits
  • Character Development
Andrew Allen is a multi-platinum Canadian singer-songwriter and keynote speaker, recognized for 5 top-10 singles, international chart...
Elaine Allison

Elaine Allison

Leadership | Customer Service and Sales | Customer loyalty And Sales Expert

Featured

Elaine Allison

Speaker Topics

  • Brand Strategy & Storytelling
  • Business & Corporate
  • Business Ethics & Values
  • Business Growth
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Confidence
Elaine Allison is a Certified Speaking Professional who specializes in customer service strategies and training. She is the author of the...
Erez Avramov

Erez Avramov

Resilience & Communication Expert | Leadership and Change Management Executive Coach

Erez Avramov

Speaker Topics

  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Leadership
  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Leadership and Change
  • Mindset & Attitude
  • Performance
  • Reinvention
  • Empowerment
Erez Avramov is a resilience expert, keynote speaker, and executive coach recognized as “the Man Who Refuses to Die.” A former elite...
Dr. George Ayee

Dr. George Ayee

Leadership | Change And Transformation Expert

Dr. George Ayee

Speaker Topics

  • Business & Corporate
  • Business Growth
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Change Management
  • Disruption Management
  • Employee Management
  • Global Business & Trade
  • HR & Corporate Culture
George Ayee is a leadership, change, and business transformation expert with more than twenty five years of international experience across...
Calgary Calgary, Alberta
Josef Azam

Josef Azam

Digital Marketing Expert | Leadership Coach And Motivational Speaker

Featured

Josef Azam

Speaker Topics

  • Business Growth
  • Innovation & Creativity
  • Digital & Social Media Marketing
  • Sales
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Business Leadership
  • Corporate Responsibility (CSR)
  • Public Relations & Media Training
  • Future of Work
Josef Azam is a successful entrepreneur and digital marketing expert at the same time a fitness and health advocate and speaker. Josef...
Joanna Barclay

Joanna Barclay

Corporate Culture Change Expert And Mindful Conscious Leadership Consultant

Featured

Joanna Barclay

Speaker Topics

  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Business & Corporate
  • Business Growth
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Change Management
  • Employee Retention
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Excellence & Success
Joanna Barclay is a global leadership expert, organizational culture consultant, and author specializing in conscious leadership, values...
Dr. Dean Barnes

Dr. Dean Barnes

Leadership & Equity Specialist | Representation, Storytelling & Education Expert

Dr. Dean Barnes

Speaker Topics

  • Leadership
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Inclusive Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Leadership and Change
  • Business & Corporate
  • Athletes & Sports
  • Inspirational Leadership
Dr. Dean Barnes is a Canadian speaker, podcaster, collector, and education leader who shares powerful stories of leadership, equity, and...
Burlington Burlington, Ontario

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dan Plexman known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Dan Plexman is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Dan Plexman speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Dan Plexman delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Dan Plexman is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Dan Plexman is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Dan Plexman from and where do they speak across Canada?

Dan Plexman is from Thunder Bay, Ontario and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Dan Plexman available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Dan Plexman is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Dan Plexman deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Dan Plexman may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Dan Plexman to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Dan Plexman is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Dan Plexman for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Dan Plexman is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Dan Plexman as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Dan Plexman keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Dan Plexman for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Dan Plexman may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Dan Plexman for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Dan Plexman should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Dan Plexman represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Dan Plexman is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More