Toronto, ON, May 15, 2025 – No matter what’s in store this May ‘2-4’ - whether you’re opening the cottage, sparking up the grill, pitching a tent, tuning up your RVs or trailers or simply gearing up to enjoy the great outdoors – your safety partners at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and Ontario Poison Centre (OPC) want you to keep these safety tips in mind so you can make the most of your days as summer unofficially gets underway.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
A highly poisonous and deadly gas, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a by-product of incomplete combustion of carbon-containing (or carbon-based) fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, wood, charcoal and more. And while some of us may tend to think that this is a winter concern, CO knows no seasonal boundaries.
Commonly known as the ‘silent killer’ this poisonous, gas can go undetected as you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it.
CO can make its way into popular summertime activities such as cottaging, camping, BBQing, RVing or boating. No matter what’s in store this May ‘2-4’ - CO should have no place in your summer space.
Take Action. Think Safe.
- have all fuel-burning appliances inspected through the services of a TSSA-registered contractor
- install, certified, working CO alarms
- never use indoors, nor in enclosed spaces, any fuel-burning equipment that is specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only such as generators, portable heaters, BBQs and camping stoves
- keep external exhaust vents – whether at the cottage or your trailer or RV – free of debris or blockages
- know the sources; know the symptoms of CO poisoning
- if you suspect CO poisoning, get outdoors immediately and call 911
“No matter the season, any one CO incident is always one too many. Keep in mind that while seasons change, the risks of CO exposure don’t,” says Owen Kennedy, Director of TSSA’s Fuels Safety Program. “Even though fuel-burning appliances may be safely designed, they can emit deadly levels of CO gas if not properly installed, inspected and maintained regularly. Know the sources. Know the symptoms. Know the steps to keep yourselves, family, friends and loved ones – pets included – safe this summer,” stresses Kennedy.
For additional CO Safety information visit cosafety.ca
Other Poison Prevention
Whether indoors or out, don’t let other potential poisoning hazards, such as snake bites, poisonous plants, chemicals, or medications that may be in your environment, dampen your spirits on these summer days.
Storage
Keep harmful products and medications “locked up tight and out of sight” in a cupboard or container. There are a variety of safety latches that can be purchased to lock a cupboard or cabinet. Find them in the child safety section of local stores. You should choose one that works for your family. For more details, check out the Poison Storage Checklist.
Snake Bites
Be prepared when hiking or visiting an area where rattlesnakes live. Have an emergency plan. Know how to contact the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the area and know how to get to the closest hospital.
- if you hear a rattle, move away from the sound of the snake. Do not try to touch it.
- if bitten by a snake, remain calm.
- if you experience a snake bite, call 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) or immediately call 911
Plant and Mushroom Safey
Plants, berries and mushrooms are attractive to many and particularly young children who like to put things in their mouths. Make sure you know the names of plants that grow inside and outside of your home. If your child eats a plant, berry, seed, bulb, or wild mushroom that you aren’t sure about or think may be poisonous, call OPC at 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 or 911 immediately.
- do not assume that a plant is safe for people just because birds or wildlife eat it
- do not suck nectar from flowers or make tea from flowers or leaves
- cactus plants can cause skin to be irritated and should be kept away from children
- poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms may grow side by side
- it can be dangerous to eat a mushroom that you have found outdoors
- cooking outdoor mushrooms does NOT make them safe to eat
For more information on mushroom foraging safety, check out this infographic and video
Pesticides:
As the season may call for people to use weed killers, pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers or other lawn or garden products, don’t ever leave these chemicals unattended, particularly if children may be around.
- follow all instructions on the label carefully
- wear protective equipment
- store pesticides in a locked box or cabinet
“As families head outdoors this May long weekend, it’s important to remember that poison hazards don’t take a vacation. From plants and pesticides to bites and medications, prevention starts with awareness” – Dr. Connie Mackenzie, Assistant Medical Director, Ontario Poison Centre.
For additional poison prevention information visit ontariopoisoncentre.ca
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
About OPC
The Ontario Poison Centre (OPC) is a telephone toxicology consultation service that provides expert poison advice 24 hours a day to the public, emergency service personnel and health-care professionals across the province. The OPC participates in the ongoing care of the poisoned patient by following the clinical course of hospitalization, assessing the effectiveness of treatment recommendations and providing additional treatment recommendations. Our toxicology experts will collaborate with other health-care professionals to advocate for optimal, current and evidence-based care of the poisoned patient. The OPC is operated and supported by The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto. The OPC also operates a bilingual satellite site in Ottawa in collaboration with Montfort Hospital.
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For more information, please contact:
TSSA:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement
and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
For more information on TSSA visit www.tssa.org
OPC:
Sarah Warr
Team Lead, Communications & Public Affairs
The Hospital for Sick Children
Email: Media.line@sickids.ca
For more information on OPC visit www.ontariopoisoncentre.ca
Safety Is a Right, Not a Compromise: Beware of Fraudulent Fuels Workers
Fraudulent fuels workers are known for performing less expensive work with cheaper, unsafe materials. This can be dangerous or even deadly.
Toronto, ON, March 17, 2025 – Fraudulent fuels workers, those that are uncertified or unregistered - also known as ‘trunk slammers,’ put Ontarians at risk by offering cut-rate services using substandard materials and unsafe practices.
This Fraud Prevention Month, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is continuing its efforts to help consumers avoid scams that can lead to serious safety consequences.
Through TSSA’s public education campaign, consumers can learn how to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate fuels workers and help curb this safety issue by reporting fraudulent activities and individuals to TSSA.
As ‘trunk slammers’ operate without TSSA registration or certification, their work is neither inspected nor audited for safety. Services from unqualified workers can potentially expose homeowners, residents and businesses to grave dangers, including carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards. In Ontario, work performed on fuel-burning appliances, including furnace installation and maintenance, must be performed by TSSA-registered contractors.
“Fraudulent fuels workers don’t just take your money—they compromise your safety. Their work is unsafe and is not audited by TSSA,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of TSSA's Fuels Safety Program. “With 9,000 registered contractors and 60,000 certified professionals in Ontario, homeowners have plenty of trusted options. Always choose a registered contractor and verify their status before hiring them.”
Consumers can verify a contractor’s registration using TSSA’s Find a Registered Fuels Contractor lookup tool.
Watch expert videos, read real stories, and access checklists and more on TSSA’s Trunk Slammer Campaign Resources.
When encountering suspicious fuels workers, report them to TSSA by this email: customerservices@tssa.org.
Stay informed throughout the Fraud Prevention Month by following TSSA on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
TSSA Urges Ontarians to Keep Gas Meters and Fuel-Burning Appliance Vents Free from Snow and Ice
Toronto, ON, February 13, 2025 – As a major winter storm impacts parts of Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) urges homeowners and residents to check their gas meters and the external exhaust outlets for furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters and all fuel-burning devices to ensure no snow or ice builds up.
Exhaust vents, in particular, often extend out of the side of a home as low as one foot above ground, so they have the potential to get covered and blocked easily without a homeowner’s knowledge, especially when a homeowner is shoveling snow or using a snowblower or when there is a severe snow build-up. When vents are blocked, it can increase the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) building up inside a home.
CO is a danger commonly referred to as the “Silent Killer” as you can’t smell it, see it or taste it. Data show that in Ontario, about 65% of all CO incidents occur in homes.
Additionally, a snow-covered gas meter can interfere with its ability to regulate gas pressure, creating other serious safety risks.
When snow piles up, check your gas meter and vents. Take Action. Think Safe.
1. Use a car brush or broom to gently remove snow from gas meters and vent pipes. Avoid sharp tools to prevent damage.
2. Never shovel, plow, or blow snow against the meter or vent pipe.
3. Be cautious when using snow blowers to avoid bumping the meter.
4. Refrain from kicking the meter or vent pipes to clear ice or snow.
5. Remove icicles from overhead eaves to prevent dripping water from freezing on the meter or vent pipes.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
TSSA recommends that homeowners install and regularly test certified CO alarms. These alarms provide an early warning of dangerous CO levels, giving residents time to respond and potentially save lives.
CO poisoning symptoms include dizziness, headaches, and nausea. If these symptoms appear, immediately move to fresh air and call emergency services.
For more information visit: COsafety.ca
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
TORONTO, ON, November 1, 2024 – Carbon Monoxide (CO), often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer”, continues to be a leading cause of accidental poisoning in Ontario, with approximately 65% of all CO incidents occurring in people’s homes.
As part of its ongoing efforts to bring greater awareness to Ontarians, and with the hope that multiple voices will bring greater impact to the message, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is once again teaming up with local fire and emergency services – this time in Halton Region – to increase CO awareness.
Coinciding with Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, this critical safety campaign will run from November 1-15, 2024, delivering important CO safety materials and messages directly to mailboxes, through local media and various social media platforms. This, together with the ongoing public education efforts of community fire and emergency services departments, will provide vital information to assist residents in reducing CO risks in their homes.
“During the cold weather months there’s naturally an increased use of furnaces and fireplaces, and even though these fuel-burning appliances may be safely designed, they can emit deadly levels of CO gas if not properly installed, inspected and maintained regularly,” says Kelly Hart, TSSA’s Director of Fuels Safety.
“While CO presents serious hazards, residents can significantly reduce CO risks and any potential harm by taking these two important steps,” adds Hart.
Take Action. Think Safe.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA registered fuel contractor
- to find a TSSA-registered contractor use the Find A Registered Contractor Tool
- Have working, certified CO alarms in your home, regularly test them, change batteries and replace them in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.
“It’s also important to remember to never use any fuel-burning appliances indoors that are specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only,” adds Hart. On average, Ontario homes have roughly 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce CO. While these appliances may be safely designed, like many other commonly used items, they must be properly operated and maintained.
The backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.
Stay one step ahead of CO – Beat the Silent Killer. Take Action. Think Safe. cosafety.ca
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
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For more information or to arrange media availability, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
email:media@tssa.org
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, visit www.tssa.org
TORONTO, ON, November 1, 2024 – It’s not just your furnace. Did you know, on average, Ontario homes have roughly 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce Carbon Monoxide (CO) – an invisible, odourless, tasteless and highly poisonous gas?
Often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer’, CO continues to be a leading cause of accidental poisoning in Ontario, with approximately 65% of all CO incidents occurring in people’s homes. Most, if not all of these incidents, are preventable.
As Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week kicks off, safety experts at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority are reminding residents to ‘Be in the Know when it comes to CO”.
“During the cold weather months there’s naturally an increased use of furnaces and fireplaces, and even though these fuel-burning appliances may be safely designed, they can emit deadly levels of CO gas if not properly installed, inspected and maintained regularly,” says Kelly Hart, TSSA’s Director of Fuels Safety. “While CO presents serious hazards, residents can significantly reduce CO risks and any potential harm by taking these two important steps,” adds Hart.
Take Action. Think Safe.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA registered fuel contractor
- to find a TSSA-registered contractor use the Find A Registered Contractor Tool
Have working, certified CO alarms in your home, regularly test them, change batteries and replace them in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.
“And it’s just as important for folks to note that fuel-burning appliances specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only – such as outdoor heaters - are to remain just there – outdoors,” stresses Hart.
With the hope that multiple voices will bring greater impact to the message, TSSA continues to partner with local fire and emergency services and other safety-minded organizations to deliver critical CO safety information to residents in communities across Ontario.
The backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.
Stay one step ahead of CO – Beat the Silent Killer. Take Action. Think Safe. cosafety.ca
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
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For more information or to arrange media availability, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President,
Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
email:media@tssa.org
For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, visit www.tssa.org
Fewer permanent injuries and decreased incident rates reported amidst Ontario’s population growth
While Ontario’s population continues to grow, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has reported improvements in safety outcomes over the past decade. The latest safety results, highlighted in TSSA’s Public Safety Report 2024, underscore decreased permanent injuries and incident rates within TSSA’s regulated sectors. Released during TSSA’s Annual Public Meeting alongside its 2024 Annual Report, the safety report highlights an improving safety environment across the province.
“Ontario's population has seen significant growth in the past 10 years, and our regulated industries have been working hard to improve safety. TSSA is committed to ensuring that public safety continues to be a priority by partnering with regulated parties to reduce the risk of harm for people in Ontario. This year’s safety results demonstrate this continued commitment is delivering its intended outcome," said Viola Dessanti, Director of Strategic Analytics, TSSA.
State of Safety Overview
As Ontario’s public safety regulator, TSSA oversees technical safety regulations in key sectors, including amusement devices, boilers, pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. TSSA’s Public Safety Report provides comprehensive metrics and data insights to inform its strategies to enhance public safety in the province.
For the reporting period (May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024, which will be referred to as 2024 hereinafter), the number of permanent injuries on regulated devices in Ontario has dropped notably. In 2024, there were 32 per cent fewer permanent injuries reported compared to 2015, after adjusting for population growth.
The rate of incidents per million people has also improved compared to 10 years ago. Despite a 16 per cent growth in Ontario’s population from 2015 to 2024, the incident rate decreased from 389 incidents per million people in 2015 to 384 incidents per million people in 2024.
The reduction of harm is most notable in fuels, where the number of fuels-related incidents, excluding pipeline strikes, have decreased from 81 incidents per million people in 2015 to 59 incidents per million people in 2024.
Outcome-Based Regulator Continues to Advance Safety Results
TSSA’s Outcome-Based Regulator (OBR) approach is central to advancing safety and compliance, with compliance standards as a key tool to target areas of high risk and prioritize regulatory efforts. In May 2023, TSSA introduced new compliance standards for escalators, with pass rate reaching 64 per cent over the year. The compliance standards for heating contractors, also implemented over the past year, recorded a 90 per cent pass rate of audits performed.
“TSSA is proud to report improved safety outcomes while executing our new Strategic Plan. These results demonstrate that our outcome-focused vision is effective and reaffirm the value of our collaborative approach in working towards a safer Ontario,” said Bonnie Rose, President and CEO, TSSA.
“Our new strategy will continue to guide us toward better safety outcomes, building on the significant progress TSSA has made in recent years. Our team’s hard work in implementing new IT systems and addressing recommendations from the Auditor General is paying off. We now have a much stronger foundation to improve customer service and safety results,” added Rose.
For a full picture of the state of public safety in Ontario, access TSSA’s 2024 Public Safety Report at www.tssa.org. The report also includes case studies depicting some of the harmful incidents that occurred in Ontario in the past year, as well as actions taken and lessons learned.
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Toronto, ON, September 19, 2024 – The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) presented its 2024 Safety Awards to Andreas Tanzer and Modern Niagara Group Inc. during its Annual Public Meeting on September 19.
TSSA’s annual Safety Awards, a nomination-based program, honour individuals and organizations in TSSA-regulated sectors that have made significant contributions to public safety in Ontario.
“It is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of individuals and organizations within our regulated industries who tirelessly raise the safety bar to keep Ontarians safe,” said Bonnie Rose, President and CEO of TSSA. “I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to Andreas Tanzer and Modern Niagara Group Inc. for their commitment to safety excellence and demonstrated leadership in pushing safety to the next level.”
Nominations are accepted for two award categories: the Impact Award, for significant contributions, initiatives, or projects that demonstrate safety excellence or exceed regulatory compliance; and the Legacy Award, for sustained safety conscientiousness demonstrated by individuals or organizations.
TSSA Impact Safety Award Recipient: Modern Niagara Group Inc.
Leading the way to safety excellence through education and partnership
Modern Niagara Group Inc., a national contractor providing mechanical, electrical, HVAC and plumbing solutions for industrial and institutional buildings, received the Impact Award for going above and beyond industry regulations to prioritize safety.
“Modern Niagara Group Inc. has demonstrated safety excellence through active engagement and partnership with the industry,” said Kim Semper, Director of Boilers, Pressure Vessels and Operating Engineers with TSSA. “Their proactive approach and dedication to continuous improvements set a benchmark for others to follow.”
Modern Niagara’s investment in training and development enables its team to navigate regulatory requirements, uphold safety standards and relay safety and compliance messaging to stakeholders in various jurisdictions.
The organization’s partnerships with safety regulators are instrumental in mitigating risks and facilitating client-friendly solutions through initiatives spanning certification development, incident reporting, internal audits and adapting to outcome-based regulations.
Watch a video of Modern Niagara Group Inc. or read their story here.
TSSA Legacy Safety Award Recipient: Andreas Tanzer
Tanzer’s legacy of safety leadership sets the standard for the waterpark industry
Andreas Tanzer was honoured with the Legacy Award for his safety leadership in the waterpark industry. As the son of master sailboat builder Johann Tanzer, Tanzer inherited his father’s passion for facilitating fun in the water. Over a 38-year career, he has become a leading figure in professional water-ride design and developing industry standards and safety regulations for the waterpark industry.
“Tanzer’s work in standards development has made a positive difference to the safety of the waterpark industry,” said AJ Kadirgamar, Director of Elevating and Amusement Devices with TSSA. “He has inspired others with his dedication and expertise while significantly advancing safety and innovation in the field.”
Andreas has been instrumental in creating industry standards and chairing the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F24 committee’s task group for water slides. His notable efforts have led to the establishment of the internationally recognized ASTM F2376 Standard Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, and Operation of Water Slide Systems in 2006.
Watch a video of Andreas Tanzer or read his story here.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services includes public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Toronto, ON, April 17, 2024 – The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is proud to announce that it has been honoured by Canadian Occupational Safety (COS) magazine with a 5-Star Safety Cultures Award for the third straight year. This award recognizes Canadian organizations that consistently demonstrate their commitment to fostering a strong safety culture.
“TSSA is a safety culture leader, both internally and externally, as it helps organizations in Ontario meet the highest safety standards,” said Shane Mercer, Senior Journalist, Canadian Occupational Safety. TSSA should be celebrated for its devotion to creating resilient safety cultures that help protect workers in many sectors of the economy.”
Nominated by COS magazine, TSSA was shortlisted as a finalist for the award following a comprehensive submission outlining its internal safety initiatives. In the next qualifying round, a cross-section of TSSA employees participated in a safety culture satisfaction survey, resulting in an overall satisfaction rating exceeding 75 percent.
TSSA has been on a transformative journey since 2018, transitioning into a modern Outcome-Based Regulator that harnesses data insights to better target safety risks and reduce harm. Strengthening TSSA's internal safety culture is a critical component to this transformation, enabling TSSA to achieve its safety goals.
“Winning this award for the third year in a row is a tremendous honour and a testament to the dedication of our entire team to maintaining the highest standards of safety,” said Bonnie Rose, President and CEO, TSSA. “At TSSA, safety is a core value ingrained in everything we do. This award serves as a validation of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment for all our employees and working together with the industries we regulate for a safer Ontario.”
In a feature article in COS magazine, TSSA sheds light on the strategies and initiatives that have contributed to its strong safety culture. For more details, read the story.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
Annual award program recognizes Ontario leaders in public safety
TORONTO, April 4, 2024 - The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is now accepting nominations for its 2024 Safety Awards honouring Ontario leaders in public safety.
Access online nomination forms on TSSA's website. Nominations of individuals and organizations working in TSSA's regulated sectors will be accepted until June 3, 2024 (Monday).
TSSA presents Safety Awards every year to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Ontario's public safety in TSSA's regulated sectors: Fuels; Boilers and Pressure Vessels and Operating Engineers; Elevating and Amusement Devices and Ski Lifts.
Organizations, teams or individuals can be nominated in two award categories recognizing acts and initiatives that enhance public safety for Ontarians:
- Impact Awards highlight significant contributions to safety or significant initiatives or projects that have positive safety outcomes and go above and beyond regulatory compliance.
- Legacy Awards recognize the impact over time for persons or organizations that have demonstrated a history of safety conscientiousness.
TSSA will announce the 2024 Safety Awards recipients at its annual public meeting on September 19, 2024.
The following were recipients of TSSA's Safety Awards in 2023:
2023 Impact Award Winner, Brandon Irwin
As a Lift Operator at Osler Bluff Ski Club in Blue Mountains, Ontario, Brandon Irwin proved that a vigilant safety mindset can save lives on the slopes. His unwavering focus on customers, along with a lifesaving outcome from his prompt safety actions, has distinguished him as the winner of the TSSA Impact Award 2023. Read the write-up or watch the video.
2023 Legacy Award Winner, Western University Power Plant Team
For two decades, Western University's Power Plant team has maintained an impeccable record of zero lost-time incidents. This safety achievement demonstrates the plant's robust safety culture, earning the 15-strong Power Plant team the TSSA Legacy Award for 2023. Read the write-up or watch the video.
Bonnie Rose, President and CEO of TSSA, says recognizing people and organizations that have made significant contributions to public safety in Ontario is an important part of TSSA's efforts to encourage best practices and improve safety outcomes.
"Organizations, teams and industry professionals dedicated to safety are vital partners in fostering a safer Ontario. These awards underscore that safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone has the potential to make an impact on safety," says Rose.
About TSSA
Throughout Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) enforces provincial safety regulations and enhances public safety. TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services includes public education, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, enforcement, and prosecution activities.
Toronto, ON, March 8, 2024 – The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is pleased to announce that TSSA President and CEO Bonnie Rose has once again been honoured as one of Canada’s Top Women in Safety by Canadian Occupational Safety (COS) magazine.
“I’d like to congratulate Ms. Rose for once again being recognized with this prestigious honour, especially fitting as we mark International Women’s Day today,” said RJ. Falconi, Chair of TSSA’s Board of Directors. “Bonnie has steered TSSA through an ambitious transformation into an Outcome-Based Regulator that uses data insights and other modern regulatory tools to improve safety for Ontarians. Thanks to her strong leadership, TSSA has a phenomenal foundation upon which it can advance safety standards, better target safety risks to reduce harm and blaze new trails in safety.”
TSSA has launched innovative regulatory initiatives that enhance safety for the province. These efforts include establishing compliance standards and a compliance support program that leverage data for harm reduction.
Rose said, “Everyone at TSSA has worked together to improve safety. I’m very proud of the work we have done as One TSSA, working collaboratively with our valued stakeholders, for a safer Ontario.”
Rose was initially recognized as one of Canada’s Top Women in Safety in 2021. Her leadership profile is now showcased on COS Top Women in Safety 2024 website.
Canada’s Top Women in Safety is a nomination-based award. Nomination needs to include the nominee’s professional achievements over the past 12 months, initiatives and innovations, and contributions to the Occupational Health and Safety industry.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org