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Back to SearchOn Monday, March 23, the Premier of Ontario announced that only essential workplaces will remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. TSSA is included in the list of essential businesses. This means our inspection work will continue under the conditions we have already put in place (see below).
TSSA head office is now closed to the public. Please send all general correspondence electronically to customerservices@tssa.org.
When submitting applications electronically to TSSA, use the associated inbound email address located on the upper left of the application form. If the form does not list an email address, send your completed application with the associated prepayment to intake@tssa.org.
For urgent matters, credit card payments or flexible payment options, call 1-877-682-TSSA (8772).
Terms of Engagement
TSSA team members who have direct contact with Ontarians have been instructed to take all precautions to reduce exposure to the virus and protect their health and customers’ health. These safety measures include:
- washing their hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- sneezing and coughing into their sleeve
- avoiding touching their eyes, nose or mouth
TSSA staff have been advised to stay at home if they are sick, have travelled outside of Canada within 14 days, or come into contact with someone who is sick or has travelled outside of Canada within 14 days – these employees will self-isolate, as recommended by Public Health Authorities. TSSA expects the same from other organizations. Inspections will be rescheduled if an organization’s onsite personnel are symptomatic or not following the self-isolation guidelines.
Site Visits
Before visiting any site, TSSA inspectors will call ahead to discuss the current COVID-19 situation with the site owner or manager to determine the level of risk. Inspectors will inquire about policies and procedures in place and ask the following questions about people they will be meeting with:
- Has anyone been exposed to COVID-19?
- Has anyone recently shown symptoms similar to that of COVID-19?
- Has anyone had close contact with anyone who has been exposed to or recently shown symptoms similar to that of COVID-19?
- Has anyone at the site travelled outside of Canada within the last 14 days or had close contact with anyone who has travelled outside the country in the past 14 days?
If the answer is “yes” to any of the above questions, the TSSA employee will contact their supervisor to determine an approach with the customer.
If the answer is “no” to all of the above questions, the inspector will advise the site representative that he/she will only enter the site if social distancing of at least two metres between persons can be maintained at all times.
Home Inspections
Out of an abundance of caution and TSSA’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of its employees and customers, TSSA is temporarily suspending non-emergency in-home visits. We are looking for alternative ways to confirm compliance.
If a TSSA employee must enter a home for an emergency, the employee will practice social distancing.
In emergency cases, inspectors may accept pictures, videos (live or recorded) or other evidence, in lieu of physically being present during an inspection.
Residential and Healthcare Facilities
TSSA inspectors will not enter occupied areas of the following facilities. However, TSSA will be available to these customers that require our services.
- Long-term care homes and seniors residences
- Hospitals
- Retirement homes
- Personal dwellings – including homes, apartments and condos
- Community housing for non-critical routine inspections
Examinations
Exams at TSSA’s head office and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development field offices have been cancelled for the foreseeable future.
Licence and Certification Renewals
TSSA continues to renew licences and certificates; however, those unable to renew their licences or certificates as a result of COVID-19-related issues should contact TSSA.
TSSA is regularly assessing and modifying how it delivers on its safety mandate, as the COVID-19 situation evolves. TSSA will continue to provide regular updates on changes to services and operational procedures, as we take action to help reduce and contain the spread of COVID-19.
On behalf of all of us at TSSA, thank you for your continued cooperation and adaptability while working with us during this very challenging time for Ontario and the world.
Stay safe.
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