Technical safety is improving in Ontario with fewer serious injuries over the past few years. Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)’s aim is to reduce administrative burden and improve efficiency so that everyone can focus their time on what matters – reducing the potential for harm.
As a not-for-profit public safety regulator, TSSA charges fees on a cost-recovery basis that reflect the true cost of providing public safety services.
Fees are reviewed annually to ensure that TSSA is adequately resourced to fulfil its safety mandate and regulatory responsibilities. After conducting a thorough fee review, TSSA has determined that a fee increase is necessary across all sectors. TSSA’s efficiency measures have meant that over the last decade TSSA’s fee changes have been lower than inflation.
Fee increase of 5% for all safety programs
For the purpose of cost recovery, TSSA is implementing a 5% increase to all fees effective May 1, 2024. Averaged over three years this puts TSSA’s fee increases at 2.94% which is less than the 4.57% average rate of inflation over the same period.
Ease of doing business with TSSA: introducing the TSSA Client Portal
TSSA is investing in a new Client Portal that will make it easier for regulated parties to perform online transactions with TSSA. Starting from April 2024, the portal will launch in stages, providing customers with access to an increasing range of digital services. These include creating and updating account information, viewing exam results, paying outstanding invoices, submitting applications online and many more. Please visit our website www.tssa.org for more updates about this portal.
General reminders: the steps to minimize your fees
TSSA has already adopted a streamlined fee structure that charges fixed fees for safety administration and oversight. Additional billing for inspections occurs when more than one follow-up inspection is required due to non-compliance. Customers with a good safety record can avoid additional charges for repeated follow-up inspections. To comply with regulatory obligations and save costs, customers are encouraged to take the following steps:
- Remain compliant with all safety regulations and codes.
- Make sure your workers have the appropriate training and certifications that apply to them.
- Provide ongoing safety training and education for your workers.
- Make sure all required documentation is in order.
- Provide any support needed for TSSA to complete an inspection.
- Plan ahead so you do not pay additional fees for rush services.
- Keep your authorizations (licences, permits, registrations, certificates) current.
Keep your contact and device information up to date.
TSSA is introducing more compliance standards that target high-risk hazards identified through an analysis of historical inspection and incident data. These standards provide regulated industries with an enhanced understanding of their obligations and help ensure public safety. TSSA’s fee structure supports TSSA’s transformation to an Outcome-Based Regulator by enabling the organization to focus its resources on high-risk areas that pose the greatest threat to public safety, on making further service improvements, and on investigating and following up on unauthorized owners and workers.
Paying your fees
TSSA accepts credit card payments for invoices through TSSA’s Online Payment Portal.
Applications must be submitted and paid for in advance through TSSA’s Prepayment Portal.
Sign up for paperless invoicing at www.tssa.org/paperless-invoicing.
For more information, please visit www.tssa.org/fees.