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
Technical Standards and Safety Authority Launches Public Education Campaign to Combat Fraudulent Fuels Workers
Toronto, ON, March 1, 2024 – Fraudulent fuels workers, commonly referred to as ‘trunk slammers’, pose a significant threat to the safety of Ontarians by performing services at a reduced rate using substandard and unsafe materials. This Fraud Prevention Month, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is launching its fifth Trunk Slammers Awareness and Enforcement Program to urge Ontarians to hire registered and certified fuels contractors, understand how to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate fuels contractors and remain vigilant against fuels scammers by reporting them to TSSA.
As both data and incidents show, it is imperative for homeowners to engage legitimate fuels professionals for fuels-related work. According to TSSA’s historical data, approximately 65% of fuels-related incidents were caused by issues including substandard installation of fuel-burning appliances and poor maintenance practices. Furthermore, TSSA's most recent public safety report highlights an incident where improper installation of fuels appliances resulted in an explosion, injuring two Ontarians.
Under Ontario law, furnaces and fuels-fired appliances must be maintained by TSSA-registered contractors. All registered contractors are required to hire TSSA certified gas technicians who have extensive training and are qualified to perform fuels work safely. With some 9,000 registered fuels contractors and 78,000 certified professionals across the province, consumers have numerous legitimate options for fuels-related services.
As trunk slammers lack certification or registration with TSSA, neither their work, equipment nor qualifications are audited and verified by TSSA. Hiring these fuels scammers can lead to serious risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning and other harmful consequences.
“Safety is a right, not a compromise. Hiring registered fuels contractors is the right thing to do to keep you and your loved ones safe,” said Kelly Hart, Director of TSSA's Fuels Safety Program. “Before engaging any fuels contractor, always verify the contractor’s registration status using the convenient and easy-to-use lookup tool on our website.”
Hart continued, “Fuels scams are a serious issue. When you are approached by fraudulent fuels workers, report them to TSSA. TSSA is committed to investigating these reports and taking legal action against unlawful players. Reporting illegal workers is a proactive step in saving others from these scams.”
TSSA’s online resources offer tailored safety content aimed at combating fuels scams. These include a series of videos featuring practical guides from TSSA investigator about legitimate fuels workers and trunk slammers, which will be released throughout the month.
Take these steps to protect yourselves from fraudulent fuels workers:
Stay informed about trunk slammers during this Fraud Prevention Month by following TSSA on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.
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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
TORONTO, ON, January 15, 2024 – Carbon monoxide (CO) continues to be a leading cause of accidental poisoning in Ontario. With approximately 65% of all CO incidents occurring in people’s homes, TSSA urges everyone to be ‘WinterWise’ this season and learn about how they can protect themselves against this invisible, odourless and highly poisonous gas - often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer’.
As part of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority’s (TSSA’s) ongoing efforts to build CO awareness in communities across Ontario, residents in the Hamilton and Niagara region will be receiving a copy of an important safety booklet – WinterWise – this week. This campaign, together with the ongoing public education efforts of community fire and emergency services departments, provides 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 essentially eliminate any potential harm, by taking these two important steps,” adds Hart.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA-registered fuel contractor o to find a TSSA-registered contractor near you use the Find A Registered Fuels Contractor Tool at cosafety.ca.
- Install certified CO alarms in your home, regularly test 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.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about CO and other seasonal safety topics by reading and sharing the information in the WinterWise booklet and by visiting COsafety.ca – a website dedicated to providing critical CO safety information.
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 attached backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.
Beat the Silent Killer. Take Action. Think Safe.
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, please visit www.tssa.org/
TORONTO, ON, January 15, 2024 – Carbon monoxide (CO) continues to be a leading cause of accidental poisoning in Ontario. With approximately 65% of all CO incidents occurring in people’s homes, TSSA urges everyone to be ‘WinterWise’ this season and learn about how they can protect themselves against this invisible, odourless and highly poisonous gas - often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer’.
As part of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority’s (TSSA’s) ongoing efforts to build CO awareness in communities across Ontario, residents in Northern Ontario will be receiving a copy of an important safety booklet – WinterWise – this week. This campaign, together with the ongoing public education efforts of community fire and emergency services departments, provides 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 essentially eliminate any potential harm, by taking these two important steps,” adds Hart.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually through the services of a TSSA-registered fuel contractor o to find a TSSA-registered contractor near you use the Find A Registered Fuels Contractor Tool at cosafety.ca.
Install certified CO alarms in your home, regularly test 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.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about CO and other seasonal safety topics by reading and sharing the information in the WinterWise booklet and by visiting COsafety.ca – a website dedicated to providing critical CO safety information.
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 attached backgrounder provides additional information on carbon monoxide.
Beat the Silent Killer. Take Action. Think Safe.
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, please visit www.tssa.org/
Streamlined Access to Regulatory Information and Services with an Enhanced User Experience
We are excited to welcome you to TSSA’s new website! Our new site has been carefully designed to provide you – our regulated industry customers and members of the public with an easy and efficient way to access the information, resources and services you’re looking for and a better overall user experience.
We would like to thank all of our stakeholders who have provided valuable feedback throughout various stages of our website journey. Your input has helped to guide the new site structure, navigation, design and content strategy, resulting what we hope you will find is a more engaging, user-focused site.
- A responsive menu that displays site sections effectively on larger screens and mobile devices
- A document library to search for regulatory documents by keyword and filter by document type and industry
- Robust site search with filters
- Dashboard landing pages that highlight important, new or updated content for each of TSSA’s regulated industries
- Improved wayfinding through consistency in naming and labels
- Helpful FAQs for specific topics or programs
- Clear information about TSSA’s regulatory scope
- A new section, Consumer Safety, created for the members of the public
- Simplification of the newsroom, subscription to pages, and newsletter
As you navigate TSSA’s new website at www.tssa.org, you’ll find a range of features designed to elevate your browsing experience:
Mastering the new TSSA Website: Your Step-by-Step Guide
We've created a short video that will guide you through our new site and help you make the most of its new features.
Watch the video and start exploring our website today!
We recognize it’s a big site with a lot of content. Inevitably, you’ll come across things that don’t look right, especially in these early days post-launch. We’ll be spending the next few weeks addressing issues and we appreciate your assistance in reaching out to us at media@tssa.org if you come across anything that needs fixing.
Help Us Continue to Improve Your Experience: Your Feedback Matters
We are grateful for any feedback you might have regarding our new website and you can send your comments to media@tssa.org.