Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) held its 2024 Annual Public Meeting (APM) and Safety Awards Presentation on September 19 in Toronto.
Chair of the Board of Directors, RJ Falconi, remarked on TSSA’s transformative journey over the past six years which has led to solid footing for the years to come, highlighting collaborative safety achievements from the past year and outlining its priorities for the coming year. He welcomed the new leadership of Glen Padassery who succeeded Brian Chu as Vice-Chair, introduced all the members of TSSA’s Board of Directors including new Board member Ray Mantha and acknowledged Angela Byrne, outgoing Safety Risk Officer, for her dedication to public safety over the past five years.
Falconi also welcomed Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, Todd McCarthy, who graciously attended to address the audience and thank the TSSA team for its dedication “ to upholding Ontario's peace of mind.”
Bonnie Rose, TSSA’s President and CEO, provided an update on the progress TSSA has made in the first year of its new Strategic Plan. She also explained key areas of focus for the current fiscal year. Bonnie acknowledged the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), Statutory Directors, Chairs of TSSA’s Advisory Councils and the entire TSSA team for their ongoing commitment to public safety. Bonnie and the ELT welcomed and addressed questions from the audience (live and virtual).
The meeting concluded with the presentation of TSSA’s Safety Awards 2024, honouring Andreas Tanzer and Modern Niagara Group Inc. as recipients of the Legacy and Impact awards, respectively.
Watch the video recording of the APM live event.
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
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is responsible for administering technical safety regulations and providing oversight for elevating devices, amusement devices, ski lifts, boilers and pressure vessels, fuels and operating engineers. As part of our commitment to enhancing safety outcomes and operational efficiency, TSSA regularly reviews its fee structures to reflect the true cost of maintaining public safety services.
In pursuit of these goals, effective November 4, 2024, TSSA will be introducing two new fees: a Late Payment Fee for licences and other authorizations and an Inspection Appointment Cancellation Fee. These fees are aimed at encouraging timely compliance, reducing regulatory costs, and optimizing resource deployment for inspections.
Late Payment Fee
All regulated entities must have a valid authorization to operate. Timely renewal of authorizations by individuals and organizations is essential to ensuring safety. While 80% of TSSA customers renew their authorizations on time, overdue renewals result in additional oversight costs and pose potential safety risks to the Ontario public. The Late Payment Fee is intended to encourage on-time authorization renewals and reduce regulatory costs.
The Late Payment Fee, as follows, will be charged on a simple, flat fee basis, due only when invoices are paid after the due date.
Authorization Type | Late Payment Fee |
Individuals (certificates) | $50 per expired renewal |
Organizations or Devices (e.g. licences, contractor registrations) | $75 per expired renewal |
Paying Your Invoice
Paying your authorization renewal invoices on or before the expiry date is the best action to avoid the Late Payment Fee. Invoices are sent 60 days before they are due. Please remember it is each authorization holder’s responsibility to keep your contact information up to date with TSSA. Please visit TSSA’s new client portal at https://clientportal.tssa.org and sign up if you have not already. Once in the portal, please verify your contact and mailing information to ensure you are receiving your renewal notices and authorizations. TSSA’s new client portal makes it easy to pay invoices and renew your authorizations.
Inspection Appointment Cancellation Fee
As a regulator, TSSA conducts inspections to ensure that organizations are following safety regulations. When inspections are cancelled by customers on short notice, it leads to inefficiencies and additional costs. To reduce the occurrence of short-notice cancellations, TSSA is introducing an Inspection Appointment Cancellation Fee. The fee will apply to cancellations initiated by customers with 2 business days or less notice. The cancellation fee will also apply if a scheduled inspection can not be completed because a customer is not ready for the inspection.
Cancellation Type | Cancellation Fee |
Cancellation or rescheduling one or two business days prior to scheduled inspection date | 1 hour labour rate ($147 - $192, subject to the regulated industry) |
Same day cancellations or customer not ready | Full inspection fee ($163 - $1,591, depending on the inspection type) |
To avoid the cancellation fee, please plan ahead and contact TSSA to cancel or reschedule an inspection at least three business days in advance. Notice of cancellation of an appointment must be sent using the following email addresses:
Boilers & Pressure Vessels / Operating Engineers: inspectionscheduling@tssa.org
Fuels: fuelsinspection@tssa.org
Elevating Devices / Amusement Devices / Ski Lifts: edadinspection@tssa.org
Improving Compliance and Collaboration for a Safer Ontario
The Late Payment Fee and Inspection Appointment Cancellation Fee are being implemented to enhance compliance and foster collaboration in ensuring public safety. To ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary costs, we encourage customers to keep their contact information up to date and renew authorizations promptly. Please plan ahead and provide advance notice if you need to cancel an inspection.
Thank you for your continued commitment to safety and collaboration.
For further information or assistance, please contact TSSA's Customer Contact Centre at:
Tel: 289-695-3053
Toll-free: 1-877-682-8772
Email: customerservices@tssa.org