John M. Beck Award

Generously sponsored by Aecon, the John M. Beck Award is presented annually to a project-based Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) in the Ontario construction industry. The award recognizes the contributions the committee has made to health and safety in the previous year. The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) administers the award. The successful committee is recognized on a commemorative plaque presented each year at IHSA’s Annual General Meeting.

2025 Winner: Oneida Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)

The JHSC on the Oneida Battery Energy Storage System project created a workplace culture rooted in proactive hazard management, continuous improvement, and worker engagement. Through frequent assessments and inspections, the committee identified hazards and recommended preventative measures that reduced illnesses, injuries, and workers’ compensation claims. The committee developed health and safety initiatives to address struck-by risks, hazards related to unexpected change, heat-related illnesses, and more.

IHSA is proud to recognize the committee for promoting a safety culture where all workplace parties feel empowered to participate.

Electrical Utility Safety Excellence & Innovation Award

The Electrical Utility Safety Excellence & Innovation Award recognizes organizational excellence and is presented annually at IHSA’s Annual General Meeting to an organization that has demonstrated health and safety innovation and advancement within the Electrical Utilities Sector.

The Electrical Utility Safety Excellence & Innovation Award was not awarded in 2025.

Roy A. Phinnemore Award

Inspired by Roy A. Phinnemore’s achievements, former CSAO director Oliver J. Gaffney established a fund to recognize similar contributions to prevention. Gaffney’s donation was matched by Phinnemore’s son and daughter—Robert and Margaret—and the Roy A. Phinnemore Award was established in 1969.

This award is the foremost award given by the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) to Ontario’s construction industry. The winner is acknowledged with a commemorative plaque presented each year at IHSA’s Annual General Meeting.

2025 Winner: Dean Dunn

During his years as an executive leader at IHSA, Dean was pivotal in shaping the work of Ontario’s Provincial Labour-Management health and safety committees for the construction and electrical utility sectors. His guidance and advocacy helped the committees influence regulatory and legislative decisions that improved safety for thousands of workers. Dean’s industry knowledge and passion for worker safety made him an indispensable leader and mentor. Under his leadership, the committees conducted needs analyses, initiated impactful letter-writing campaigns, and held the Ontario government accountable for stronger protections.

IHSA proudly recognizes Dean’s legacy of service and advocacy. He retired in 2024 as Vice President, Stakeholder and Public Relations, and left a lasting impact on worker health and safety in Ontario.

The Gil Samson Award

Inspired by Gil Samson’s contribution to accident prevention, a donor established a fund to honour Samson and to recognize similar contributions towards accident prevention made by a Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee.

The award is in the form of a suitable plaque or citation to each member of the winning committee. The award is presented each year at IHSA’s Annual General Meeting.

2025 Winner: Toronto Regional Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee

The committee advanced workplace safety through education, initiatives, and events that strengthened standards and practices across Ontario. Its members held several educational events and facilitated interactive discussions on critical health and safety topics, such as mental health and working at heights. They also collaborated with fall protection manufacturers and the MLITSD to develop a best practice guideline for working from mobile elevating work platforms and worked toward developing a new certification for supervisors.

With sincere appreciation, IHSA thanks the committee members for volunteering their time and expertise for the benefit of all Ontario workers.

Ken Hellawell Transportation Safety Award

The Ken Hellawell Transportation Safety Award was established to recognize contributions made by an individual or group that is active or retired from the Ontario transportation industry and exhibits extraordinary leadership, initiative, creativity, and innovation towards the advancement of health and safety.

The award is presented annually to a qualified individual or group who have diligently served the cause of transportation health and safety through services, contributions, inventions, procedures, or in any manner considered by the judging committee as being worthy of recognition.

2025 Winner: Michael Frolick

Michael has dedicated more than 20 years to advancing health and safety in the transportation industry. During his tenure as Director of Safety and Compliance at TransPro Freight Systems, his leadership in fleet safety and driver training reduced collisions and set a benchmark for health and safety excellence. He is a trusted mentor who fosters inclusive environments—both at work and on various committees.

IHSA gratefully recognizes Michael’s years of service with numerous groups, including the Fleet Safety Council, Transportation Advisory Council, and IHSA’s Board of Directors.

Maria (Filice) Mason Award of Excellence

Maria (Filice) Mason started her career in the construction sector as a residential framer. She became passionate about occupational health and safety and devoted her career to preventing workplace injuries and fatalities. She obtained her Construction Health and Safety Officer (CHSO) certificate, Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation, and completed the Occupational Health and Safety Program at Metropolitan Toronto University (formerly Ryerson).

2025 Winner: Jody Hart

Jody’s commitment to the well-being of her colleagues has transformed Steve Smith Construction Corporation’s safety culture. In addition to her duties as Executive Assistant and Health and Safety Coordinator, Jody has developed a comprehensive mental health and wellness program for the company. Her engaging and evidence-based communications on topics such as men’s mental health, burnout, and addiction contribute to a psychologically safe workplace. Jody’s colleagues describe her as a compassionate colleague who prioritizes safety in everything that she does.

IHSA offers our sincere thanks to Jody for taking a proactive approach to the critical issue of workplace mental health.

IHSA Recognition of Performance Achievement Milestone Award

This award program recognizes IHSA member firms that have achieved a specific number of work hours (based on their firm size) without a lost-time injury (LTI). Formerly known as The President’s Award, the name and criteria for this award program has been changed to account for the new firm size requirement. Employers can apply for this award when they have reached the milestone listed below for their firm size.

IHSA COR^® Excellence and Milestone Award

This new award program has the same criteria as the IHSA Recognition of Performance Achievement Milestone, except that it is only open to IHSA member firms that have achieved and maintained their Certificate of Recognition (COR^®). COR^® is a national standard for recognizing a well-functioning health and safety management system.

Safe Worker Award

IHSA’s Safe Worker Award program gives employers the opportunity to recognize their employees’ health and safety performance. Our Safe Worker pins are available for each year that an employee has worked without a compensable incident—up to 50 years.

Safe Driver Award

IHSA’s Safe Driver Award program gives employers the opportunity to recognize their employees’ health and safety performance. Our Safe Driver pins are available for each year that an employee has worked without a motor vehicle incident (MVI)—up to 50 years.