60 years of the Fleet Safety Council

Ontario’s voice for transportation industry safety recently marked its diamond anniversary.

In 1965, seven commercial driver trainers met in Toronto to form a group dedicated to improving commercial driver safety in Ontario. Over the decades, this group expanded its reach, becoming a leading advocate for road safety and a key resource for commercial drivers. Now known as the Fleet Safety Council (FSC), it recently celebrated 60 years of contributions to transportation health and safety.

Originally called the Transportation Safety Association Council of Driver Trainers, the group’s volunteer membership grew to include transportation specialists beyond driver trainers. Chapters outside of Toronto developed to meet the needs of members across Ontario. A name change was formalized in 2008 and the FSC is now made up of more than 500 professionals who share resources, promote safe driving practices, and speak as one voice to promote industry-wide health and safety improvements.

The Fleet Safety Council brings members together

Nine regional FSC chapters—including a province-wide chapter for the bus and coach sectors—host monthly or quarterly meetings throughout the year to share best practices, learn from guest speakers, and support one another in safety efforts.

Since 1991, the Council has also hosted an annual educational conference featuring transportation safety experts, policymakers, law enforcement representatives, and other industry subject-matter experts from across North America. Open to non-members, it has become one of Canada’s top transportation safety events, attracting participants from the trucking industry, courier services, waste management, government, and more.

IHSA (and the legacy Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario) has provided valuable logistical support for the FSC’s conference and meetings for decades. We’ve also worked with the Council to develop and share training programs, safety guidelines, and industry connections—all in the name of keeping transportation workers healthy and safe.

Benefits of the Fleet Safety Council

Whether you’re a worker or management representative, being a part of the FSC is an excellent way to keep up with industry developments and improve transportation health and safety. Some of the benefits of FSC membership include:

• Access to shared resources such as safety guidelines, best practices, and sector updates.
• Educational opportunities, such as workshops focusing on connecting both occupational health and fleet safety.
• Ensuring your voice is heard as the FSC advocates for improvements to health and safety in the industry.
• The chance to network with like-minded professionals throughout the province.

And FSC members continue to champion new and innovative practices, build partnerships, and work to shape the future of transportation safety.

“As we celebrate 60 years of the Fleet Safety Council, we honour the visionaries who founded this organization and the countless safety professionals who have contributed to its success,” says Michelle Roberts, IHSA’s Vice President, Stakeholder and Public Relations. “Together, we are committed to improving both workplace and public safety in Ontario.”