Recognizing the leaders behind safer workplaces in Ontario
The 2025 IHSA Health and Safety Awards celebrate outstanding commitment to health and safety.
More than 100 stakeholders, health and safety system partners, and IHSA members attended the 2025 IHSA Health and Safety Awards on October 8, 2025, in Mississauga. The winners took home awards for their outstanding commitment to promoting health and safety in the construction, aggregates, transportation, and electrical utilities industries.
Gil Samson Award
Winner: Toronto Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee
The committee strengthened workplace safety standards and practices through education and initiatives. Its members facilitated discussions on health and safety topics such as mental health and working at heights. They also collaborated with fall protection manufacturers and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development to develop best practices for working from mobile elevating work platforms and worked toward developing a new certification for supervisors.
John M. Beck Award
Winner: Oneida JHSC
The Oneida JHSC created a workplace culture rooted in proactive hazard management, continuous improvement, and worker engagement on the Oneida Battery Energy Storage System project. Through frequent assessments and inspections, the committee identified hazards and recommended preventive measures that resulted in reduced illnesses, injuries, and workers’ compensation claims. The committee developed health and safety initiatives to address struck-by risks, hazards related to unexpected changes, heat-related illnesses, and more.
Ken Hellawell Transportation Safety Award
Winner: Michael Frolick
Frolick has dedicated more than twenty 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. His peers describe him as a trusted mentor who fosters inclusive environments—both at work and on various committees, including the Fleet Safety Council, Transportation Advisory Council, and IHSA’s Board of Directors.
Roy A. Phinnemore Award
Winner: Dean Dunn
During his years as an executive leader at IHSA, Dunn was pivotal in shaping the work of Ontario’s provincial labour-management health and safety committees for the construction and electrical utilities sectors. His guidance and advocacy helped these committees influence regulatory and legislative decisions that improved safety for thousands of workers. Dunn’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.
Maria (Filice) Mason Memorial Award of Excellence
Winner: Jody Hart
Hart’s commitment to her colleagues’ well-being has transformed Steve Smith Construction Corporation’s safety culture. Beyond her duties as Executive Assistant and Health and Safety Coordinator, she 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. Hart’s colleagues describe her as a compassionate co-worker who prioritizes safety in everything that she does.
IHSA Health & Safety Magazine |
recognizing leaders safer workplaces ontario