Gala event moving to a new location to accommodate growing interest
For 15 years, Canada’s Safest Employers Awards (CSEA) has been the benchmark for recognizing excellence in workplace health and safety. This milestone year, the awards are set to be bigger and more prestigious, relocating to a new venue to honour the organizations and individuals dedicated to fostering safer workplaces across Canada.
Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open, inviting submissions that highlight outstanding achievements in health and safety. Whether it's through innovative safety programs, robust risk management strategies, or a deeply ingrained culture of safety, CSEA celebrates those setting exemplary standards in workplace safety.
Reflecting on past achievements
The 2024 awards showcased remarkable commitments to safety across various sectors. Karen Cooper, manager of health and safety for the City of Barrie, led her team to win The SafeStart Award for Canada’s Safest Employer for Young Workers. Reflecting on this accomplishment, she noted, "it’s a great accomplishment for these folks because it’s a team effort."
In the services sector, Brian Riley, vice president of risk management for Compass Group Canada, accepted the award for Canada’s Safest Employer in Services Sector. He attributed their success to a pervasive safety culture, saying, "we’ve got about 2,000 locations, 25,000 associates, and when you go from site to site, you can really feel the safety culture at those locations."
The construction industry also saw recognition with Modern Niagara receiving the award for Canada’s Safest Construction Employer. Director of safety, Jenesse Smart, praised her team's dedication: "It’s not just a job for them. This is a career, and it’s through motivation and that drive of making sure that people go home the same way they showed up that morning."
2025: Elevating the standards
As CSEA enters its 15th year, the awards are set to elevate their prestige by moving to a new, larger venue. More than 650 attendees packed the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex in downtown Toronto back in October for the 14th annual event.
While the Liberty Grand in Toronto is well-loved and served as an excellent location for a star-studded gala event, the interest in this event has outgrown the venue.
This year the CSEA gala will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on October 9, with more than 700 attendees expected this year.
This change reflects the growing importance of workplace safety and the need to honor those who lead in this critical area.
How to nominate
Recognizing excellence in workplace safety is a collective effort. If you know an organization or individual deserving of acknowledgment, consider submitting a nomination.
- Submit a nomination here: Nominate Now
- Explore award categories here: Award Categories
- Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here: Sponsors
Celebrating those who prioritize safety not only honors their efforts but also inspires others to elevate their standards. Canada’s Safest Employers Awards 2025 is poised to recognize and celebrate these leaders. Will your organization be among them?
