Coming together to serve you better
Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA), Farm Safety Association (FSA), and Ontario Service Safety Alliance (OSSA), amalgamated on January 1, 2010 into a new health and safety organization in order to bring more innovative and cost-effective health & safety solutions to firms across Ontario.
The emotional and financial toll of 80 to 100 workplace fatalities each year, and 1600 workplace injuries each week*, has spurred Ontario’s prevention system** to undertake a critical assessment and restructuring of its programs and services, so it can better meet the needs of Ontario businesses. Those changes included a decision to amalgamate 12 health and safety associations into four new organizations.
What this means to member firms:
- Innovative and cost-effective solutions
- More resources and training opportunities
- Sector-specific products and services
- One website, one phone number
- Easier access to information, advice and training
Questions & Answers: FSA/IAPA/OSSA Amalgamation
What is the amalgamation?
On January 1, 2010 Farm Safety Association (FSA), Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA) and Ontario Service Safety Alliance (OSSA) amalgamated to form a new health and safety organization focused on the industrial/manufacturing sectors, the service sector and the farming and agricultural sectors.
Why is this being done?
Ontario’s health and safety system has undergone a critical assessment and restructuring so it can better meet the needs of Ontario businesses. This restructuring decision will amalgamate twelve existing health and safety associations into four new organizations. The system realignment is aimed at:
- Reducing costs
- Reducing duplication of products & services
- Improving responsiveness and accessibility
- Streamlining delivery models
- Providing more front-line staff and services
Why should I care?
Everyone in Ontario is affected by workplace health and safety. Far too many people are being injured or killed on the job. It costs us all emotionally and costs Ontario businesses millions of dollars in lost productivity and revenue. By working to improve the health and safety system in Ontario, we can reduce costs, lower premiums, and build more effective programs to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. A safer workplace is good for everyone’s business.
Who is funding the amalgamation?
The new organization will continue to be partially funded through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). The remaining funds are revenue-based from for-fee products, training and services. These revenues are rolled back into the organization to help provide further products and services to assist Ontario businesses. The new organization will continue to operate as a not-for-profit entity.
What’s your new name?
The brand for the health and safety system is currently under development. Until the new brand and the new name are announced, please continue to contact us as FSA, IAPA, or OSSA respectively.
Are you moving? How can I reach you?
At this time, none of the associations will be changing locations so we can be reached at the same telephone and fax numbers and web and email addresses as before. We will be moving to a single point of contact –one phone number, one website – in the near future.
Do you have a new website?
The Ontario health and safety system will be unifying under a single brand and a single web point of contact so this will result in a new website eventually. However until the new brand is released, please continue to access our current websites for all your health and safety information and other requirements.
What happens to my current association?
Your current health and safety association isn’t going anywhere! It is joining forces with two partner associations under a new name and a new brand. Consulting services, training, conferences, products and programs will all continue as before. The amalgamation will result in a wider selection of products and services, and a stronger, more robust front line presence across the province.
What happens to my product orders and course registrations after January 1, 2010?
Product orders and course registrations placed both prior to and after January 1, 2010 will be completely fulfilled. Services from your health and safety association will continue as before and may expand to include the services being offered by our partner associations.
When will the amalgamation be complete?
The amalgamation officially took place on January 1, 2010. However the work of cementing three health and safety associations into one organization will be ongoing throughout 2010. All the parties involved have committed to the amalgamation and to ensuring that client requirements and services come first and foremost – making certain that you will continue to receive access to all our products and services in a seamless and ongoing commitment.
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