The 2025 Canada’s Safest Employers Awards were unveiled last night at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, celebrating organizations and leaders shaping the future of workplace health, safety, and wellness. Hosted by Canadian Occupational Safety, this gala brought together top innovators, safety advocates, and industry experts to honor excellence in protecting employees across Canada.
1. Overview of the Canada’s Safest Employers Awards 2025
The awards celebrated outstanding achievements in safety, wellness, and health practices across industries. From manufacturing to utilities, organizations were recognized for driving innovation and creating safe work environments.
2. Why These Awards Matter for Workplace Safety
These awards aren’t just titles—they highlight companies that put employee well-being first. Recognitions like this encourage industries to invest more in safety and wellness, setting higher standards across the nation.
3. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada’s Big Win
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada stole the spotlight by winning the WSIB Award for Canada’s Best Health & Safety Culture.
Erin Buchanan, VP Manufacturing, said:
“It was about transforming the culture—making sure everyone genuinely cares and looks out for each other. We’re honoured, but this is just the start.”
Toyota’s CEO, Frank Voss, was also awarded Canada’s Safest CEO of the Year.
4. Leadership Spotlight: Larry Jones, Safety Leader of the Year
Larry Jones, VP of Corporate Health, Safety, and Environment at Ledcor Industries Inc., received the BGIS Award for Safety Leader of the Year. He emphasized that recognition isn’t the main goal; rather, the true reward lies in fostering a culture of care and growth among workers.
5. Rising Stars in Workplace Health & Safety
The Minerva Award for Rising Star of the Year was presented to Adam Calderhead of VETS Sheet Metal Ltd., showcasing the new generation of safety leaders making a real impact in industries across Canada.
6. Industry-Wise Breakdown of Winners
Here’s a quick look at the winners by sector:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Environment Management Program | Durabuilt Windows & Doors |
| Most Innovative Safety Technology | CBRE |
| Safest Chemistry Employer | Greenfield Global |
| Safest Mining Employer | Hammerstone Infrastructure Materials Ltd. |
| Safest New Employer | Bora Pharmaceutical Services Inc. |
| Safest Oil & Gas Employer | NPL Canada |
| Safest Utilities Employer | Valard Construction LP |
| Safest Construction Employer (300+ Employees) | PCL |
| Safest Construction Employer (<300 Employees) | DESO Construction Ltd. |
| Best Wellness Program | London Hydro |
| Safest Services Employer | Honeywell |
| Best Safety Industry Provider | CSA Group |
| Safest Manufacturing – Industrial | DIRTT Environment Solutions |
| Safest Manufacturing – Food & Agriculture | The TDL Group Corp. |
| Safest Non-Profit Employer | Women Building Futures Society |
| Safest Public Transportation | Jazz Aviation |
| Safest Public Sector Employer | Conestoga College |
| Safest Logistics Employer | Wills Transfer Limited |
7. The Importance of Safety Culture Transformation
The awards made one thing clear: improving workplace safety isn’t just about policies—it’s about culture. Companies like Toyota showed that “felt leadership” and employee-driven safety initiatives bring long-term success.
8. How These Awards Impact the Future of Work in Canada
Recognitions like these boost employee morale, enhance employer reputation, and raise national safety standards. They also inspire small and medium enterprises to prioritize health and safety.
9. Key Lessons Organizations Can Learn
- Safety culture must be people-driven, not policy-driven.
- Recognition isn’t the goal—the goal is protecting lives.
- Investing in mental health and wellness is as important as physical safety.
10. Final Thoughts on the 2025 Awards
The 2025 Canada’s Safest Employers Awards highlight how companies across Canada are stepping up to create safer, healthier, and more inclusive workplaces. These winners serve as role models for industries nationwide.