TORONTO – A company prioritizing worker safety is making headlines, but it’s more than just a feel-good story; it shows how businesses can positively impact their employees’ lives. DESO Construction Limited recently won the top accolade in the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s (WSIB) 2025 Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards, underscoring the importance of health and safety in today’s workplace.

Celebrating Safe Workplaces

The WSIB launched these awards in 2017 to honor small businesses that go above and beyond in maintaining health and safety for their employees. This year’s winners demonstrate how safety practices can shape a supportive culture within organizations.

The gold award winner, DESO Construction Limited, received a $10,000 prize. This non-residential building construction company has taken steps to enhance its health and safety protocols, particularly concerning accidental opioid exposure on job sites. By introducing Naloxone kits, DESO aims to tackle this serious issue head-on. They actively engaged their team in conversations about the importance and purpose of these kits, eliminating stigma and fostering acceptance among employees regarding this essential safety measure.

Recognizing Excellence

Other notable winners included Bayside Geoscience Inc. and Ottawa Homecare Associates Inc., both of which tied for the silver award, each receiving $6,000. Bayside Geoscience, an independent geological consulting firm from Thunder Bay, showcases how such companies can develop a culture of safety. Ottawa Homecare Associates, a provider of personal care and nursing services, also emphasizes the importance of employee well-being in their operations.

Simple Strokes Painting Solutions Inc. of St. Marys took home the bronze prize, worth $4,000. This specialized painting and renovation business stands as an example of how even smaller firms can implement effective safety practices and contribute to healthier workplaces.

Eligibility and Judging Criteria

To be eligible for these awards, businesses must register with the WSIB and have fewer than 50 employees while being independently owned and operated. The judging criteria focus on safety culture and leadership, the execution of safety programs or initiatives, and the level of employee involvement in the internal responsibility system.

These criteria emphasize that a solid safety culture isn’t just about following rules; it involves creating an environment where employees feel encouraged to actively participate in safety discussions and initiatives.

What This Means for You

The focus on workplace safety highlights the importance of having clear terms and responsibilities laid out in employment contracts. If you ever need to review your own employment contract, legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>AI legalese decoder can translate it into plain English in seconds. Remember, a safe workplace benefits not only the employees but also the overall health of the business.

Source: https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/ohs/2026/04/caledonia-construction-company-takes-home-gold-in-wsib-small-business-awards