ONTARIO AUDITOR GENERAL BLASTS TSSA IN NEW REPORT

A new report from Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk blasts the Canadian province’s Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) for poor oversight of elevators across the province, various news outlets, including the Toronto Star, report. Lysyk’s report alleges TSSA lacks consistent inspection standards and that a small number of companies dominate the market, leading to further inspection and, in turn, safety issues. Slightly more than 80% of elevators failed their TSSA inspections in 2018, the report says. TSSA told the source it takes its public-safety responsibility seriously and has already established a plan, including a “five-point plan” posted on its website, to address the concerns. Rob Isabelle, CEO of elevator consultancy KJA Consultants, Inc., observes the report paints a picture of an impending crisis that is not accurate. The bigger problem, he says, is a labor shortage leading to units being shut down for long periods of time.