32 www.thesafetymag.com/ca
TOP WOMEN IN SAFETY 2021
BUSINESS STRATEGY
SPECIAL REPORT
S
ince starting Safety First Consulting Professional Corporation in 2005, Mary Strazzeri grew
the company to more than 500 clients in Ontario from 20. When asked what has been critical
to her success, the company president said: "Perseverance and some serious ambition.
I just never gave up."
Due to that strong work ethic, Safety First Consulting has grown exponentially through
referrals and has garnered an esteemed list of clients across industries, with a strong presence in
construction and industrial establishments. "Honesty and transparency have always worked for
me with my clients," says Strazzeri.
Strazzeri saw the need for a one-stop shop solution for employers. Safety First Consulting has
the experience and knowledge to help employers not only prevent injuries but to help manage
them with licensed paralegals.
Safety First Consulting is a leader in occupational health and safety in Canada. Its stellar
reputation has continued to thrive over the last 16 years. "Once you prove yourself and you're able
to get positive results, there are fewer barriers," she says. "Know your job. Know what your clients
want. And provide a really good service. I've never deviated from that formula, and it's been very
successful."
MARY STRAZZERI
Safety First Consulting Professional Corporation
COS Top Women in Safety
M
anisha Mistry's philosophy is simple: You are only as good as your team. As CSA Group's
Senior Director, Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) and Change Management,
Mistry manages a team that oversees HSSE for the global organization. Among her many
accomplishments, Mistry oversaw the organization's global registration to ISO 45001 and 14001.
She also worked closely with CSA Group's leadership team to navigate the organization safely through
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recently, she has expanded her focus to include diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) and
to bring together key stakeholders across CSA Group to create a safe and supportive work
environment.
"We're continually evaluating our organizational programs to ensure that our workforce
represents the communities that we work in," Mistry says.
She notes that 50 per cent of CSA Group's HSSE team identify as female — a credit to the
organization's commitment to diversity. "Personally, being a woman in health and safety has been
a positive experience because my employer is willing to provide me with opportunities for growth,
remove barriers and offer flexibility. CSA Group has created a very supportive working environ-
ment for me and the many amazing women and men that I work with."
MANISHA MISTRY
CSA Group
COS Top Women in Safety
