USP Industry Recognition Awards – Member of the Year

By Sher Kirk – Operations Director, Utility Safety Partners

Over the last three months, we have posted articles announcing the new Utility Safety Partner Industry Recognition Awards, with spotlights on Excavator of the Year and Locator of the Year. This month, we introduce the Member of the Year award.

In the next two weeks, guidelines and nomination forms will be posted on utilitysafety.ca and nominations will open in October:

Program Overview
Utility Safety Partners (USP) wants to recognize asset owner members and safety partner members that represent the fundamental principles of safety, advocacy and participation that make up USP’s core values. Each year, USP will award the title of Member of the Year to one deserving recipient.

You may nominate a peer or industry colleague or an organization, or you may self-nominate to be considered for the Member of the Year. Review the criteria below and if this sounds like you or someone you know, complete and submit the nomination form. Nominations will be open between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2023. 

Criteria and Qualifications
Minimum Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership in the field of damage prevention.
• Promotes the use of USP ClickBeforeYouDig notification services.
• Membership with USP in good standing (either individually or as a member of an organization).

Additional criteria

In addition to the minimum requirements, consideration will be given to the following:

• Recognized as a subject matter expert in their field.
• Has meaningful engagement with the damage prevention and safety community. 
• Understands and promotes shared responsibility and allyship among industry stakeholders.
• Offers innovative and creative solutions to improve damage prevention.

USP Support and Participation

• Participation on USP Committees.
• Participation in industry events and webinars.
• Facilitating or sponsoring public safety programs or community events.
• Social media presence and engagement with USP channels.
• Promoting the ClickBeforeYouDig process through advertising, fleet vehicle stickers, promotional items, etc.
• Registration in or promotion of the Alberta DIRT (Damage Information Reporting Tool).
• Conformance with USP policies, practice and board of director governance.

We are grateful for the engagement and support of the hundreds of USP members, whether asset owners or non-asset-owner safety partners. These awards give us an opportunity to shine a light on someone who represents the values of safety, partnership, leadership and innovation. If you or someone you know deserves to be recognized for their work in damage prevention, complete a nomination form and submit it through utilitysafety.ca before the end of December.