Editor's Note: Expanded: The Green Cross for Safety Awards

My interactions with people who make safety their mission have made it clear to me that they don’t do it for the glory. For most, it’s a calling. And although these dedicated people may not seek public attention for their efforts, it’s nice when opportunities to recognize them come up.

Every spring, Safety+Health has featured a Q&A with the CEO of the company that has been awarded the National Safety Council Green Cross for Safety medal. But in 2016, things are changing. Until now, only businesses had been eligible for recognition. But this year, the NSC Green Cross for Safety Awards have been expanded to include coalitions, other organizations and individuals who have made a difference in occupational safety and health, transportation safety, and home and community safety.

NSC is seeking entrants who, as council President and CEO Deborah A.P. Hersman says, “have a passion for safety and a track record of accomplishment.”

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

• Safety Excellence: A corporation, coalition or organization that, through unrelenting pursuit of safety, created a lifesaving and injury-preventing safety solution. Results must demonstrate benefit to the greater good.
• Safety Innovation: A corporation, coalition, organization or individual that has achieved evidence-based success by taking an innovative approach to solving a safety challenge.
• Safety Advocate: An individual who has made a significant personal impact on a safety issue to raise awareness and prevent further injuries and deaths.

Nominations are due Jan. 15, and recipients will be notified in March. If you know of any people or entities who deserve to be nominated, or you’d simply like more information, please visit greencross.nsc.org.

The opinions expressed in “Editor’s Note” do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.