The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and Cintas Corporation are seeking nominations for the inaugural Innovation Award in Occupational Safety Management. The award will recognize individuals who have addressed workplace safety challenges in innovative ways. The winner, selected by an independent panel of industry experts, will receive a $3,000 cash prize and a recognition plaque at the 2014 ASSE Professional Development Conference & Exposition in Orlando, Fla.

Who is eligible

Safety directors and managers are encouraged to submit award nominations that highlight a workplace challenge and an employee’s solution developed or implemented within the last five years. Benefits may include elimination or reduction of hazards, improved safety knowledge or efficiency improvements. Submissions will be judged based upon the innovation’s safety and management benefits, and the potential for applying the innovation across multiple programs or sites. Both ASSE members and non-members are eligible for the award.

Sharing stories

“We established this award with ASSE to celebrate individuals who develop creative programs, processes or procedures for improving workplace safety, and effectively integrate these changes throughout an organization,” said Dan Braun, Safety Officer at Cintas. “By sharing stories about organizational challenges and ideas for enhancing safety cultures, we hope to inspire others to identify innovative solutions to common occupational hazards.”

“Organizations around the world have one thing in common: they want workers to leave each day safe and sound,” said Kathy A. Seabrook, ASSE President. “We’re excited to learn more about the creative solutions companies are utilizing today and developing for the future to manage safety and health risks within their organizations.”

Nominations must be received by March 31, 2014. To submit a nomination, please visit www.asse.org/innovate.