October 1, 2014 – EBMag was there, last night, when the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) bestowed the 2014 Ontario Electrical Safety Awards to several deserving organizations. Congratulations to Hydro Ottawa, PowerStream, Utilities Kingston & City of Kingston, and Chief Public Safety Officer’s Special Recognition for Electrical Safety, Ontario Fire Marshal Ted Wieclawek.

Before presenting the awards, ESA’s David Collie mentioned the awards judges had a tough time coming up with the winners, as they had received a number of deserving entries. One of those judges was John Salmon, who recently passed away, and Collie honoured his memory with those in attendance.

Presenting the awards were ESA’s chair Charles Cipolla; deputy minister Wendy Tilford, Ministry of Government and Consumer Services; and Scott Saint, ESA’s chief public safety officer. So why did the winners win?

Hydro Ottawa, Community/Home Safety…
… for the development of its electrical safety and energy conservation educational program for elementary school children in the Ottawa and surrounding areas. The program teaches elementary students how to use electricity safely and wisely. The information is provided through free programs that highlight cautionary real-life stories and demonstrations in both official languages.

PowerStream Inc., Powerline Safety…
… for its exceptional efforts in promoting powerline safety initiatives directed at both consumers and workers over the past year. The initiatives included consistent powerline safety messaging targeted to consumers on PowerStream’s website, social media channels and through printed materials distributed at events.

Utilities Kingston & City of Kingston, Worker Safety…
… for their ongoing commitment to hosting their annual Safety Days for employees and contractors who work for Utilities Kingston to provide safe work practices, including topics such as Safe Limits of Approach and the importance of Calling Before you Dig to avoid underground cables.

Ted Wieclawek, Chief Public Safety Officer’s Special Recognition
… Ted Wieclawek—Ontario Fire Marshal and chief, Emergency Management (OFMEM)—and the OFMEM team for their strong commitment to placing electrical safety at the core of the storm relief during the 2013 Ice Storm.

Established five years ago, the Ontario Electrical Safety Awards formally recognize the important contributions of individuals and organizations toward reducing electrical fatalities, serious injuries and loss.

TOP PHOTO (left to right): Gerard Hunt, chief administrative officer, City of Kingston; Jim Keech, president & CEO, Utilities Kingston; David Collie, president & CEO, Electrical Safety Authority; Mark Henderson, executive vice-president, asset management, and COO, PowerStream Inc.; Bryce Conrad, president & CEO, Hydro Ottawa; Ted Wieclawek, Ontario Fire Marshal, and chief, Emergency Management Ontario. (Photo A. Capkun)