November 15, 2013 – Six recipients from multiple technology sectors have been selected to receive BC’s highest safety honour at BC Safety Authority’s 8th annual Lieutenant Governor Safety Awards, and among them is Brian Cook, president and founder of PowerCheck Electrical Safety Services, and Nechako Green Energy. Congratulations!

The awards recognize individuals and organizations who demonstrate exceptional leadership, achievement or innovation in the promotion of technical systems safety in the province. “Their efforts enhance public confidence in safety systems,” said Catherine Roome, BCSA president and CEO. “BC Safety Authority is proud to recognize the outstanding work of these individuals and organizations.”

Brian Cook is a licensed electrical contractor and registered electrical field safety representative with over 36 years in the electrical industry. He has published numerous papers on electrical safety, and has authored and delivered curriculum on electrical systems at the University of British Columbia. As the founder and president of PowerCheck Electrical Safety Services, Cook has made significant contributions to electrical safety by working with the home insurance industry to carry out risk assessments of residential electrical systems.

Vanderhoof-based Nechako Green Energy is the first biomass heat recovery plant in the Canadian forest industry, taking steam waste from the company’s mill operations and turning it into electric power. Nechako Lumber Company Ltd. was one of the first companies to submit a Safety Management Plan under the Alternative Safety Approaches regulation, introduced in April 2011, and is the first company to have its plan accepted by BC Safety Authority.

The BC Safety Authority is an independent, self-funded organization mandated to oversee the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment. In addition to issuing permits, licences and certificates, it works with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and outreach, enforcement and research.