The Industry Safety Awards celebrate the people and organizations that are advancing excavation safety, damage prevention, and public awareness. It includes the Industry Safety Awards Dinner, which recognizes exceptional achievements across the sector through a formal evening of celebration. The awards highlight meaningful progress, inspire industry-wide improvement, and honour the leaders who are helping create a safer and more resilient Ontario.
AWARDS CATEGORIES
The Innovation in Dig Safety Award (Individual, Team or Organization)
Focus: Recognizes innovative approaches that enhance excavation safety and protect underground infrastructure.
- Open to individuals or organizations implementing new tools, technologies, or improved work methods to support safe digging.
- For example: Improvements in locating, mapping, monitoring, or planning excavation work.
- Recognizes simple or creative solutions that reduce the risk of damage.
- Highlights ideas that enhance communication among excavators, utility owners, and stakeholders.
Transformative Safety Education & Engagement Award (Individual, Team or Organization)
Focus: Honours initiatives that raise awareness and promote safe digging practices.
- Open to programs that educate excavators, homeowners, or the public/communities.
- For example: Partnerships with schools, municipalities, or community groups.
- Recognizes clear and engaging methods of sharing safety information, such as events, campaigns, or training.
- Highlights efforts that help individuals better understand safe digging practices and damage prevention.
Leadership in Dig Safety Award (Individual)
Focus: Recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership in excavation safety and infrastructure protection.
- Open to individuals who promote a strong safety culture.
- Recognizes efforts in training, planning, and implementing safe work practices.
- Highlights individuals who exceed expectations to ensure the safety of workers and the public.
- Celebrates leadership demonstrated through collaboration, advocacy, and continuous improvement.
Lifetime Achievement in Damage Prevention & Safe Excavation Award (Individual)
Focus: Honours a career dedicated to safe digging and the protection of underground infrastructure.
- Open to professionals who have influenced positive change throughout their careers.
- Recognizes individuals who have made a long-term impact on damage prevention and public safety.
- Highlights a lasting commitment to safety in excavation and underground infrastructure protection.
- Celebrates contributions to education, advocacy, or advancement within the industry.
Nomination Deadline: July 10, 2026
2025 Industry Safety Award Winners
Innovation in Dig Safety Award Winner: City of Markham
The City of Markham was recognized for transforming its locate program from low compliance to a consistent 100 percent in only six months. By adopting new technology, streamlining processes, and restructuring service delivery, the City eliminated damage claims and set a new standard for innovation in safe excavation.
Transformative Safety Education & Engagement Award Winner: Synergy North
Synergy North was recognized for its Digging Safely Is More Than Just a Call or Click campaign, which used relatable storytelling and multi-channel outreach to enforce safer digging behaviour. The campaign achieved a significant reduction in excavation incidents and set a new benchmark for public safety education.
Leadership IN Dig Safety Award Winner: Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA)
ORBA was recognized for leading the advocacy effort that resulted in new legal protections for roadside workers in Ontario. Through strategic partnerships, government engagement, and impactful public awareness campaigns, ORBA helped deliver meaningful legislative change that improved safety across the province.
