Community Partners Win Prestigious Provincial Safety Award

PUC Services Inc. is proud to announce a campaign promoting local safety has been honoured with the prestigious 2024 Ontario Electrical Safety Award in the Worker Safety category from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). This award recognizes six local companies and their unwavering commitment to worker safety and leadership in promoting safe work practices within the Sault.

The award highlights an unprecedented year-long video safety campaign launched last November between six organizations: PUC Services Inc., the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Ste. Marie Construction Association, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Fire Services, and Paramedic Services. This collaborative effort aimed to protect workers operating on public roads by having employees from each organization share their reasons for working safety.

“Worker safety is not negotiable. We are doing everything we can to prevent accidents, but it’s also about changing how the public interacts with our crews,” said Janis Gartshore, Manager of Safety, PUC Services Inc. “Every sign, every cone, every safety protocol we put in place is there to protect lives. We need drivers to be mindful and share the responsibility of keeping our roads safe.”

The safety campaign has emphasized real-life incidents to illustrate the importance of public awareness, such as distracted driving in active work zones. “Our workers are out there in all conditions, and we’ve seen too many close calls,” said Gartshore. “This award shines a light on the issue, but more importantly, it strengthens our resolve to continue advocating for safe environments where our team can work without fear.”

PUC Services would like to extend its deepest thanks to its partners—the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Ste. Marie Construction Association, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Fire Services, and Paramedic Services—for their continued commitment and collaboration throughout this campaign. “These organizations have played a crucial role in raising awareness and pushing forward the message that safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Robert Brewer, CEO of PUC Services Inc. “We could not have achieved this recognition without their support.”

To view the safety videos each organization released, please visit ssmpuc.com/electricity/safety