2026 SAFETY AWARDS Online applications are now being accepted for ALL Chapter and National safety awards. Links to access each application are below. The deadline to submit Chapter Award applications has been extended to August 7, 2026. The deadline for all other applications is July 31, 2026. Winners will be announced on August 17, 2026, and our Safety Award Luncheon to recognize winners will be held on September 17, 2026. Questions? Email [email protected].
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO The Safety Committee has prepared this short, educational video that outlines the steps required to submit your company's applications for the ABC Chapter and the ABC National STEP Awards. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to any committee member.
CHAPTER SAFETY AWARDS The Chapter Safety Awards program recognizes ABC Mississippi member companies that promote safety awareness. The program is designed as an excellent template for measuring safety effectiveness, and we encourage all members to participate. ABC Mississippi members submit applications and documentation to be judged for various safety awards. The entries are carefully judged against specific safety criteria by the ABC Mississippi Safety Committee. Chapter Awards are recognized at the Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels at our annual Safety Awards Luncheon.
THE HERB WARD SAFETY PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD Annually, ABC Mississippi member companies may enter a safety professional to compete for The Herb Ward Safety Professional of the Year Award. This award is open to any individual with 36+ months of experience with direct responsibility for the safety, health, and compliance of his/her organization and who has shown exemplary achievement, performance, safety culture, and commitment toward the safety and well-being of fellow employees of his/her organization. This prestigious award began in 2011, was rebranded in 2026 as The Herb Ward Safety Professional of the Year, and today it is one of the highlights of the ABC Mississippi Chapter Safety Awards Luncheon.
RISING STAR SAFETY AWARD ABC Mississippi member company owners submit applications entering their individual "rising star" safety professional to compete for the ABC Mississippi Rising Star Safety Award. This award is open to any individual who has been in the safety field for 12+ months and for no more than 36 months. The winner will be recognized at the ABC Mississippi Chapter Safety Awards Luncheon.
ABC NATIONAL STEP SAFETY AWARDS Established in 1989, the Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) is a valuable tool for ABC members to consistently build upon their safety training programs and gain recognition for their outstanding efforts. Applications are submitted online to ABC National to compete for the STEP awards. ABC Mississippi member recognition occurs at ABC Mississippi's annual Safety Awards Luncheon each fall.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AWARD This award recognizes companies that excel in their workforce development programs. It focuses on vital areas of workforce development, including management commitment, recruitment, and training & retention. First place will receive the Workforce Development Award of Excellence, and second place will receive the Workforce Development Award of Achievement. Winners are recognized at our annual Merit Awards Banquet. Please apply online for our 2026 Workforce Development Award.