TORONTO, March 8, 2016 /CNW/ - At the Canadian Gas Association, 2016 Operations Conference five SAFE (Safety Award for Excellence) Awards were presented to Enbridge Gas Distribution, Heritage Gas, TransCanada, and Union Gas, recognizing their leadership and important contributions to public and worker safety.

"The Canadian Gas Association SAFE Awards recognize natural gas distribution companies and their employees who show exemplary leadership to ensure the continued safe delivery of natural gas to customers," said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO of the Canadian Gas Association.

Enbridge Gas Distribution received a SAFE Award in the Public Safety category for "Smell Gas? Act Fast!" The multi-faceted campaign was developed to ensure the public knows what natural gas smells like and how to respond.   Enbridge Gas Distribution also received a SAFE Award in the Corporate Safety: Employee Safety category.

Union Gas received a SAFE Award in the Worker Safety category for "Driven 2B Safe" an initiative launched by the driving safety team to help improve driving safety practices. The multi-year effort, culminated with the release of a Corporate Driving Safety Standard, which helped reduce driving incidents and supports the safety of employees and contractors.

Steve Clouthier received a SAFE Award in the Lifetime Achievement category.  Over the course of his career, Clouthier provided tremendous leadership in the development of Heritage Gas' management system. Showing an unbridled passion for the safety of others, Steve worked tirelessly to further improve the safety and wellness culture at Heritage Gas. 

TransCanada received a SAFE Award in the Corporate Safety: Vehicular Safety category. 

SaskEnergy, Manitoba Hydro, FortisBC and Gaz Métro submitted a nomination for an award and were presented with a SAFE Certificate of Recognition.

"The Canadian natural gas distribution industry is committed to the safe, secure, and reliable delivery of natural gas to its customers," said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO of the Canadian Gas Association. "On behalf of CGA, I congratulate all award recipients for the work they do to keep the industry and the public safe."

The SAFE Award in the Public Safety category recognizes excellence in promoting public awareness about the safe use of natural gas and safety measures when working with natural gas infrastructure.  The SAFE Award in the Worker Safety category recognizes workers who go beyond expectations to create a healthier and safer workplace.  The SAFE Award in the Lifetime Achievement category recognizes an individual for his or her lifetime commitment and contribution to enhancing safety in their workplace, in their community and/or the natural gas industry.  The SAFE Award in the Corporate Safety category recognize industry accomplishment in regards to injury and vehicle damage reduction results during the previous calendar year.  An evaluation committee representing gas distribution companies across Canada reviewed the applications based on a set of pre-determined criteria including applicability across the industry, effectiveness of strengthening employee or public safety, and the measurable results.

About CGA
CGA is the voice of Canada's natural gas distribution industry and its members are distribution companies, transmission companies, equipment manufacturers and other service providers.  Natural gas has a central place in Canada's energy mix meeting over 30 per cent of the country's energy needs.  Today over 6.6 million customers representing well over 20 million Canadians rely on natural gas for heat and power in homes, apartments, buildings, businesses, hospitals and schools.

SOURCE Canadian Gas Association