About
ISEA Foundation Awards
Robert B. Hurley Distinguished Service Award
ISEA’s Robert B. Hurley Distinguished Service Award honors an individual who, by a single action or the work of a lifetime, has made a significant and lasting contribution to the health and safety of workers.
The award is presented each year at the ISEA Annual Business Meeting.
The Award was renamed in 2007 in memory of Robert B. Hurley, President of Fendall Inc., a life-long advocate for worker safety and health, who died in May 2002. Mr. Hurley was widely regarded as an innovative authority in the safety industry through his professional accomplishments. He was a vital part of the safety industry and an active and passionate supporter of workplace safety practices to ensure workers return home safely each day.
The ISEA Foundation is honored to preserve his memory by annually recognizing those who have greatly contributed to the cause of Occupational Safety through their exceptional leadership.
Eligibility
An individual must meet the following criteria to be nominated:
- Led the Safety Industry as a Company executive or equivalent OR
- Contributed to OSH public policy at the agency or legislative level OR
- Led OSH initiatives that greatly contributed to the safety and health of a major segment of the workforce.
Evaluation Criteria
Nominations will be evaluated by ISEA leadership on the following criteria
- Nominee has by single action contributed greatly to the occupational safety and health of the workforce.
- Nominee has, through lifetime dedication, advanced the cause of occupational safety and health.
- Nominee has partnered effectively with ISEA and its members to advance the industry’s goals.
Nominations
Any member company representative or any member of ISEA’s staff may nominate an individual to receive the Robert B. Hurley Award.
Self-nominating is permitted and encouraged.
The winner will be recognized at ISEA’s Annual Meeting.
The deadline for the 2026 Award Season is August 28, 2026.
Ryan-Willson Service Award of Excellence
Established by the International Safety Equipment Association Board of Trustees in October 2019, the annual Ryan-Willson Service Award of Excellence is the highest award given by the North American industry and honors those who have not only had distinguished careers within a member company but also have provided their talents to improve the broader industry.
This award is exclusive for ISEA members.
The award is presented in memory of J.T. Ryan (MSA) and Thomas Willson (Willson Products), ISEA’s first and second Chairmen respectively. Much of what ISEA is today is owed to these original leaders of our industry.
Eligibility
An individual must meet the following criteria to be nominated:
- Nominee’s company should be a member in good standing with ISEA.
- Nominee has served on an Association Product Group, Standing Committee, Ad Hoc Committee or other organized group within ISEA for three or more years
Evaluation Criteria
Nominations will be evaluated by ISEA leadership on the following criteria
- Nominee has served the Association “with distinction” for three or more years.
- Nominee provides leadership to the Association, whether as chair or member of a committee, product group, etc. (preference will NOT be based on Board or Officer leadership).
- Nominee has demonstrated leadership in helping the Association achieve its specific Strategic Priorities.
- The nominee’s leadership, talents and expertise have advanced Association programs and services over time.
Nominations
Any member company representative or any member of ISEA’s staff may nominate an individual to receive the Ryan-Wilson Award.
The winner will be announced at ISEA’s Annual Meeting.
Self-nominating is permitted and encouraged.
The deadline for the 2026 Award Season is August 28, 2026.
ISEA Rising Safety Star Award
The Rising Safety Star Award recognizes an up-and-coming professional in the personal protection and safety equipment industry. This individual has demonstrated a passion for worker safety and innovation to drive industry advancement. They are establishing themselves as a leader in this field of work and within the association. Emphasis is placed on accomplishments within the past year.
This award is exclusive for ISEA members.
The Rising Safety Star Award will be presented annually at the ISEA Foundation Awards Program.
Eligibility
An individual must meet the following criteria to be nominated:
- Candidates must be an employee of an ISEA member in good standing at the time of nomination.
- Candidates will be relatively new (less than 10 years) to the personal protective and safety equipment industry and/or will have recently started actively engaging within the association.
- Candidates must have demonstrated exceptional and ongoing achievements and have made significant and demonstrable contributions to their institution(s) and to the profession.
- Candidates must have demonstrated leadership potential and show promise as an up-and-coming leader in the field of safety and PPE.
- Candidates may have actively participated in association-related activities, such as product groups, committees, or industry events.
- Candidates can attend the ISEA Foundation Awards Program if chosen to receive the award in person.
Evaluation Criteria
Nominations will be evaluated by ISEA on the following criteria
- Number of years the candidate has worked in the industry and/or with ISEA.
- Examples of innovative ideas or projects that have positively impacted the candidate’s institution, the association, and/or the safety industry.
- How the candidate has demonstrated leadership potential in the personal protection and safety equipment industry, including previous speaking engagements, committee involvement, etc.
- In what areas, if any, the candidate has supported and engaged with ISEA.
Nominations
Any member company representative or any member of ISEA’s staff may nominate an individual to receive the Rising Safety Star Award.
The winner will be announced at ISEA’s Meeting.
The deadline for the 2026 Award Season is August 28, 2026.
The ISEA Foundation Awards
The highest honors in safety equipment.
Celebrate the innovators, champions, and legends whose leadership makes work safer—and moves an entire industry forward.
Find the right distinction
Three honors.
One exceptional legacy.
Whether your nominee has shaped the industry over a lifetime, served ISEA with distinction, or represents its next generation, there is an award designed to recognize their impact.
Lifetime impact
Robert B. Hurley Distinguished Service Award
Honors an individual whose singular action or lifetime of work has made a significant and lasting contribution to worker health and safety.
View eligibility & judging criteria
Who is eligible
- Led the safety industry as a company executive or equivalent; or
- Contributed to occupational safety and health public policy at the agency or legislative level; or
- Led initiatives that greatly improved the safety and health of a major segment of the workforce.
How nominations are evaluated
- A single action that contributed greatly to occupational safety and health.
- Lifetime dedication that advanced the cause of occupational safety and health.
- Effective partnership with ISEA and its members to advance the industry’s goals.
Who can nominate
Any ISEA member company representative or ISEA staff member may nominate. Self-nominations are permitted and encouraged.
Distinguished service
Ryan–Willson Service Award of Excellence
The highest honor given by the North American industry for a distinguished career and exceptional service that strengthened the broader safety equipment community.
View eligibility & judging criteria
Who is eligible
- The nominee’s company is an ISEA member in good standing.
- The nominee has served an ISEA product group, committee, ad hoc committee, or other organized group for three or more years.
How nominations are evaluated
- Service to the association with distinction for three or more years.
- Leadership as a chair or member of an ISEA committee, product group, or other group.
- Demonstrated leadership in advancing ISEA’s strategic priorities.
- Talents and expertise that advanced association programs and services over time.
Who can nominate
Any ISEA member company representative or ISEA staff member may nominate. Self-nominations are permitted and encouraged.
Emerging leadership
ISEA Rising Safety Star Award
Recognizes an up-and-coming professional whose recent achievements, passion for worker safety, and innovative thinking signal the future of the industry.
View eligibility & judging criteria
Who is eligible
- Employed by an ISEA member in good standing at the time of nomination.
- Relatively new—less than 10 years—to the safety equipment industry, or newly active within ISEA.
- Demonstrates exceptional achievement, leadership potential, and measurable contribution to the profession.
- Able to attend the ISEA Foundation Awards Program if selected.
How nominations are evaluated
- Years in the industry and/or engagement with ISEA.
- Innovative ideas or projects with a positive impact on the nominee’s organization, ISEA, or the industry.
- Demonstrated leadership potential through speaking, committee involvement, or related work.
- Support of and engagement with ISEA.
Who can nominate
Any ISEA member company representative or ISEA staff member may nominate a candidate.
A worthy name deserves to be heard
Nominate in three clear steps.
Select the award that best reflects your nominee’s impact. The award-specific form will guide you through the supporting details.
-
01
Choose the distinction
Match the nominee’s contribution to the right award.
-
02
Tell the impact story
Share specific achievements, leadership, and results.
-
03
Submit for consideration
ISEA leadership reviews nominations against the published criteria.
Recognize excellence
Who sets the standard in safety?
Honor the person whose work deserves the industry’s highest recognition.
Start a nomination
