About

ISEA Foundation Awards

Robert B. Hurley Distinguished Service Award

ISEA’s Robert B. Hurley Distinguished 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 announced at ISEA’s Annual Business Meeting 

2023 nominations are due Nov. 10, 2023.

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 Business Meeting.

Self-nominating is permitted and encouraged.

2023 nominations are due Nov. 10, 2023.

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. 

The winner will receive complimentary registration to attend the next ISEA Annual Meeting.

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.
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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.
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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 Annual Business Meeting. 

2023 nominations are due Nov. 10, 2023.