Leadership in Safety Awards

Nominations are now open for 2024

Deadline for 2024 nominations is Tuesday, September 24th. Scroll down for nomination details.


In 2008, BCFSC introduced the Leadership in Safety Awards, celebrating individual safety achievements in forestry.

Award recipients are recognized during the Vancouver Island Safety Conference in three categories including safety in harvesting, manufacturing and lifetime achievement.

Nominations for leaders in forestry safety can be an individual, crew, team, division, contractor, company, supplier, consultant, trainer, etc. - basically anyone that deserves to be recognized for outstanding safety leadership or achievements.

There are three award categories for Leadership Safety.

1. Cary White Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award

This special award is presented to someone who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving safety awareness, expanding safety knowledge, developing safety skills at ground level and building a lasting culture of safety among BC’s forestry workers. It is someone who goes the extra mile to help others reach their safety goals with a helping hand, proven experience and knowledge.

2. Forest Safety Most Valuable Player (MVP)

This award recognizes an individual or group that has made a notable contribution to forest industry safety within their operation or company.

The MVP could be a worker whose idea resulted in improvements to workplace safety, a supervisor who communicated regularly with their crew spearheading safe work procedures, a crew that found a way to work more safely and productively, a manager who demonstrated commitment to worker safety, a committee that achieved safety improvements through persistent efforts to seek changes, or a company that has demonstrated leadership in integrating health & safety into their business practices.

3. Manufacturing Safety Most Valuable Player (MVP)

This award recognizes an individual or group that has made a notable contribution to wood products manufacturing safety within their operation or company.

The MVP could be a worker whose idea resulted in improvements to workplace safety, a supervisor who communicated regularly with their crew spearheading safe work procedures, a crew that found a way to work more safely and productively, a manager who demonstrated commitment to worker safety, a committee that achieved safety improvements through persistent efforts to seek changes, or a company that has demonstrated leadership in integrating health & safety into their business practices.

Nominate a Safety Leader

How to Nominate

Simply email us your nomination to info@bcforestsafe.org. Within your email, include:  

  • Nominee’s name (first and last)
  • Nominee’s Job Title
  • Nominee’s location and employer
  • Nomination Category (Cary White Award or Forest Safety / Manufacturing Safety MVP)
  • The reason for the nomination (please provide as much detail as possible)
  • Your name and email address

Deadline for 2024 nominations is Tuesday, September 24th

2023 Leadership in Safety Award Winners

Cary White Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award - Roger Harris

Forest Safety (Harvesting) MVP - Sandy Higgins

Manufacturing Safety MVP - Patrick McDonald