NSC Presents the 2026 Distinguished Service to Safety Award
Safety professionals recognized with highest NSC individual recognition.
Safety professionals recognized with highest NSC individual recognition.
INDIANAPOLIS – The National Safety Council has honored four individuals with the Distinguished Service to Safety Award, the highest award given to safety professionals by NSC.
After a rigorous application and review process, NSC recognized the following safety leaders:
Adam L. Bates, Global EHS Vice President – Vibrantz Technologies
Adam has demonstrated a firm commitment to safety through impactful accomplishments and adept cross-functional expertise, leading strategies that translate into measurable success in putting employee safety first. He’s made lasting contributions to injury and illness prevention by furthering innovation, strengthening safety governance and building frameworks to guide the next generation of safety leaders.
Mike Court, Senior Vice President, HSEQ and Sustainability – Graham Construction
Mike’s dedicated approach to elevating the status quo of workplace safety has resulted in a far-reaching influence in advancing health and safety best practices not only for Graham but the greater Canadian construction industry. His contributions in promoting and incorporating proactive, evidence-driven solutions have been transformative in making workplaces safer and championing employee health and wellbeing.
Mohamed Elashheb, HSE Specialist – APTIM
For over two decades and across multiple industries, Mohamed has made a significant impact by continuously implementing innovative workplace safety solutions. At APTIM, he leads a team of over 135 safety professionals across five strategic units and fosters a resilient culture of safety that has permeated across the organization.
David Netti, Head of Risk Services – Captive Resources Inc.
David has established himself as a safety trailblazer, making workplace safety accessible and a value for all – especially for small and mid-sized businesses that may lack dedicated safety resources. By leading a wide range of strategic national initiatives, he has helped thousands of organizations implement safety best practices, strengthen safety culture, prevent injuries and save lives.
“These safety pioneers have gone beyond making their own workplaces safer. Across industries and businesses of all sizes, they have made a lasting impact on the safety profession at large – and therefore helped protect the lives of workers across our nation,” said Lorraine Martin, NSC CEO. “It’s with great privilege that we recognize these exemplary leaders who continue to drive meaningful progress in preventing injuries and deaths on the job.”
Launched in 1942, the award has honored safety professionals whose work has advanced injury prevention worldwide. For more information about the Distinguished Service to Safety Award and other NSC awards, visit nsc.org/awards.
About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for over 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.
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With a century-long legacy, the National Safety Council is a global center for safety expertise. Let's work together to align resources. We look forward to learning about ways we can join efforts to expand safety everywhere!
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