Seven individuals were awarded the highest honor bestowed on a safety professional by the National Safety Council, according to a recent press release. The Distinguished Service to Safety Award is presented annually to individuals who, throughout their careers, have demonstrated outstanding service to the field of safety and health.

NSC honored the seven 2010 recipients at the Opening Session of its annual Congress & Expo. Award recipients are nominated either by one of the NSC occupational divisions or the Board of Directors.

“Those who receive the DSSA have exhibited a lifetime commitment to safety and health. We’re thrilled to be recognizing such outstanding individuals for their efforts to prevent injuries and deaths,” said National Safety Council President and CEO Janet Froetscher.

Receiving this year’s Distinguished Service to Safety Award are:

Gary A. Higbee, EMBA, CSP
President & CEO, Higbee & Associates Inc. and Senior Consultant, SafeStart Safe Track
Recognized for outstanding efforts within the Chapter Services Division

Charles A. Hurley
CEO (retired), Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Recognized for outstanding efforts by NSC Board of Directors

Robert E. Lawless, CUSA, CHST
President, Client Safety Resources Inc.
Recognized for outstanding efforts within the Utilities Division

Arthur Locken II
Executive Board Member (retired), IBEW Local Union 77
Recognized for outstanding efforts within the Labor Division

Stephen E. O’Toole
Director, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs – Safety (retired), General Motors
Recognized for outstanding efforts by NSC Board of Directors

Dennis Shinault, CDS
Director of Loss Prevention, Baldwin & Lyons Inc.
Recognized for outstanding efforts within the Transportation Division

Jane Williams
CEO & Owner, A-Z Safety Resources Inc.
Recognized for outstanding efforts within the Construction Division