The EEA public safety award recognises excellence of an organisation or individual in fostering public awareness and education about electricity safety and safety around electricity supply assets.
The award is jointly sponsored by the WorkSafe’s Energy Safety and the EEA. Awards are presented at the annual EEA Conference and Technology Exhibition. Winners receive a trophy and a cash prize of $500.
The award recognises initiatives to:
- Deliver excellence in electrical safety of the public.
- Raise awareness of electrical safety issues in the local community.
- Reduce accidents to the public which involve electricity supply industry assets.
- Improve public understanding or awareness of electrical safety issues around electricity supply industry assets.
- Encourage industry and the public to think about and participate in electrical safety initiatives.
- Publicise ideas, procedures and programmes which deliver a high standard of public awareness of electrical safety including:
- The development of new or improved types of public safety promotion or information
- The introduction of new or improved safety education methods, practices or procedures
- New ways of encouraging a positive approach to electrical safety
- Any other new aspect or suggestion which conforms to the objectives set out above
2025 Winner – Powerco, Safe distances around assetsÂ
Powerco’s Safe distances around assets initiative is an excellent example of improving public safety. This initiative focuses on clear communication of safe working distances around underground and overhead assets.
Powerco identified a gap and worked to address public safety risks when third parties work around Powerco’s overhead and underground electricity assets. A fantastic initiative that reflects Powerco’s commitment to best practice and making it easy for people to understand and manage risks.
Judging Criteria
Judging is in accordance with the following criteria:
- The effectiveness of identification of the problem the safety issue(s), the target audience and the medium selected.
- The extent of commitment in development and implementation.
- The effectiveness of the impact or outcome of the achievement in the public domain.
- The extent of integration of the achievement with other management systems in the organisation.
- The suitability of the achievement or contribution for wider application to industry.
- Compliance with all relevant statutory requirements.
- Evidence of achievement. Where possible, external verification of the achievement should be provided.
The judging panel will comprise the EEA President (or nominee), the Secretary of the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (or nominee) and an Employee Representative.
How to enter
You will need to provide information to showcase your entry. This requires a little work but it is important we have this information to help our judging panel select the winner and to showcase the runner ups. The judging panel may contact you directly for more information.The submission should provide a descriptive summary and give us the details and supporting information/data around the issue(s), key attribute(s), action(s) and factors you believe have contributed toward your successful safety outcome and demonstrating how the entry meets the judging criteria.
It should also include:
- Diagrams and explanatory text and any published reviews or critiques undertaken by independent parties.
- Supporting visual/multimedia material which could include up to 1-6 high quality colour images in jpg format, or clearly labelled photographs; and/or up to 25 seconds of mpg video file or automated PowerPoint presentation.
- Sign-off by a member of the organizations senior management team, or referee where appropriate.
Please use the form below. Alternatively, ensure to have your attachments ready or email your entry to admin@eea.co.nz
Previous Winners
| 2024 | Powerco ‘Car vs P0le’ |
| 2023 | Unison Networks ‘Unison’s risk framework to improve safety for the public and third parties’ |
| 2021 | Counties Energy ‘Smart Meter Technology’ |
| 2019 | Unison ‘Be Aware Electricity Kills Programme’ |
| 2017 | Marlborough Lines ‘Wine Industry Safety Posters’ |
| 2015 | Powerco ‘Public Safety Campaign’ |
| 2014 | Vector Refreshes its Safety in School Programme |
| 2013 | MainPower NZ Ltd ‘Re-designed SWER Line Insulator Extension Bracket’ |
| 2012 | Vector ‘Promoting Safety Through Schools’ |
| 2011 | Orion NZ ‘Public Safety Management following a Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake & Subsequent Aftershocks’ |
| 2010 | TOP Energy ‘Close Approach Consents Process’ Safety Campaign |
| 2009 | Orion NZ Physical Security Plan |
| 2008 | WEL Networks ‘Look Out!’ campaign |
| 2007 | Vector ‘Vector’s Public Safety Programme’ education programme |
| 2005 | Vector ‘Stay Safe Around Electricity Education Programme’
Merit Award – Unison ‘Be Safe With Electricity’ |
Public Safety Award Nomination Form
Use this form to make a submission for the EEA Public Safety Award.