The PSMS Excellence in Safety Recognition Program Returns for 2026

NGA is pleased to announce the 2026 Pipeline Safety Management System (PSMS) Excellence in Safety Recognition Program. The program was initially launched in 2024 and continues as a biennial award program designed to recognize NGA member operating companies and contractors that have demonstrated an innovative and exceptional approach to implementation and sustainability of PSMS core principles and elements. Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate that the program has an overall direct impact on PSMS employee engagement, operational excellence and compliance conformance including incident prevention, emissions mitigation and overall safety culture.

Unlike conventional safety recognition programs that are typically based entirely on injury frequency rates; NGA seeks to recognize organizations that have worked hard to develop and implement a unique approach to pipeline safety focused on pipeline safety management system operational excellence. For example, we encourage submissions related to demonstrated PSMS leadership and management commitment, stakeholder engagement, risk management, operational controls, incident investigation, evaluation and lessons learned, safety assurance and management reviews, emergency preparedness programs, competency, awareness and training, and continuous improvement practices as well as regulatory compliance conformance and employee injury prevention and wellness programs.

Two benefits are:

1) Peer Recognition for the Company and its employees.

2) Recognized programs may serve as guides for other companies wishing to implement similar programs and practices.

Selected organizations will receive recognition in the form of a certificate and plaque at the NGA Executive Conference, which takes place each September and at the NGA Fall Operations Conference.

Interested participants will be required to complete an application form. There will be four categories of awards considered including recognition of a small, medium and large member operating organizations as well as member contractor companies.

How to Apply:

Any NGA member organization (operating organizations and contractors that serve operators) are welcome to submit a completed application.

• The application has two parts. Part I & II must be completed in full to qualify.

• Submit the completed application to the NGA no later than May 1^st 2026.
• Completed applications and supporting materials should be sent to:

  Paul Armstrong, Vice President Operations

  parmstrong@northeastgas.org

  Please also copy:

  Robert Wilson, Vice President Special Projects

  bwilson@northeastgas.org

Selection Process:

The NGA Leadership Team in conjunction with our PSMS Consultant, will review submitted applications. There are 4 categories of awards including Large Operators, Medium Operators, Small Operators and Contractors. The Review Team will determine recipients prior to the NGA Executive Conference, which takes place in September of each year. The Review Team may select more than one recipient in each category when submitted programs warrant such recognition.

Schedule & Deadlines:

• March 6, 2026 - Applications are available.
• May 1, 2026 - Application submittal deadline. NGA Review Team begins the review process.
• July 24, 2026 - NGA Review Team completes review of submitted applications and selects and notifies recognition recipient(s).
• September 2026 - Recipient(s) will receive recognition at the NGA Executive Conference.
• October 2026 - Recipient(s) will receive recognition at the Fall Operations Conference and will be asked to address the attendees at the Conference to describe their safety program.

Learn More:

Learn more at https://northeastgas.org/NGA-PSMS-Excellence-in-Safety-Award or contact Bob Wilson, Vice President Special Projects, bwilson@northeastgas.org