Safety Matters Awards
Do you know someone who always has safety in mind? Is there someone on your job site who saved a life or provided information that saves lives every day? Do you know someone who promotes wellness at work? Nominate those safety champions for the Safety Matters Awards. The annual award recognizes outstanding contributions in physical and mental health safety by unionized sheet metal workers and contractors. Examples of safety and wellness initiatives include:- Organizing a weekly pickleball game
- Performing life-saving techniques on a co-worker, such as CPR or administering naloxone
- Implementing a new safety protocol that resulted in fewer injuries on the job
- Connecting members with SMART MAP mentors for support
Nominations for the 2026 Safety Matters Awards are now closed.
Please check back after the awards presentation ceremony on September 22, 2026, at the SMII Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, to see this year's Safety Matters Award winners.
Congratulations to our Safety Matters Awards winners!
2025
Tim Benes
Jason Hill
Eric Kiefer
Steve Klippenes
Aaron Krahn
Clayton Leibold
Burton Takafuji
2024
Anthony Aarns
Nathan Allred
Patrick Mingucci
Marvin Tavarez
2023
Kurt Christiansen
Maleeta Dailey
Richard DaCosta
Superior Duct Fabrication
William Kessler
2022
Leibold Inc.
Richard Pfeil
Nicholas Studenko
Jesse Greene
Andrew Cook
Sean Webb
Joe Potesta
Ricky Coleman
2020
Rachel Brorson
John White Jr.
Tom Sawyer
Steve Dalebroux
Mike Klemp
Greg Springstroh
Northern CA Safety Team
Southland Industries
Ryder Hart
2019
Jake Boulware
Al Blanco Jr.
Paul Crist
Mike Hilgert
Jamie DeVan
CJ Hansen Co. Inc.
2018
Dr. Ralph Natale
Jeff King
Nicholas Dadig
John Santivasci Jr.
Kevin Young
David Larkin
Paul Lopez
Larry Kinnon Jr.
Dominic Caminiti
John Frech
Jay Jaszewski
Joe Floyd
Chris Hulbert
2016
Tim Myres
Michael Sapien
SMART Local 22
James Walton
Robert Dickamore
Cindi Bell
Diane Patterson
John Santivasci Jr.
2015
Superior Air Handling
David Zimmermann
Pete Stafford
Vince Alvarado
Lance Fout
Milo Chaffee
Brian Handzlik
Brian Hill
Greg Prohaska
2014
David Hinkamp
Laura Welch
Jeff Sullivan
Obie Torres
Leah Rambo
Don Gallion
2013
Kurt Christiansen
Roger Fewkes
Ed Hoganson
Local 33 JATC
Eric Scolari
Darrell Wade
2012
Andy Caccholi
Alan Still
Buck Paulsrud
Ken Grist
2011
Dan Hardy
Frank Cuneo
Local 20 JATC
2010
Bill Yester
Stephen Murzen
Richard Stanfield
