The annual Governor’s Workplace Safety Awards ceremony was held as part of the 2026 Indiana Safety and Health Conference and Expo, hosted by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Central Indiana Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals in partnership with the Indiana Department of Labor’s onsite workplace safety and health consultation division, INSafe. Governor Mike Braun honored Hoosier companies and individuals for exemplary workplace safety practices during the event.

“It is a joy to be with these companies and individuals to celebrate the ways they have prioritized health and safety at work,” Braun said. “I ran a business for 37 years, so I know the importance of workplace safety, and I applaud today’s award recipients for making it a priority.”

The 2026 Governor Workplace Safety Award recipients were:

-Partnerships Category: AstraZeneca – Mt. Vernon Supply Site – Mt. Vernon, IN
-Innovation Category: Edwards Electrical an Mechanical – Indianapolis, IN
-Innovation Category: Kimball International – Jasper, IN
-Rising Star Category: Wood-Mizer LLC – Batesville, IN

Three individuals were also recognized with the 2026 Everyday Safety Hero Award, which honors Hoosiers who champion workplace safety and health excellence, even if they do not serve in dedicated safety roles.

Recipients were Christhian Padilla, Senior HSE engineer at Cummins Inc. in Columbus, IN; Adam Surface, EHS Coordinator at Master Spas in Fort Wayne; and Kim Duplak, Director of stadium operations for the Indianapolis Indians.

For more information visit DOL: GWSA Home and DOL: Everyday Safety Hero Awards.

The Central Indiana Chapter is proud to announce that Ginger Dayton was named the 2026 Chapter Safety Professional of the Year (SPY) Award!

Mark has served the Chapter and Region VII over the past 6 years. He is also involved with the Indiana Safety Conference and Future Leaders Golf Outing.

Mark is an experienced safety professional and chemist with a demonstrated history of working in and with a variety of industries. He’s a strong operations professional with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hanover College.

2026 Indiana Safety Conference Chair and President-Elect Daniel Brewer presented the award at the 2026 Governor’s Workplace Safety Award luncheon.