NLOHSA 2024 Safety Leadership Award – Winner: Stephen Bond, Newfoundland Power NLOHSA is proud to recognize Stephen Bond, Linesman with Newfoundland Power, as the 2024 Safety Leadership Award winner. Stephen exemplifies what it truly means to live the philosophy "safety is more than a policy… it’s personal." His commitment to protecting people (coworkers, customers, and the public) is reflected in every aspect of his work.

As a lead hand, Stephen ensures thorough work planning and adherence to Newfoundland Power’s standards, procedures, and e tailboard hazard assessments. His approach is rooted in responsibility: he puts the safety of his team first and maintains vigilance for hazards that could affect contractors or the public. His dependability and proactive mindset are central to the company’s mature safety culture.

Stephen is also a dedicated mentor and educator. He volunteers to facilitate rescue from heights training and supports new trainers as they develop their skills. As a Competent Fall Protection Inspector, he researches the safest tools and equipment, such as advanced lanyards or climbing gaffs, and conducts trials to keep his team protected with the best available technology. His coaching style encourages learning, fairness, and openness, helping apprentices grow into capable, safety focused tradespeople who trust his leadership.

He understands the vital importance of the work he performs. Reliable power allows hospitals to deliver care, keeps communities running, and ensures infrastructure is built safely. Stephen’s willingness to share knowledge, whether with apprentices, coworkers, or school aged children during electrical safety presentations, demonstrates his commitment to building future safety leaders and fostering community awareness.

Beyond his professional role, Stephen is an active community member, coaching U7 hockey in Gander and promoting teamwork, safety, and healthy living. His leadership extends to real life emergencies as well; when witnessing a moose vehicle collision near Norris Arm, he quickly acted to protect the injured driver and the public until help arrived—an example of his instinctive dedication to safety.

Stephen Bond is an outstanding and deserving winner of the NLOHSA 2024 Safety Leadership Award. His actions, attitude, and compassion remind us that "safety is more than a policy… it’s personal" and he embodies that belief every day.