The Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council is now accepting applications for the Frank Cruice Innovation in Safety & Health Award, recognizing poultry and egg industry organizations that are advancing workplace safety and health through innovative practices, programs or technologies.

Open to members of the National Chicken Council (NCC), National Turkey Federation (NTF) and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), the award honors companies that have demonstrated a significant advancement in operational excellence through a safety or health innovation that helps create safer, healthier workplaces across the poultry and egg industry.

The award is named in honor of Frank Cruice, formerly of Perdue Farms, who was an active member of the Joint Poultry Safety & Health Council for more than 20 years. In addition, Cruice led the industry safety award committee and served as Council Chair from 2019 – 2021 before he retired.

Award applications are open for several industry categories, including Poultry Processing (NAICS 311615), Poultry & Egg Production (NAICS 1123), Animal Feed Manufacturing (NAICS 311119), Animal Support Services (NAICS 115210), and Rendering (NAICS 311613). An award will be issued for innovations in both processes and equipment. A panel of judges will select the winners and honorable mentions in each category.

The innovation application criteria include the following:

• Must be an innovative or novel solution proven to reduce occupational injuries/illnesses or improve safety awareness on or off the job. 
• Must have demonstrated results over at least a six-month period AND must be able to be leveraged across the industry. 
• Preference will be given to innovations developed through safety committees or other grassroots efforts.
• Implementing an “Off the Shelf” program purchased or acquired from a third party will not be considered.

”Innovation plays an important role in how we continue to improve workplace safety & health across the poultry and egg industry. This award recognizes companies who are willing to think differently, challenge the status quo, and find new and effective ways to protect our Team Members. At the end of the day, innovation in safety & health is about putting people first and continuing to build a culture where working safely is simply how we work,” said Rick Hellinga, senior director of Safety, Health and Loss Prevention at Simmons Foods and chair of the Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council.

The Council consists of members from USPOULTRY, NCC and NTF. Collectively, the three organizations represent companies that produce 95% of the nation's poultry products and directly employ more than 350,000 workers.

Award program rules, regulations and application forms are available by clicking here. The application deadline is Oct. 9. The award winners and honorable mention recipients will be announced during a ceremony at the International Production & Processing Expo on Jan. 26, 2027, in Atlanta, Ga.