Charlie Dowell: 2023 Lance Trager Memorial Safety Award Recipient

Lance Trager was a former employee-owner who focused on safety and inspired his team to follow suit. Those who knew him saw his commitment to safety day in and day out. Unfortunately, Lance died due to a tragic on-the-job accident several years ago.

The Lance Trager Memorial Safety Award was created to honor his memory and his dedication to safety. The award recognizes an individual not just for their past achievements but for ensuring safety remains the foundation of everything they do. The recipient of this award consistently exceeds expectations and always demonstrates a clear commitment to safety.

Charlie Dowell

Our 2023 Lance Trager Memorial Safety Award Recipient is none other than Charlie Dowell, Field Operations Manager in Heavy Highway.

Since moving into his role as an operations manager, Charlie has worked to improve safety within Heavy Highway, holding other employee-owners accountable while always setting the example for others to follow. He’s also been active in implementing task hazard analysis within the branch, which has made an impact on the safety mindset.

“Charlie has been an integral part of helping to set the safety culture that we want at ESS,” wrote one nomination. “He is always willing to set the bar high and not accept excuses for being unsafe. The crews can see his passion to be safe, which I believe makes them strive to be safe.”

Another nomination acknowledges Charlie’s ability to positively influence others who work with him.

“He is a strong safety leader, holding everyone accountable for following policies and driving the ESS safety culture.  We discuss safety every time Charlie leads a meeting or is on a jobsite. I think that says a lot about his commitment to the safety of our employees.”

Congratulations to Charlie Dowell, this year’s winner of the Lance Trager Memorial Safety Award!

Hear some congratulations and learn why Charlie deserves this award straight from fellow employee-owners. 👇