Summit Utilities Earns Southern Gas Association Safety & Health Award

Program selected from 67 nominations; injuries among new hires down nearly 80%

8/18/2026

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Aug. 18, 2026) – Summit Utilities, Inc. (Summit) has earned the 2026 Southern Gas Association (SGA) Safety & Health Award for its Safety-First Mentorship Program, an initiative designed to help new team members work safely and confidently from day one.

The award recognizes safety and health programs that make a meaningful impact across the natural gas industry. Selected from 67 nominations and chosen through multiple rounds of voting by more than 1,000 SGA members, Summit's Safety-First Mentorship Program was commended for its measurable results and people-first approach.

Since implementing the program, Summit has seen an approximately 80% reduction in injuries among new team members compared to 2024. “Safety starts with people,” said Richard Leger, senior vice president of operations at Summit Utilities. “When we give team members the right support and guidance, safe work follows. This recognition reflects the commitment of our mentors and crews who make that happen every day.”

By pairing new hires with seasoned field team members during their first months on the job, the Safety-First Mentorship Program creates space for open conversations about hazards and safe work practices, helping employees build confidence, recognize risks earlier, and take ownership of safety from day one.

Summit recently celebrated its first graduating cohort of 50 participants and plans to expand the program as part of its continued investment in workforce development and operational safety.

To learn more about safety at Summit Utilities, visit summitutilities.com/safety.