Hello, my name is Dana and I am the Safety Captain for FIRST robotics team 5567. In 2021, FIRST made the decision to remove the Industrial Safety Award. Their goal was to make sure every team was following safety practices rather than recognizing a single team, but I, and my fellow safety captain from team 3618, believe that it has had the opposite effect. We have seen a noticeable drop in teams that value and make an effort to create a culture of safety, simply because there is no longer a reward for their efforts. We believe that reinstating the Industrial Safety Award will encourage all teams to create a safer environment for everyone.

After signing our petition, please consider emailing FIRST at firstroboticscompetition@firstinspires.org. Every email and signature will help show FIRST that the community values safety and believes the return of the Industrial Safety Award will help strengthen the culture we have worked so hard to create.