The annual Surge Awards spotlight exceptional individuals committed to pioneering incident prevention practices that reimagine technology’s role in transforming workplace safety. This movement celebrates those driving a safer work environment through best practices and inspires others to contribute to reducing serious injuries.

CELEBRATING NEW ACHIEVEMENTS IN SAFETY

We are proud to be part of an exciting movement spearheaded by our customers, who are reimagining how technology is applied to the potential of a serious injury or fatality in the workplace. One of the many incident prevention systems they are leveraging is the daily planning conversation.

With so many men and women excelling at this critical activity, they are making a tangible difference in protecting colleagues and themselves from harm. Surge represents a powerful opportunity for us to shine a spotlight on these exceptional individuals, share their successes with the wider community, inspire others to follow in their footsteps, and embrace best practices in incident prevention.

HOW IS SURGE 2026 DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS YEARS?

Get ready to experience all the cutting-edge innovations that will revolutionize the way you communicate! More details to come as we finalize preparations for Surge 2026.

• Our innovative transcription and translation model allows you to visually compare and contrast English and Spanish conversations, making it easier than ever to identify and submit the best ones.

• We are also proud to unveil our groundbreaking research on the attributes of best-in-class conversations. We have developed new processes to help leaders align on what to look for, ensuring that your conversations are always top-notch.

• Our panel of judges includes an impressive lineup of top executives, industry experts, safety professionals, and field workers. With such a prestigious panel of judges, you can be assured that only the best and most innovative communication practices will be recognized and rewarded.

• We are also introducing more prizes and recognition for the crews who engage in conversations. So don’t wait – Contact your Customer Success Manager and get ready to submit!

CALL FOR SURGE 2026 PARTICIPANTS

While FactorLab Surge is primarily aimed at the achievement of our customers, we want to extend the invitation to anyone who is passionate about using conversations to create safer workplaces to participate. Therefore, we are making our application FREE to ANYONE to capture their best conversations until the contests submittals are due. The award categories are:

• Best Conversation (English)
• Best Conversation (Spanish)
• Most Improved
• Best Coach
• Top Company
• Vision Award

The SmartTagIt Machine Learning Model

The SmartTagIt Machine Learning Model will be utilized for all categories. Our machine learning model assists with taking personal bias out of the initial judging allowing for an even playing field across all entrants and companies.

• Most Improved and Best Conversation (Spanish and English) to identify the Top 20 entrants respectively.
• Best Individual Coach and Top Company categories, SmartTagIt Machine Learning will be used to assist only when validating specific criteria components.

PERMISSION TO RELEASE INFORMATION

FactorLab is serious about respecting everyone’s privacy. This event is about celebrating those who want to be an example for others. By submitting an entry to FactorLab’s Surge 2026 Recognition Awards Program, you agree that your nominated video conversations may be made public to showcase examples of best practices. If ANYONE is uncomfortable with their participation being public, please do not nominate their conversation.

Other Contest Terms and Conditions

• In order to participate, all of the persons in your video must be U.S. residents at least 18 years old.
• By submitting a video to the awards contest, you represent that each person who appears and/or is heard in the video has signed the Publicity Release.
• Each winner is responsible for any taxes associated with accepting the prizes. The decisions of FactorLab in connection with the awards contest will be binding and final. The awards contest is void where prohibited by law or where registration or the filing of a notice is required.

If you are interested in serving as a judge or would like to participate and need to be set up with our software application, please contact justin@factorlab.com.