ESFI Names UL as Recipient of 2014 Safety Award for Excellence

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has named UL (Underwriters Laboratories) as the recipient of the 2014 Safety Award for Excellence, for its efforts in fighting counterfeiting and piracy. The award recognizes a company, nonprofit association or other industry-related organization for active and sustained efforts in support of ESFI’s mission to reduce electrically related fatalities, injuries and property loss.

“UL’s dedication to providing safe living and working environments has guided ESFI in developing groundbreaking programs such as its newly developed Zero Tolerance for Counterfeits initiative,” says ESFI President Brett Brenner. “UL has been a major supporter of ESFI since the foundation’s inception in 1994, and ESFI is grateful to continue to work with UL as we strive to address the safety needs of the ever-changing electrical industry.”

Ben Miller, SVP & President, UL Commercial & Industrial division, accepted the honor on behalf of UL during the National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s 2014 Illuminations Dinner at The Grand Del Mar in San Diego, California on November 8, 2014.

“UL is honored by ESFI’s recognition of our work in combatting counterfeiting and piracy. Our role has always been to help ensure safe products are in the marketplace from our testing and certification through to our robust anti-counterfeiting programs,” said Miller. “We are proud of our partnership with ESFI and look forward to continuing to advance our shared goal of ‘zero tolerance’ for counterfeiting.”

In 1993, before many within the electrical industry recognized the threat posed by counterfeit products, UL began to incorporate anti-counterfeiting technology into its labelling format. In the years since, UL has continued and bolstered its efforts to fight this growing hazard to public health and safety.  Through a number of outreach and training initiatives, UL is committed to educating consumers – both young and old, retailers, distributors, manufacturers and governments about the risk posed by counterfeit products using innovative, creative and technologically savvy approaches. In addition, UL assists law enforcement to identify and prosecute counterfeit operations. 

Past recipients of the ESFI Safety Award for Excellence are: American National Standards Institute, WESCO Distribution, Inc., The Home Depot, and Mr. Electric.