Harold Hudson receives inaugural AIMS International Safety Award

By | September 13, 2016

dsc_0610-cropSANDUSKY, Ohio – Harold Hudson was presented with the first AIMS International Safety award during the Golden Ticket Awards held Saturday, September 10, at Cedar Point. The Award, presented by AIMS International president, Timo Klaus, and AIMS Executive Director, Karen Oertley was created to recognize a person or organization that has made a significant impact or contribution in improving safety in the amusement industry by demonstrating leadership, innovation, and foresight.

In presenting the award, Karen Oertley said, “ We were pleased to have received many nominations, all are top candidates for future consideration. One individual stood out, however, as one the most passionate and dedicated safety advocates in the amusement industry. He is a man that has been committed to ensuring the safety of our amusement industry guests and employees throughout his career as well as through his work with ASTM in developing safety standards. Harold Hudson is truly a gentleman, scholar and safety icon in the industry and we are so proud to present him with the 2016 AIMS International Safety Award.”

In accepting the award, Harold Hudson remarked, “I am truly honored to receive this first AIMS International Safety Award, especially when I think of the thousands of people AIMS has trained at their safety seminar and the thousands upon thousands of people in our parks that are all involved in keeping our guests happy and safe. When I began my industry career as the Corporate Engineer for Six Flags St. Louis, I found more than a job. I found a great family where safety is the #1 goal. Safety is a moral obligation as prescribed by our values to make sure our guests are happy, have a good time, and are safe.. It’s been a great 38 years and I hope my efforts from the past as well as those in the future warrant this award.”

During the presentation, Timo Klaus also announced a scholarship to the AIMS Safety Seminar in memory of former AIMS president and Executive Director, Mark Moore. In the spirit of Mark’s passion for craftsmanship, the scholarship will be awarded by AIMS to a craftsperson who works with their hands in the amusement industry. More details will be released shortly.

About The AIMS International Safety Award

Created in 2016, The AIMS International Safety Award is presented annually to the individual or organization that demonstrates leadership, innovation, and foresight in improving safety in the amusement industry. With safety as the industry’s #1 concern for amusement industry guests and employees worldwide, efforts in improving safety are shown in many forms: the design and implementation of new products and technology, the development of safety education programs and training, and by exemplary leadership in influencing others.

Nominations for the AIMS Safety Award can be submitted by individuals within the amusement industry and the winner is selected by a vote of AIMS International’s board of directors. The award will be presented annually during the Golden Ticket Awards.