Our Story
In the aftermath of World War II, a stark realization emerged: the number of Americans killed in defense industries was alarmingly close to those lost on battlefields. In 1949, President Harry Truman convened a conference of governors in Washington, D.C., urging them to spearhead state conferences aimed at educating the workforce on accident prevention. This initiative led to the inception of the Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference, focusing initially on high-risk industries and traffic safety.
Established in 1951, the Governor’s Industrial Safety & Health Advisory Board was formed to facilitate collaboration among representatives from various industries, providing expert advice on creating safe workplaces. Comprising management and labor representatives from 17 industries, the Board exemplifies a united commitment to workplace safety, supported by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1979, the Board has expanded its outreach beyond the annual conference to include significant events like Agriculture Safety Day, Construction Safety Day, and Maritime Safety Day, all aimed at enhancing safety awareness and education.