As we approach March 25, 2011, and the anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City, we need to reflect on the 146 souls that were lost that day. We also need to reflect on the great progress that has been made in worker and workplace safety and health since then.

Unfortunately, this tragic event and others similar around the turn of the last century claimed lives, livelihoods and caused countless occupational injuries or illnesses to workers of all ages. But in a tragic irony, they were somehow necessary to stimulate the advancement of worker safety and health throughout the US and the world.

Safety and health professionals have learned great lessons from these events. We have and will continue to translate those lessons into actions which aim to prevent future tragedies.  Uncontrolled risk should not be afforded to any worker in any workplace in today’s technologically advanced world. One life lost or injured…is one too many!

– Sam Gualardo MA,CSP