The American Society for Safety Engineers (ASSE) has begun accepting nominations for the third annual Triangle Award for heroic dedication to the occupational safety and health profession. ASSE will accept nominations through April 1, 2015 and present the Triangle Award on May 6, 2015 in Washington, D.C. during its weeklong observance of North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH Week).

The Triangle Award is presented in honor of the 146 garment workers who died in the 1911 New York City Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, generally regarded as the event that began the current era of rules and regulatory standards created to protect the safety and health of workers the world over.

Countless millions saved

“It is important that we not just remember, but properly honor, those lives given in the cause of safety and health that has saved countless millions since,” said ASSE President Trish Ennis. “The people who died on the 8th and 9th floors of that building did not go to work that day looking to be champions of a cause or pioneers of a movement. But we honor them for having done just that.”

Jeremy Bethancourt, of the LeBlanc Building, Company in Phoenix, Arizona received the inaugural Triangle Award for his work in advancing fall protection equipment. Last year’s winner, Stefan Bright, is Safety Director for the International Window Cleaning Association. Bright established a field manual, training and standards that helped reduce fatalities among professional window washers.

Founded in 1911, ASSE is the oldest professional safety organization and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment.