Tragedy that gave rise to modern workplace safety happened 108 years ago today
One of the deadliest industrial disasters in the history of the country – the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire - occurred in New York City on this day in 1911. The fire claimed the lives off 146 garment workers – many of whom jumped to their deaths from the 7th, 8th and 9th floors of the building in order to avoid the smoke and flames sweeping through their workplace.
It also produced legislation and safety standards that improved conditions in factories, expanded the membership and power of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU) and led to the creation of the nation’s oldest professional safety society – the United Association of Casualty Inspectors, which is now known as the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP).