Lifesaving awards honor workplace heroes — nominations open now

June 14, 2019
#19-016

TUMWATER — Real-life heroes are all around us.

When a workplace emergency happens, coworkers are often first on the scene, and their quick actions can mean the difference between life and death.

The Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board presents awards to workplace heroes each fall at its annual conference. Now’s the time to nominate people for the 2019 Governor’s Lifesaving Awards.

There are workplace lifesavers in Washington every year; this is a chance to help them get the recognition they deserve for their heroic actions.

Last year, six Department of Transportation workers responded to a call that a canoe had tipped over in Hood Canal, dumping two people and two dogs into the frigid waters. Their quick action helped save all four victims. In another incident, workers sprang into action to help rescue a worker pinned by a remote-controlled demolition machine.

If you know about a hero like these, please nominate them for an award. To be eligible, the life-saving actions must have occurred during work hours and have taken place between June 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019. The deadline for nominations is June 30, 2019.

All workers covered by the state workers’ compensation system or by a self-insured employer are eligible. The nominee must have performed “hands-on” aid. For law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and other similar professions, the lifesaving action must be above and beyond the call of duty.

A humanitarian award is also available for people who, despite their best efforts, were unable to save the victim’s life.

Award recipients will be featured guests at the Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference Sept. 25 at the Tacoma Convention Center. The Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board and the Department of Labor & Industries sponsor the event.

You can complete an online nomination at www.gishab.org. For more information call 1-888-451-2004 or email info@gishab.org.

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For media information:

Tim Church, L&I Public Affairs, 360-902-5673.

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