Our Beginning
In 1936, the Utah Safety Council was founded. During that same year:
- The 1st year that baseball players were inducted into the Hall of Fame, Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth were among that group.
- The Hoover Dam was completed
- "Mutiny on the Bounty” wins the Academy Award
- First stock car race is held in Daytona Beach Florida
- First parking meter was invented
- RCA shows the first real TV program
- First roundtrip transatlantic air flight
- First issue of Life Magazine published
- 1936 traffic deaths hit a record high at 37,500\16.9% unemployment rate
- Average cost of a new house was $3,925
- 1 gallon of gas cost .10
Our beginning focused solely on traffic safety. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, traffic safety is now just one of the five areas that makes the Utah Safety Council a leading resource for all things safety related.
During this anniversary year, we will look back at the beginning of safety and how it has evolved and developed to become a priority for all of us. We will ask you to help us in this celebration by sharing some of your history with photos and stories that we can highlight throughout the year. We kicked off this celebration with a movie screening in February. Learn More
We look forward to highlighting the history of our member companies during the year and look seeing you in our training classes and events throughout 2016. If you have a memory or a photo to share please email them to
safety@utahsafetycouncil.org.
Shared Memories from our Members
We would like to say thank you for making these past 80 years possible. Without your support, we would not be where we are today. Check back often as we continue to post memories with our members.
Safety Throughout the Decades: 1930s
In the early 1930s, at the start of the industrial revolution, safety was not always a top priority. Manufacturing was growing and so were the numbers of injuries and deaths of workers. However, the idea of a building a safer workplace was slowly growing across the American workforce.
The Golden Gate Bridge, built in 1933, is an example of how personal protective equipment (PPE) influenced workplace safety. Joseph Strauss, the projects chief engineer, was committed to making the construction of the bridge as safe as possible.
The bridge construction played a large role in the development of one specific form of PPE: hard hats. This was one of the first large projects to make hard hats mandatory. While head protection was not an entirely new concept (gold miners had learned long before the importance of protecting their heads from falling debris), it was new to this industry and would only continue to grow in use.
Fun Fact - The original hard hat, called the “Hard-Boiled Hat”, was manufactured out of steamed canvas, glue, and black paint.
Shared Memories from our Members
We would like to say thank you for making these past 80 years possible. Without your support, we would not be where we are today. Check back often as we continue to post memories with our members.
Safety Throughout the Decades: 1940s
The first half of the 1940s were consumed by the events of World War II and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The country was slowly coming out of the Great Depression with growth in agriculture and industry. Our transportation options were beginning to increase as the first multi-lane superhighways opened in Pennsylvania and California. The cars of the 1940s still had no seat belts, however, more individuals were becoming aware of the need for vehicles to become safer.
The first McDonalds opened in California, while Walt Disney released Pinocchio and Fantasia in the movie theaters. During this same decade, the first color television set was unveiled and the Ed Sullivan Show became a household name in homes all across the country.
Safety grew at a slow pace during the 1940s, and with wartime came more women entering the workplace. Companies began to identify ways to keep these new workers safer and still meet the production demands. Women today play an important role is safety.
Protect Your Family with Fire Safety Knowledge
The first smoke detector was invented in the early 1940s. It was years later that interest in this technology took off. Since then, fire safety knowledge and technology have evolved to an amazing degree. Today, we are seeing home fire sprinkler systems, emergency escape masks, smart escape systems, and water supply systems to help keep families safe in the event of a fire. Though these new technologies are important for stopping fire from spreading in the home, the Utah Safety Council would like to offer some tips to prevent fires from starting in the first place.
- Store matches and lighters in locked cabinets.
- Blow candles out when you leave the room or go to bed.
- If you smoke, smoke outside.
- Purchase mattresses and sleepwear that meet federal flammability standards.
- Place space heaters at least three feet from any flammable object.
For more information, check out our other Take Safety Home online resources. If you’re interested in taking fire prevention a step further- attend one of our Fire Extinguisher Training Courses.
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Shared Memories from our Members
We would like to say thank you for making these past 80 years possible. Without your support, we would not be where we are today. Check back often as we continue to post memories with our members.
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Safety Throughout the Decades: 1950s
In the 1950s, almost all new cars were installed with car radios. By the end of the decade, a third of America’s radio listening occurred in the car. From that time on, drivers became attached to their in-car technology. Ironically, laws that banned technology in vehicles dated back to the 1930s! Today, distracted driving is rampant on our roadways, killing hundreds and injuring thousands each year. Unfortunately, it is easier than ever to drive distracted. Auto makers are putting more and more technology into our vehicles that allow us to make phone calls, dictate texts or emails, and update social media while we are behind the wheel – all actions that are proven to increase crash risk.
The Utah Safety Council observes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month to draw attention to this epidemic. Distracted driving is very dangerous, not only for you, but for other drivers on the road. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent distracted driving and keep yourself and others safe. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Make adjustments to GPS, mirrors, seats, and radios before you get going.
- Don’t use cell phones while driving unless in absolute emergencies.
- If something demands your attention, instead of trying to attempt it while driving, pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place.
Let us help you get where you are going safely! For more traffic safety resources click here.
Shared Memories from our Members
We would like to say thank you for making these past 80 years possible. Without your support, we would not be where we are today. Check back often as we continue to post memories with our members
1950 - The Utah Safety Council board of directors asked Governor J. Bracken Lee to declare a safety week.
1951 - The Utah Safety Council board of directors asked Governor J. Bracken Lee to declare a Home Safety Week.
1951 - The Utah Safety Council was divided into the following divisions: Traffic Division; Industrial Division; Public Information Division; Child, Home and Farm Safety Division; School and College Division; Fire Division; and the Aviation Division.
1951 - The board approved the Utah Safety Council to start using 35mm film for training purposes.
1954 - We created a parade float to debut in the Days of 47 Parade.
1954 - The Utah Safety Council was recognized by the National Safety Council for Outstanding Driver License Activities.
1956 - The first membership fund drive targeted 3,000 businesses. We established a dues structure of $1.00 per employee or a minimum of $25.00, and maximum of $3,000. A manager was hired to manage the membership fund drive and was paid $8,000/year based upon success of the program.
1959 - Cost of the luncheon at the Annual Meeting was $3.50 per plate. Join us on August 19, 2016 as we celebrate 80 years of safety. - Learn More
Safety Throughout the Decades: 1960s
In the 1960s, many advancements were made towards vehicle and driver safety. The National Safety Council introduced the first Defensive Driving courses, seat belt installations became mandatory, and the U.S. Department of Transportation was founded.
Along with these improvements, the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 was put in place to help reduce not only crashes, but the number of deaths and injuries that resulted from traffic crashes. This Act provided a coordinated national safety program and helped establish new safety standards in vehicles. In the years following, vehicles were built with improved safety features, highways were made safer, and the enforcement of new traffic laws helped to change driver and passenger behaviors.
Today, the Utah Safety Council offers a variety of Defensive Driving courses to help meet your safety needs on the road.
Fire Extinguishers: From the Beginning to Where We Are Today
Although fire extinguishers appear to be a modern invention, they have been helping people fight fires since the Middle Ages. From squirting pumps used in the 1666 Great London Fire all the way to our modern-day red cylinders, the fire extinguisher has gone through many changes in design. By the 1960s, fire extinguishers had developed into small, dry chemical units made for use at home. Further advancements were made with the invention of the chemical Super-K in the early 1960s. A few years later, the US Navy came out with Purple K, which is now considered the second most effective dry chemical for fighting flammable liquid fires.
To learn how to operate a fire extinguisher and gain hands-on experience with our live fire simulator, attend one of our
Fire Extinguisher Courses.
Shared Memories from our Members
We would like to say thank you for making these past 80 years possible. Without your support, we would not be where we are today. Check back often as we continue to post memories with our members
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1964 - The Utah Safety Council is divided into these divisions which included: Traffic, Home, Public (non motor-vehicle), Industrial and Finance. - Learn more about our programs today.
1967 - The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety sent the Utah Safety Council a check for $3,000 for their membership dues.
1968 - The Defensive Driving Course price was established as $4.00 per person. Instructors were paid $5.00 an hour. - Take a course today.
Safety Throughout the Decades: 1970s
The 1970s were a significant time for improvements in Occupational Health and Safety. President Richard Nixon signed into law the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (known as OSHA) on December 29, 1970 under the OSH Act. OSHA then became effective on April 28, 1971. OSHA’s goal is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for everyone. OSHA accomplishes this goal through enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. Since the establishment of OSHA, workplace incidents, illnesses, and injuries have dramatically decreased.
Shared Memories from our Members
We would like to say thank you for making these past 80 years possible. Without your support, we would not be where we are today. Check back often as we continue to post memories with our members
Safety Throughout the Decades: 1980s
Are you familiar with the Right to Know Regulation from 1983? It is the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) that gave both the worker and their communities the right to know which chemicals they may be exposed to and what hazards these chemicals may present.
Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information to their customers. All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers and train these workers to handle the chemicals appropriately. If you would like to learn more, join us for our next Hazard Communications course on October 31st from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Need the course sooner? We offer an on-site training option. For more details click here.
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984
When we think back to the 1980s, one significant event that many remember is the Chernobyl accident in 1986. However, many do not know about the Bhopal gas tragedy, which occurred in Bhopal, India in December of 1984.
In November of 1984, most of the safety systems at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant were not functioning properly, many of the functioning pipes and valves were in poor condition, and the several cleaning portions of the system were out of service. On the night of December 2nd, a runaway reaction began and 30 metric tons of MIC escaped into the atmosphere. The toxic gases blew in a southeasterly direction during the night and, by morning, thousands of people had already died.
Many people believe that this tragedy was preventable, if only proper maintenance and inspection were conducted regularly at the plant. One of the ways we can prevent accidents like these is through conducting a job safety analysis. The goal is to identify potential hazards in any job function or process and stop a disaster before it starts.
Shared Memories from our Members
We would like to say thank you for making these past 80 years possible. Without your support, we would not be where we are today. Check back often as we continue to post memories with our members
1982 - The Utah Safety Council is ranked 8 out of 90 National Safety Council chartered councils across the country.
1983 - The Utah Driver License Division introduces legislation for the National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course to be the exclusive course for point reduction. - Take this course
Safety Throughout the Decades: 1990s
In 1991, OSHA introduced the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to protect 5.6 million exposed workers from HIV and Hepatitis B. These regulations resulted in a dramatic reduction of Hepatitis B infections among healthcare workers.
Today, OSHA requires employers to protect their employees who have a reasonably anticipated, occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. According to OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030, those employees need Bloodborne Pathogens training annually. Bloodborne Pathogens training is ideal for a variety of occupations, especially:
- First responders and employees trained in First Aid/CPR/AED
- Dental assistants and healthcare professionals
- Teachers, coaches, and school personnel
- Custodians, hotel housekeepers, and hospitality workers
National Safety Council’s Bloodborne Pathogens program exceeds the OSHA standard by including a section for airborne pathogens. This training helps workers protect themselves against illnesses that can result in a debilitating disease.
Anyone can become certified to teach the Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens Program - there are no prerequisites required to become an instructor. For more information about Bloodborne Pathogens training at the Utah Safety Council, please contact Cassie Henson at 801.746.SAFE (7233) or email chenson@utahsafetycouncil.org.
Click It or Ticket
In 1993, the Click It or Ticket campaign was launched. It was the most successful seat belt enforcement campaign ever. Coast to coast, day or night, the message is simple: Click It or Ticket. Click It or Ticket allows law enforcement officers to issue safety belt violations without observing other offenses. The objectives for this campaign were simple and effective:
- Increase seat belt usage
- Decrease highway injuries and economic costs
- Increase enforcement of auto-related crimes
- Change attitudes
From 1993 to 2015, seat belt usage in the United States increased by 22% (from 66% on average to 88%). Still in effect as the primary seat belt law, the Click It or Ticket campaign has become a model for both state and national enforcement programs across the country.
Do You Understand OSHA's Forklift Regulations?
In 1999, OSHA updated the 29 CFR 1910.178 regulation governing Powered Industrial Trucks, which includes forklifts. These regulations deal with how forklift operator training should be conducted. If you have a forklift at your worksite, it is important to remember that OSHA requires forklift training to have three basic components:
- Formal Instruction - This can be done in a variety of forms, such as a lecture, video instruction, interactive computer learning, a discussion, or written material.
- Practical Hands-On training - This portion should include demonstrations done on the forklift by the trainer and then practice exercises performed by the trainee.
- Evaluation - The trainer then does a formal evaluation of the competency and skill of the forklift operator. After passing this evaluation, re-evaluations should be done every 3 years or more often if circumstances require.
And don’t forget, all training and evaluations must be conducted by someone who is certified to do so. The end goal is a safer working environment for those who operate or work nearby forklifts.
Need help finding a trainer? You can train one of your own with the Forklift Trainer Certification course coming up on August 8th. Looking to build your resume and receive formal instruction? Come to our Forklift Operator course on August 26th. For more information, contact Nicala Wood, Occupational Program Manager at 801.746.SAFE (7233) or email nwood@utahsafetycouncil.org.
Shared Memories from our Members
We would like to say thank you for making these past 80 years possible. Without your support, we would not be where we are today. Check back often as we continue to post memories with our members
1991 - Membership recognition awards were added to the annual meeting.
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1992 - Fiscal year changes to July-June (where it stands today).
1994 - The Utah Industrial Training Cooperative (UITC) contract begins in July of this year. Contractor Safety Orientation is designed for contractors or contract employees who perform work on refinery properties. - Learn More
1994 - Fundamentals of Occupational Safety (now known as Principles of Occupational Safety and Health) is first taught, in Salt Lake City and St. George. This course is part of the Advanced Safety Certificate Program.
1995 - The Buckle Up for Love Program was established. Click here to view one of our first promotions for this program. - Learn More
1996 - The Utah Safety Council co-sponsors the “Drive Friendly” campaign. See a larger picture of the Utah Safety Council staff with Salt Lake City Mayor Deedee Corradini at the launch of this program.
1996 - We began teaching the National Safety Council’s Emergency Care programs. - Learn More
1997 - Annual revenue is at an all-time high (at the time) of $999,379,000. You can see how we are doing now. - Read our 2015 Annual Report.
Our office was located 5263 South 300 West, Salt Lake City. See a larger picture of what our building looked like.
Safety Throughout the Decades: 2000
Celebrating in September. Look for more information as we get closer to the month.
Shared Memories from our Members
We would like to say thank you for making these past 80 years possible. Without your support, we would not be where we are today. Check back often as we continue to post memories with our members
Over the years we have had many great and knowledgeable staff members that have helped make our organization great. They enjoy helping others as we work together to make Utah a safer place to live and work. Take a look back at some of our previous staff members, maybe you will recognize some of them. | 2003 | 2004 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 A | 2009 B | - Meet our team today.
2001 - We purchased our domain www.utahsafetycouncil.org. It was a very basic website, but it helped share our safety message with members of our community. Maybe you remember our awesome purple backgound? See a larger picture.
2002 - During October 2002, the Utah Safety Council began offering a Driver Education Program which consisted of comprehensive classroom and behind-the-wheel skills curriculum. - Now we offer the Alive at 25 program. - Learn More
2005-2010 - We recieved the Outstanding E-newsletter award from the National Safety Council five years in a row. Keep up-to-date on the latest safety trends and issues through our latest communications. - Read More
2005 - We move to our new address at 1574 West 1700 South. This new building is much larger with a training center in the lower level. We started out with just one training classroom back in 2005, today we have three classrooms and two conference rooms to help facilitate all of the training we offer today. Check out the classes that we offer today.
2007 - We launched our new website. That same year the National Safety Council also awarded us with the best chapter website out of all of the other safety councils throughout the nation. See a larger picture.
2007 - This program was launched on November 27, 2007 at Roy High School. A press conference was held with media support from local TV and newspaper organizations. By the end of 2007 Roy High School and Viewmont High School were using the program within their schools. Additionally in 2007 the Utah Driver License Division approved a 50 point reduction to those who take the course. About 1,000 students completed the Alive at 25 course in 2007. - Learn More
2007 - The Utah Safety Council was honored with a Special Achievement in Traffic Safety Award from the Utah Department of Transportation, at the Zero Fatalities Safety Summit in Park City on November 9, 2007. The Utah Safety Council was recognized for its innovation and dedication in educating the public and changing behavior with regards to traffic safety in Utah. See a larger picture.
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2007 - During 2007 all of the safety information, wallet cards and flyers for the Buckle Up For Love program was translated into Spanish. See a larger image. - Learn More
2008 - Governor Huntsman declared June as “Utah Safety Month” on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. Present at the signing were Commissioner Sherrie Hayashi of the Utah Labor Commission as well as several other representatives from that organization. Colonel Lance Davenport with Highway Patrol and the Utah Department of Public Safety, Robert Parenti, President of the Utah Safety Council with several of his staff members, Donald Ortale, Director of Business Development with the National Safety Council and members of the Utah's Guardian Angels. See a larger image.
2008 - Brandee Sommer, Utah Safety Council Training & Development Specialist (center right), accepts the National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving Awards. Presenting the awards are (l-r) Joseph Ucciferro, NSC Board Chairman, Janet Froetscher, NSC President, and John Kennedy, Driver & Roadway Safety Department Executive Director. See a larger image.
2008 - The Utah Chapter of the ASSE named Robert Parenti, President of the Utah Safety Council Safety Professional of the Year. Mr. Parenti received this award during the 25th Annual Safety and Industrial Hygiene Conference at the University of Utah in October. See a larger image.
2009 - Started offering Online Defensive Driving. During 2009, 114 individuals completed the online course. Now over 350 individuals take this course each month. - Take this course
2009 - On December 11, 2009, the Utah Safety Council was recognized by one of its member companies, Hunt Electric Incorporated, in appreciation of the Utah Safety Council’s support and assistance in making the companies job sites safer. The award was presented in conjunction with Hunt Electric having achieved one million employee hours without a lost time injury. See a larger picture.
2009 - Brandee Sommer and Anthony Sudweeks two of our Program Managers earned their Advanced Safety Certificate. Brandee now serves as our Vice President of Operations. See a larger picture.
2009 - We started selling and training on Automated External Difibrilators. - Learn More
Safety Throughout the Decades: 2010
Celebrating in October. Look for more information as we get closer to the month.
Shared Memories from our Members
We would like to say thank you for making these past 80 years possible. Without your support, we would not be where we are today. Check back often as we continue to post memories with our members
Over the years we have had many great and knowledgeable staff members that have helped make our organization great. They enjoy helping others as we work together to make Utah a safer place to live and work. Take a look back at some of our previous staff members, maybe you will recognize some of them. 2012 | 2013 | 2014 A | 2014 B | 2015 A | 2015 B
January 2011: We launched our online tow truck program. This course has been approved by the Motor Carrier Division of the Utah Department of Transportation as meeting the requirements of an authorized program through which to obtain designation as a Certified Tow Truck Driver in the state of Utah. - Learn More
June 2012: After 38 years as a safety professional Robert F. Parenti retires as the President of the Utah Safety Council. See a larger image.
June 2014: To kick off National Safety Month, the Utah Safety Council held our first Safe Night Out with the Salt Lake Bees on June 5, 2014. This was a fun opportunity for families and employees to get together and promote safety while watching a great baseball game. See some pictures from this night: Picture A | Picture B | Picture C | Picture D | Picture E | Join us on August 5, 2016 for this years game. - Learn More
June 2014: We participated in Utah’s largest safety demonstration at the State Capitol to celebrate Utah Workplace Safety Week. Hundreds of people gathered to listen to Senator Karen Mayne, Lieutenant Governor Spencor Cox speak about the importance of workplace safety. See some pictures from this event: Picture A | Picture B | Picture C | Picture D | Picture E
June 2014: Later on that month the Utah Safety Council was able to participate when Governor Gary Herbert signed into law Senator Mayne’s bill that designated that the fourth week of June every year as Utah Workplace Safety Week. We are excited about this annual observance, and we are looking forward to future events and activities in which we can participate to help increase the awareness and safety of Utah’s workforce. - See a larger image.
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October 2014: The Utah Safety Council received several awards from the National Safety Council at the 2014 Congress and Expo in San Diego for its Defensive Driving programs. The Utah Safety Council received the Best Performance Award, the Trend Setter Award for our Defensive Driving Programs and an Honorable Mention for our Alive at 25 Course. – See a larger picture
January 2015: We started offering the Office Safety Certificate. According to the National Safety Council each year 64,290 office and administrative staff workers suffered on-the-job injuries in 2012. This is why we developed this certificate program – Learn More
January 2015: We added Streaming Safety Videos as part of the membership benefits. There are over 600 titles with more being added each month. – Learn More
May 2015: The Utah Safety Council held the 1st Annual Crazy Pants Golf Tournament on May 15th at Thanksgiving Point. Proceeds from the tournament benefitted our Home & Community Programs. With 110 golfers and 63 sponsors, we were able to raise over $10,000. This money helped support our Buckle Up for Love program, Take Safety Home resources, and the health & safety fairs we routinely participate in. - View pictures of our 2015 Tournament
National Safety Month
June 2015: To kick off National Safety Month, the Utah Safety Council held our 2nd Annual Night Out with the Salt Lake Bees on June 26, 2015. Member organizations were encouraged to cheer on the Bees as we celebrated “What I Live For.” This was a fun opportunity for families and employees to get together and promote safety while watching a great baseball game. After all, spending a fun night with family and friends is a great reminder of why we all want to stay safe at home, at work, and on the go. Picture A | Picture B | Picture C |
October 2015: The Utah Safety Council received several awards from the National Safety Council at the 2015 Congress and Expo in Atlanta for our Defensive Driving programs. The Utah Safety Council is one of 21 chapters within the National Safety Council. We received the Powerful Performance Awards and the Trendsetter Awards for our Defensive Driving Programs. Accepting the awards was Brandee Sommer, Vice President of Operations (pictured center in this photo).
Where we are Today in 2016
Celebrating in November. Look for more information as we get closer to the month.
During 2016 we have had the opportunity to visit many of our member companies. Click here to see pictures and learn more about these member companies. If you would like to schedule a time for the Utah Safety Council staff to come visit your facility please email safety@utahsafetycouncil.org.
Birthday Party and Celebration Kick-Off
02/09/2016 - We kicked off our 80 Years of Safety Celebration with a night at the movies. This was a fun opportunity for families and employees to celebrate this milestone with us while watching Kung Fu Panda. Prior to the movie we had 80th year themed cupcakes for all of our guests to enjoy. In addition to the movie, popcorn, soda and cupcakes we also held a raffle with fun giveaways. This evening was a complete success and we were so proud to celebrate with the people who help us make a difference in safety. View the pictures from this event.
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04/26/2016: After much work and planning on April 26th we launched our new website. With many new features such as a shopping cart, and a members only login we are excited for all of the new opportunities that this website will have to offer.
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Looking to the Future
Celebrating in December. Look for more information as we get closer to the month.
Shared Memories from our Members
We would like to say thank you for making these past 80 years possible. Without your support, we would not be where we are today. Check back often as we continue to post memories with our members.
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