News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 5, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke says safety comes first in the workplace

SPOKANE - Noting that an average of two Washington workers die each week on the job, Gov. Gary Locke today called upon workers and employers to ensure "getting the job done" takes a back seat to safety.

"Productive work is only meaningful if it is performed safely," Locke told the 49th Governor's Industrial Safety and Health Conference at the Spokane Convention Center.

"It doesn't matter if you're a worker or an employer. Workplace safety and health happen because people make them happen," Locke said. "They are simple matters of personal attitude and personal responsibility."

The governor said he learned firsthand in 1994 as King County executive how an industrial tragedy can cast a shadow over a project. At that time, two workers were killed during a round-the-clock effort to restore ceiling tiles in the Kingdome.

"It was a brutal reminder that getting the job done always takes a back seat to the most important consideration - getting the work done safely," the governor said. He added the project was finished without additional safety incidents.

Locke said Washington was taking innovative and unique approaches to ensure worker safety.

He cited a school-to-work program which focuses on educating teenagers and their teachers about job hazards and ways to prevent them.

"Young workers are wonderful assets to a company with their boundless energy, friendliness and enthusiasm," Locke said. But he added they are not miniature adults.

"They are just learning how to make responsible choices, and this is the perfect opportunity to help them develop safe, healthful and responsible work habits and attitudes in school, work and other areas of their lives," Locke said.

The two-day conference, which is sponsored by the Governor's Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board and state Department of Labor and Industries, draws approximately 2,000 safety professionals. Their goal is to create safer and more healthful workplaces.

» Return to this month's News Releases
» View News Release Archive

Access Washington