Tumwater, WA – For most people, saving a life isn’t part of their official job duties; yet every year in Washington, people are saved by coworkers and complete strangers who are on the job. Sometimes it’s stopping an attack or rescuing a car crash victim, and other times it’s performing CPR.
If you know someone who helped save a life while at work, now is the time to nominate them for the 2016 Governor’s Lifesaving Awards. The awards, sponsored by the Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board, are presented to workers in Washington who saved a life in the past 12 months. The heroic act must have occurred during work hours and taken place between June 1, 2015 and May 31, 2016. The deadline for nominations is June 30.
All workers covered by the state workers’ compensation system or a self-insured employer are eligible to be nominated. The nominee must have performed “hands-on” aid in saving a life. For law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and other similar professions, the lifesaving action cannot be part of their normal job responsibilities; it must be above and beyond the call of duty.
Past winners have received the award for actions like performing the Heimlich maneuver, rescuing a family lost in the wilderness and other heroic acts. The board also presents humanitarian awards to people who, despite their best efforts, were unable to save the life of the victim.
Last year, 32 people were recognized with lifesaving and humanitarian awards. Nomination forms are available at www.wagovconf.org. For more information or questions, please call 1-888-451-2004 or send email to info@wagovconf.org.
Award recipients will be featured guests at the Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference on Sept. 29 at the Spokane Convention Center. The conference is sponsored by the Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board and the Department of Labor & Industries.
For more information about the conference, call toll-free 1-888-451-2004. TDD users may call 360-902-5797.
Source: WA L&I