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ASSP Marks Anniversary of Deadly Fire that Spurred Workplace Safety

3/20/2025

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) will recognize the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire victims 114 years after the national tragedy on March 25, 1911. The aftermath and the lessons learned from the catastrophic fire, the deadliest industrial disaster in New York City history, advanced fire safety measures in workplaces.

ASSP will pay tribute to the 146 garment workers who perished by observing a moment of silence on the exact time (4:45 p.m.) of the first alarm, and encourages other organizations to do the same.

As the fire spread, fire exit doors were locked, making it impossible for many of the workers to exit the building and burning flames.

“The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire motivated our nation to address workplace safety in an organized way that didn’t previously exist,” said ASSP president Pam Walaski. “The tragedy led to a series of laws and regulations that better protected workers. It also caused a concerned group of insurance company safety engineers to start an organization that is now ASSP.”

Access more information on ASSP’s website.

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