Chicago Skyline to Turn Green for Safety During National Safety Month

Iconic buildings partner with the National Safety Council to raise awareness of preventable deaths

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May 30, 2017, 11:00 ET

ITASCA, Ill., May 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council applauds building owners across Chicago for agreeing to light their properties green in observance of June as National Safety Month. The Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago (BOMA) approved the Council's lighting request, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois building, Prudential Plaza and The Wrigley Building, 400-410 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill., already have agreed to participate. The National Safety Council is calling on other iconic buildings and skyscrapers both in Chicago and across the country to follow suit and help educate the public about the unprecedented rise in preventable deaths – commonly known as "accidents."

"Our 'Sweet Home Chicago' is literally lighting the way for safety," said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. "There is nothing more important than keeping each other safe, and we are proud that our hometown is leading that charge."

Every four minutes, someone dies from a preventable cause such as a poisoning, car crash or fall. Preventable injuries account for more deaths each year than strokes, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes or suicides. More than 4,640 Illinoisans died from preventable incidents in 2014ⁱ and poisonings – driven by the opioid crisis – are the leading cause of preventable death across the state.ⁱⁱ

Iconic buildings including the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois building, Prudential Plaza and The Wrigley Building, 400-410 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill., will light their buildings green within the June 1-7 timeframe. The buildings participate in the BOMA Building Lighting Partner Program – an initiative to light up the skyline for various civic and philanthropic causes. In addition to lighting the buildings green, properties have the option of using their lights to spell out various messages. For National Safety Month, participating building owners are encouraged to use the slogan, "Be Safe."

The National Safety Council observes National Safety Month every June to raise awareness about the everyday safety risks facing Americans and offer tips and resources to reduce harm. This year's theme, Keep Each Other Safe, underscores the role every individual plays in the effort to eliminate preventable deaths. The National Safety Council is highlighting some of the leading causes of preventable injuries throughout the month, including fatigue, falls and workplace violence. The Council also is offering its world-class online First Aid course for free June 1-11.

Visit nsc.org/nsm for additional information and free resources. Building managers who decide to light their building green are encouraged to let the Council know by emailing [email protected] or promoting their participation on Twitter using the hashtag, #KeepEachOtherSafe.

About the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by eliminating preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities.

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ⁱ According to Injury Facts 2017
ⁱⁱ According to Injury Facts 2017

SOURCE National Safety Council