Chicago Skyline Turning Green For National Safety Month

Iconic buildings are partnering with the National Safety Council to raise awareness of preventable deaths.

Every four minutes, someone dies from a preventable cause such as a poisoning, car crash, or fall. In fact, 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 2014¹ and poisonings – driven by the opioid crisis – are the leading cause of preventable death across the state.²

chicago skyline
Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan. (Credit: Thinkstock)

With preventing these kinds of accidents in mind, building owners across Chicago have agreed to light their properties green in observance of June as National Safety Month. The Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago (BOMA) approved the National Safety Council’s lighting request, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Prudential Plaza and The Wrigley Building, 400-410 North Michigan Ave. 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.

“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.”

Participating buildings 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 the National Safety Council website for additional information and free resources.

¹ According to Injury Facts 2017
² According to Injury Facts 2017