Lifesaving Awards Nominations are now open for the 2026 Lifesaving Awards. The incident must have occurred between June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026.
What are the Lifesaving Awards?
Each year, the Governor’s Industrial Safety & Health Advisory Board recognizes workers in Washington state who saved a life while on the job.
The Lifesaving Awards highlights how acts of heroism can come from unexpected places – they can be people working in construction, factories, retail, and many other occupations. Teachers saving their students, utility workers rescuing strangers, office workers performing CPR to coworkers, and many other stories.
2026 Lifesaving Awards Guidelines
- The lifesaving action must have been performed while on duty and in an emergency.
- The incident must have occurred between June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026.
- The lifesaver is an employee in the state of Washington who is covered by industrial insurance.
- They personally performed urgently required “hands-on” action. In addition, the act must NOT be part of the employee’s normal work duties. It must be above and beyond the call of their profession.
- The application to nominate a lifesaver is submitted timely (June 30, 2026).
For more details, read the Lifesaving Application. Nomination Guidelines
The nominator will receive a response after the committee makes a decision based on the above criteria. Each award recipients will be contacted by our coordinator and recognized at our 75th Annual Governor’s Safety & Health Conference at The Greater Tacoma Convention Center on September 30, 2026. Award recipients are encouraged to attend to receive their award in person and invite guests to the ceremony.