394 State Papers and Addresses

would impress upon employers and employees alike the necessity for devising
ways and means to reduce greatly, if not to wipe out completely, the many ac-
cidents that were occurring daily.

Not only do these accidents occasion immediate tragedy for the injured
worker and his family, but quite frequently the resulting disability is perma-
nent, and seriously interferes with the productive and earning capacity of the
worker during the remainder of his life.

Of vast importance, too, in a time like this, when every energy is being
directed toward the production of essential defense requirements for our
Country, accidents that interfere with this defense production—and every ac-
cident does, to some extent—result in a corresponding loss of effectiveness in
our efforts towards preparedness.

The encouraging features of such a movement as this is that in urging
preventive measures, we aren't merely theorizing, or hoping. It is an established
fact that intelligent attack upon the cause of accidents invariably brings its
result in lessened mishaps. Experience of industry in general throughout the
Country, and particular experience of certain industries within our own State,
where safety possibilities long have been recognized, and safety measures ap-
plied, furnish concrete proof that you can reduce the accident toll very greatly.
Furthermore, it has been established that such reduction accomplishes financial
savings fox both the worker and the employer, far surpassing the initial or
continuing cost of safety methods that may be installed.

It is a particular pleasure for me to approve and to participate actively in
such a general campaign against accidents, for we have recognized that our
citizens were paying an outrageously high price for transportation in the matter
of traffic accidents. More than two years ago we instituted a movement
throughout the State designed to affect this important phase of the safety
question, and have laid down a permanent foundation that gives promise of
gratifying results.

A review of your program convinces me that there have been presented
today, and will be presented tomorrow, safety messages, the application of
which can benefit any industry or business of which you men are representative
here tonight. I sincerely trust that the result of these conferences will mean
an awakened consciousness on the part of everyone connected with produc-
tion or distribution, that accidents can be stopped and that they will be stopped
if the proven practices already in effect in many concerns find more general
application throughout our State.

You may rest assured that, having taken the initial step in arranging this
conference, the State Industrial Accident Commission, and the State Adminis-
tration generally, will maintain close contact with developments along safety
lines. Through its Safety Director, and the Inspectors under him, the Industrial
Accident Commission will keep watch upon practices and conditions throughout
our many establishments, and will be at the service of industry and business
generally to help solve and correct any safety problems that may arise.

It is our hope everyone will find this 1$41 State-wide Conference of such
pronounced benefit, that it may become an annual affair, by means of which