Founder’s Day - Delaware Safety Council Honors Its Legacy of Firsts

Delaware Safety Council, the nation’s first state safety council, proudly announces its Founders’ Day to honor a thriving legacy that continues to shape safety throughout the state of Delaware and the entire nation. The council was founded on June 4th, 1919, by Irénée du Pont which marks 104 years of safer systems, laws, and protocols as a result. Since its founding, Delaware Safety Council has been at the forefront of various safety training programs, including workplace, roadway, and school safety. With its remarkable growth over the century, the original ideas and policies created by the Founders ultimately set the foundation.

Founders’ Day is a symbol of dedication and commitment that the founder, Irénée du Pont, held towards advancing safety practices. Du Pont’s innovative spirit and passion for improving safety techniques became the blueprint and revolutionized policies not only in the state of Delaware, but nationwide. Delaware Safety Council takes immense pride in acknowledging that our founder was extremely invaluable to ensuring the safety of Delawareans. From the first traffic light in the city of Wilmington, to the first statewide vehicle inspections, to the first to offer drivers’ education in Delaware high schools, it all stemmed from Irénée du Pont’s innovation and passion for driving positive change.

“Safety in my father’s house was a continuous process. Ladders had non-skid feet. Fire extinguishers were in easy reach. There was a fire hose and hydrant in the bushes beside the back door. We had to wear wool clothes while setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July,” said Irénée du Pont Jr., son of the founder.

Founders’ Day serves as an occasion to reflect upon the creative ability and awareness that Mr. du Pont carried each day. On one notable occasion, du Pont’s family was to stay on the top floor in the finest hotel in Palm Beach. He refused the room due to the establishment having wood foundations and insisted to stay on the ground floor. Coincidently during that vacation, a fire started, and the hotel burnt to the ground within minutes. Mr. du Pont’s constant focus on safety, no matter the situation or location, impacted the lives of his family for the better. His cautious intuition showed increased awareness and concern demonstrating a sense of leadership in the field of safety.

Delaware Safety Council recognizes that Mr. du Pont not only transformed the state of Delaware, but the entire country. Mr. du Pont decided to create stronger safety glass by incorporating plastic in windshields to reduce fatalities in automobile accidents. After recognizing the success of this invention, a year later all 1926 Cadillacs included the new laminated safety glass, and it became standard use. The simple but impactful improvements made by our founder continue to be utilized in every car present in the United States today.

Delaware as a state holds a rich history that sets it apart from others. Being the first state to ratify the Constitution, it provided the community with a head start to develop over time. With this, the du Pont family’s contributions made their mark on the entire state, connecting the Delaware Safety Council to Hagley and the company of DuPont itself.
As we celebrate Founders’ Day, throughout the month of June, the Delaware Safety Council remains committed to upholding the legacy of Irénée du Pont and continuing his mission of safety. His protocols and laws will continue to thrive and inspire future generations to prioritize safety in every aspect of life.

For additional information about our Founders’ and Delaware Safety Council programs, please visit our website www.delawaresafety.org.

Delaware as a state holds a rich history that sets it apart from others. Being the first state to ratify the Constitution, it provided the community with a head start to develop over time. With this, the du Pont family’s contributions made their mark on the entire state, connecting the Delaware Safety Council to Hagley and the company of DuPont itself.

As we celebrate Founders’ Day, throughout the month of June, the Delaware Safety Council remains committed to upholding the legacy of Irénée du Pont and continuing his mission of safety. His protocols and laws will continue to thrive and inspire future generations to prioritize safety in every aspect of life.

For additional information about our Founders’ and Delaware Safety Council programs, please visit our website www.delawaresafety.org.