Content area
Full Text
Frank E. Bird Jr. is considered a true pioneer in the occupational safety profession. His concepts and ideas have been applied in many settings, across many countries. An ASSE Fellow, he received many distinguished honors throughout his career. In this tribute, two of his colleagues and frequent collaborators review his significant career and groundbreaking contributions to safety. Read another tribute to Mr. Bird, written by David Wilbanks, in ASSE's Society Update, Vol. 11, No. 8, www..asse.org/societyupdate.
Frank E. Bird Jr. was born in Netcong, NJ, and graduated from Netcong High School in 1939. He attended Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA, and Albright College in Reading, PA, earning a B.S. in history and science. He was president of his class and his fraternity. Later, he completed graduate work in industrial safety at New York University.
A member of the U.S. Navy from December 1942 to August 1946, Frank became a pharmacist mate, bought some books and equipment, and prepared to serve as a medic for the ship's crew and the Marines they took to sea. Taking Marines into Iwo Jima on pontoon boats, under heavy fire and in turbulent waters, Frank heard the shouted words, "Hey Doc, somebody's hurt and bleeding bad." A young Marine was in the water, his leg helplessly caught between two pontoons. Frank sprang overboard and, finding that the Marine's leg could not be extricated, he amputated the crushed leg and fashioned a temporary tourniquet. Under heavy fire, he carried the Marine to shore and saved his life. Frank left the Navy as a chief petty officer.
Through the years, he worked (some of it part time) as a truck driver, laborer, machine operator, cook, cigar store clerk, ice man, service club youth director, waterfront director, Boy Scout leader, baseball organizer, and instructor for first aid, safety and swimming.
The Lukens Steel Co. Years
In 1951, Frank put his plans for medical school on hold and, to support his family, went to work at Lukens Steel Co. in Coatesville, PA. At that time, Lukens was the largest independent specialty steel company in the U.S., with nearly 5,000 employees. Starting as a second helper at the open hearth, he soon was asked to become a safety trainee and rose rapidly to...