History of the Green Cross

The most recognizable symbol associated with the National Safety Council is undoubtedly the Green Cross for Safety.

But the Green Cross and the council didn’t begin at the same time. In 1913, the council’s emblem was the Universal Cross for Safety — a white cross on a green field, often paired with wings. Green symbolized youth, white indicated purity and sincerity of purpose, and the cross was a symbol of mercy. Each wing represented power and safety; combined they stood for protection.

The Green Cross was created in the 1940s to identify fund-raising activities but quickly became a more recognizable safety symbol in the public’s eye. It was even said: “as the Red Cross is the great ‘Mother of Mercy,’ may the Green Cross be the great "Father of Prevention.’”

The council adopted the Green Cross for Safety as its official emblem in 1947. And in 2002, the council adopted an additional cross to use in identifying the council’s work.