Resources

Wisconsin Gov. Francis E. McGovern (1911-15) signed the first constitutional workers' compensation law on May 3, 1911.

Workers' Comp History

There is a wealth of valuable information just a click away that helps to tell the dramatic history of workers’ compensation.  Keep an eye on this page in the months ahead as we add and rotate various links that help to tell this proud story!

PBS' "American Experience" premiered "The Triangle Fire" on February 28, 2011, marking the centennial of the New York City industrial fire that killed 146 workers. The fire is recalled as a significant factor that helped to build momentum toward the enactment workers' compensation laws.

"Everybody Can Win" a Wisconsin Historical Society video of
policy successes of Professor John R. Commons

Professor Robert Asher’s article titled “The 1911 Wisconsin Workmen’s Compensation Law: A Study in Conservative Labor Reform,” from the Wisconsin Magazine of History archives

25th anniversary historical article from 1936 (PDF) titled “Looking Back 25 Years, State Points to ‘Great Glory’ That Grew From A Bitter Battle”

50th anniversary historical article from 1961 (PDF) titled “Industry’s Good Samaritan: 50 Years of Workmen’s Compensation in America”

View brief newspaper accounts of key early milestones:

• The Racine (Wis.) Daily Journal described the first workers' compensation award by the Wis. Industrial Commission in 1911.
• The Eau Claire (Wis.) Leader reported Ringling Bros. Circus was among the early employers to opt to provide workers' compensation insurance coverage for employees in 1912.

See more workers' comp resources:

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• Photo Gallery
• WC-Related Links