Description
WWII U.S. Army Safety Poster
Produced in 1943 by the U.S. Government Printing Office, this poster represents a shift in military propaganda focus. While combat-focused recruitment posters dominated early WWII, by 1943, the government also needed to address workplace and home safety to maintain productive civilian and military workforces.
The Great Seal Eagle:
- The bald eagle with outstretched wings references the Great Seal of the United States, conveying official government authority
- The green medical cross above symbolizes health, wellness, and protection
- The eagle’s commanding pose suggests strength and protection over the nation
- Red banner with “U.S. ARMY SAFETY PROGRAM” creates a striking focal point
- Blue banners listing three critical safety domains show the program’s comprehensive scope
- “E PLURIBUS UNUM” reinforces national unity in the safety mission
The poster targets safety in three essential areas:
- IN THE HOME – civilian casualty prevention, accident prevention
- ON THE HIGHWAY – vehicle safety and traffic safety (critical during wartime blackouts and rationing)
- IN THE PLANT – industrial workplace safety, factory accident preventionAs an original lithograph from the Government Printing Office with professional acid-free conservation mounting, this represents authentic WWII-era government messaging—a piece of American social history demonstrating how safety consciousness was integrated into the broader wartime mobilization effort.
This poster reflects an important but often overlooked aspect of WWII: keeping the home front functioning safely while millions of workers powered the war industry.
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