PARK RIDGE, IL — The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) believes companies must make occupational safety and health a priority regardless of their size, operation or industry. The ASSP Foundation supports that objective with the help of donors that are motivated to make a difference for workers around the globe. The result is fewer injuries, illnesses and fatalities on the job.

Several corporate donors have recently demonstrated their commitment to advancing occupational safety and health by working with the ASSP Foundation in specific ways, ensuring their corporate gifts help more individuals thrive in safety and health careers to protect workers everywhere.

“It’s due to the generosity of donors that we can help so many people move ahead in the safety and health profession,” said ASSP Foundation Chair Trish Ennis, CSP, ARM, CRIS.

Amazon, Canadian National Railway Company and Liberty Mutual Insurance are top contributors to the ASSP Foundation’s Resource for Safety Fund, which supports programming across the board. Donations to this fund are invested in the occupational safety and health community to assist with career guidance, education and leadership development. The programs draw newcomers to the safety profession, and help current professionals and students expand their knowledge and skills. Amazon’s donation was the largest single gift to date to the ASSP Foundation.

Heather MacDougall, vice president of worldwide workplace health at safety at Amazon, said: “The health and safety of our employees is our number one priority – and has been since day one. Our commitment to safety extends beyond our sites, and we are excited to continue our investment in the ASSP Foundation for a second year in a row. We know that by collaborating with ASSP, we are supporting a growing network of empowered individuals who are focused on making the world a safer place.”

Support for the ASSP Foundation’s Workforce Development Program has been led by charter donor Liberty Mutual. “Investing in occupational safety and health as a desirable and attainable career is an investment in our collective future,” said Eric Sachleben, Liberty Mutual east division manager and ASSP Foundation trustee.

L’Oreal has made its first donation to the ASSP Foundation’s Professional Education Grant Program, which supports practicing safety professionals who are working to advance their careers through certification, college coursework, conference attendance and similar learning opportunities.

The Academic Scholarship Program has been supported by several organizations this year to help students pursue degrees related to occupational safety and health at colleges and universities across the country. Key donors this past year include Amazon, American Contractors Insurance Group, Canadian National Railway Company, ISN, Liberty Mutual, Texas Safety Foundation, UPS and The Walt Disney Company. First-time donor Canadian National Railway Company has implemented a year-long giving program to support ASSP Foundation’s mission.

“The support of our donor community reflects a growing recognition that safety and health professionals play vital roles in protecting workers across all industries,” Ennis said.

The ASSP Foundation – the charitable arm of ASSP that was chartered in 1990 – promotes occupational safety and health as a career choice and works to build a sustainable talent pipeline to make all industries safer worldwide. Its programs and services are solely supported by charitable donations from the ASSP community and corporations motivated to support the profession. The ASSP Foundation has invested more than $5 million into the occupational safety and health community to develop opportunities for career guidance, education and leadership development. The charitable effort is designed to attract new individuals to the profession as well as enhance the knowledge and skills of current safety students and professionals.

For more information on the ASSP Foundation and its programs, please visit www.assp.org/foundation.

About ASSP – Working together for a safer, stronger future
For more than 100 years, the American Society of Safety Professionals has been at the forefront of helping occupational safety and health professionals protect people and property. The nonprofit society is based in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge. Its global membership of 36,000 professionals covers all industries, developing safety and health management plans that prevent injuries, illnesses and deaths. ASSP advances its members and the safety profession through education, advocacy, standards and a professional community. Its flagship publication, Professional Safety, is a longtime leader in the field. Visit www.assp.org and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.