DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS (March 5, 2002) - Supporting the advancement of education, research and professional development in occupational safety and health, the Puget Sound Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), based in Seattle, WA, recently donated $250 to the ASSE Foundation. The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Washington made the unexpected donation on the behalf of the Puget Sound Chapter in appreciation for the chapter's help with setting up a safety job advertisement online on the chapter's website for AGC.

The Puget Sound Chapter, one of the original ASSE chapters, has over 380 members and plays an active role in occupational safety, health and the environment in the state of Washington. The Puget Sound Chapter was also one of the first chapters to establish an ASSE website. For more information on the Puget Sound Chapter visit www.exit-18.com/PSC.

Through its programs the ASSE Foundation is committed to ensuring the future of the occupational safety and health profession by providing financial resources to individuals and organizations. This June the Foundation will award a wide variety of scholarships, fifteen in total, to occupational safety and health students across the country. Each year the Foundation awards funds for applied safety research, scholarships, fellowships, internships and professional development. Funding for the Foundation comes from corporations and voluntary donations from ASSE members - individual and through chapters countrywide.

Founded in 1911 and celebrating its 90th anniversary, ASSE is the oldest and largest professional safety organization and is dedicated to protecting people, property and the environment. Its over 30,000 members manage, supervise, and consult on safety, health and environmental issues in industry, insurance, government and education. For more information visit ASSE's website www.asse.org.