DES PLAINES, IL (May 9, 2001) -- In an effort to promote occupational safety research aimed at generating innovative and results-oriented ideas, the American Society of Safety Engineers Foundation (ASSEF) announced today a new 'Cash Awards Competition.'

      As part of a National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) grant ASSEF is sponsoring a cash awards competition to tap into the experience and expertise of safety professionals, academicians, researchers, students, employers, and employees to generate innovative ideas for occupational safety research that will help in the prevention of workplace injuries and fatalities. ASSEF has identified four specific areas of workplace safety research for the competition. Complete competition information can be found on ASSE's web site at http://www.asse.org/foundat_cashcomp.htm. The deadline to submit proposals is September 1, 2001.

      The cash awards program is seeking research ideas that will lead to potential countermeasures where further research will prove the efficacy of these measures to prevent or ameliorate occupational injuries and fatalities. Substantiation or proof of such research ideas may lead to their application in the workplace. This could not only enhance specific functions, but also lead to the totality of occupational safety and health program improvements. ASSEF and NIOSH are seeking ideas for potential counter resources research into four categories:

1) Slips, trips, and falls in general industry and on construction sites. Falls have been a leading cause of accidental deaths in the U.S. since the early 19th century. Workplace falls are very significant because they can and do, inflict serious injuries and fatalities, and they cause other secondary accidents. Many falls from elevation are initiated by slip or trip occurrences or not using appropriate fall protection equipment;

2) Injuries and fatalities caused by exposure to unguarded machinery and equipment in general industry and on construction sites (loto/guarding). The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other public sector bodies continue to report that moving machine parts have the potential for causing severe workplace injuries, such as crushed fingers or hands, amputations, burns, and blindness, just to name a few. Safeguards are essential for protecting workers. Machine guarding and related machinery violations continuously rank among the top 10 of OSHA citations issued;

3) Electrocution in general industry and in specific applications of the public utility industry and the Department of Defense (DOD). Statistics show that exposure to electricity is a major cause of deaths among construction, utility, and DOD workers. The view has been expressed that perhaps the most serious concern is working "live" or near live wires, instead of de-energizing and using lockout/tagout procedures. It has been theorized that among non-electricians, failure to avoid live overhead power lines and lack of basic electrical safety knowledge are the major concerns. Electrocutions are the fourth leading cause of death among U.S. construction workers;

4) Fatalities and injuries during material handling in both general industry and on construction sites. OSHA has summarized that handling and storing materials involves diverse operations such as hoisting tons of steel with a crane, driving a truck loaded with concrete blocks, manually carrying bags and material, and stacking drums, barrels, kegs, lumber, or loose bricks. The efficient handling and storing of materials is vital to industry. These operations provide a continuous flow of raw materials, parts, and assemblies through the workplace, and ensure that materials are available when needed. Improper handling and storing of materials can cause costly injuries.

      In addition, the ASSEF is interested in suggested research ideas or concepts addressing personal protection equipment (PPE) in any of the listed research categories of this competition.

      The awards will be divided among the winning categories in the competition as follows: For each category there will be a "1st Prize" worth $1,500 (four awards); a "2nd Prize" worth $1,000 (four awards); and a "3rd Prize" worth $750 (four awards).

      This competition is open to any individual or group except those participating in its sponsorship. Persons excluded include employees of NIOSH, ASSE and their immediate families. All proposals should be submitted by September 1, 2001 with six copies to: PROPOSAL UNIT/Attn: ASSEF/CoPA, 1800 E. Oakton Street, Des Plaines, IL 60018 or by e-mail to customerservice@asse.org. Faxed submittals will not be accepted. Written questions concerning the competition can be submitted to the above address or electronically. No phone inquiries will be answered.

      Through its programs the ASSEF is committed to ensuring the future of occupational safety and health by providing financial resources to individuals and organizations by awarding funds for applied safety research, scholarships, fellowships, internships and professional development. The Foundation seeks to advance safety and health development and research and education in the public interest. Founded in 1911, the non-profit ASSE is the world's largest and oldest professional safety organization. Its 32,000 members located throughout the U.S. and the world, manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in industry, government, education and insurance.