1.22.2007 - 12:29pm ET

(CSRwire) PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Alcoa Foundation today awarded $100,000 to the Foundation for Indiana University of Pennsylvania to support a national forum on fatality prevention in the workplace, hosted by IUP’s Safety Sciences Department.

The two-day forum, scheduled to take place later this year, will focus on causes of workplace fatalities, identify best practices and solutions for preventing fatalities and determine areas of future safety research that would drive significant safety improvement in the workplace.

“Zero work-related injuries and illnesses have been long-standing goals for Alcoa. We believe world class safety performance is attainable through dedicated effort. IUP has a strong safety sciences program that aligns with Alcoa’s safety vision,” said Jeff Shockey, Alcoa Corporate Safety Director. “At Alcoa, one of our guiding Principles is that we will value human life above all else and manage risk accordingly. One life lost, is one too many. Alcoa Foundation is pleased to support IUP’s efforts to host a forum focused on the value of human life and the critical aspects of fatality prevention,” Shockey said.

“Raising awareness about safety issues, risk management and accident prevention across the entire community is one of Alcoa Foundation’s four Areas of Excellence. Learnings from our workplaces can build safer practices throughout the community,” said Meg McDonald, President Alcoa Foundation.

“This project reflects IUP’s commitment to building significant community partnerships and serving as a resource for the region and for the Commonwealth,” said IUP President Dr. Tony Atwater. “IUP’s Safety Sciences program has an outstanding reputation, as does Alcoa, and this is a most appropriate collaboration and opportunity to address this important subject for employers regionally and throughout the nation and world,” Dr. Atwater said.

“The reliance on traditional approaches to fatality prevention has not always proven effective,” said Dr. Lon Ferguson, chair of the IUP Safety Sciences Department. “This fact has been demonstrated by many companies, including some thought of as top performers in worker safety and health, as they continue to experience fatalities while at the same time achieving benchmark performance in reducing less serious injuries and occupational illnesses.” Dr. Ferguson will work with representatives from industry, labor and government to develop the agenda for the forum.

About Alcoa Foundation

Established in 1952, Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in improving the quality of life in the countries around the world where Alcoa operates. The Foundation's grants address global and local needs in Areas of Excellence that include: Conservation and Sustainability, Global Education and Workplace Skills, Business and Community Partnerships and Safe and Healthy Children and Families. Alcoa Foundation manages Alcoa’s ACTION and Bravo! programs which recognize the volunteer efforts of employees with grants to the organizations they serve. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, visit www.alcoa.com, under Community.

About Alcoa

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap® foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 129,000 employees in 44 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com

About IUP Department of Safety Sciences

In 1971, the Department of Safety Sciences was established within the College of Health and Human Services at IUP to conduct professional programs in occupational safety and health.

The department offers B.S., M.S and Graduate Certificate of Recognition programs in Safety Sciences with both the M.S. and Certificate Programs offered on-line. To date, more than 2,500 safety and health professionals have graduated from these programs with placement rates consistently above 90 percent. These graduates have excelled in their careers and are employed in a variety of industries, such as oil, chemicals, construction, steel, insurance, and manufacturing. IUP’s bachelor’s program in safety sciences is one of 12 safety programs that is accredited by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology in Safety. More information can be found at http://www.iup.edu/safetysciences. IUP is a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.