National Safety Council News Release June 12, 2002

For Immediate Release					
June 12, 2002							
Contact: Joe Larkin
630-775-2303

President Bush Commends National Safety Month Efforts

Itasca, IL - The National Safety Council (NSC) designates each June as National Safety Month to increase public awareness of the dangers Americans face each day.  President Bush sent a letter of commendation to the NSC for its National Safety Month 2002 efforts *to provide life-saving information to the public and for its work to promote sound practices and procedures.*  

Unintentional injuries and deaths are a serious problem in the United States. Last year, 51,500 deaths occurred in the home and community, while motor vehicle crashes accounted for 43,500 deaths, and 5,200 people died at work (2001 edition Injury Facts, National Safety Council).  

NSC President and Chief Executive Officer Alan C. McMillan said, *we thank President Bush for his support and for his awareness of the safety and health issues faced each day by Americans on our highways, in homes and communities, and in the workplace. Advancements in safety, such as improvements in technology and new legislation have created a safer environment for Americans -- yet the accidental death toll continues to rise. President Bush*s letter encourages all Americans to remember the importance of health and safety in our lives.*

This year, with the assistance of Liberty Mutual Group, Lowe's Home Safety Council, and United Parcel Service along with support from many other companies and organizations, the NSC is conducting an internet-based public information campaign along with a media campaign featuring several issue-specific news releases and eight different nationwide public service announcements to call attention to safety and health hazards in all walks of life. The Council believes that the increased attention toward living safely will continue throughout the year and ultimately decrease the number of unintentional injuries and deaths.

The National Safety Council is a not-for-profit, nongovernmental public service organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health.  NSC members represent over 37,500 business and labor organizations, schools, public agencies, private groups and individuals.  For additional information about National Safety Month activities, visit the Council*s website <http://www.nsc.org/nsm/index.htm>. 

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