***MEDIA ADVISORY***

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew LaPlant 561-297-3022, alaplant@fau.edu

FAU to Graduate Students in Florida's Only Accredited Program for Construction Safety

BOCA RATON, FL (May 18, 2005) - Florida Atlantic University's College of Architecture, Urban and Public Affairs will hold a graduation for their Accredited Program for Construction Safety (APCS) on Friday, May 20 at 1 p.m. on the FAU Commercial Blvd. campus, 1515 West Commercial Blvd.

APCS is the only program of its kind in Florida. FAU partnered with Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OHSA) and the University of South Florida to offer courses in this area around the state. It is accredited by OHSA.

OHSA is increasing the number of compliance officers in an effort to reduce the highest fatality and injury rates in the United States. "The solution to the problem of high death and injury rates in our community is training, education and awareness as found in the safety courses offered at FAU," said Luis Santiago, director of the OSHA Fort Lauderdale area office. "I have sent many of our compliance officers to these classes to take advantage of the excellent hands-on, effective training they receive there."

Students who graduate from this course work will have the accreditation to be able to work as a safety professional on a construction site.

For more information on the program, please contact Gene Ouellette at 954-229-4179.

-FAU-