Press Release

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MSA (NYSE: MSA), the global leader in the development and manufacture of safety products, announced today that its Pittsburgh-area facilities have been recognized as Platinum Level "Fit-Friendly Worksites" by the American Heart Association (AHA).  MSA, which employs approximately 1,300 people locally, was recognized for demonstrating outstanding quality in promoting employee nutrition and physical fitness.  The Platinum Level is the highest honor in the AHA's Fit-Friendly Worksites program. 

Instrumental in helping MSA earn this recognition was the company's wellness program called MSAFit.  Launched in 2003, the program provides associates with opportunities to improve their health and wellness by encouraging a healthy lifestyle.  MSAFit offers incentives to associates who actively participate in health-related activities including health screenings, lunchtime awareness classes, health-risk assessments, and walking programs.  Most recently, MSA enhanced its wellness program to include nutritional suggestions and healthy eating options at MSA's Cranberry Township facilities, with plans to implement similar improvements at other Pittsburgh-area locations in early 2013 as well. 

"At MSA, our people are the driving force behind our business success.  They allow us to achieve our mission, to protect life, and that's why we continue to invest in the health and wellness of our workforce," said Paul Uhler, Vice President of Global Human Resources and Corporate Communications for MSA.  "We are honored to receive this recognition from the AHA for our efforts to establish a wellness program of this caliber.  And we will remain committed to maintaining and improving this program for years to come," Mr. Uhler said.

A catalyst for positive change in the American workplace, the Fit-Friendly Worksites program recognizes companies that are distinguished in promoting worksite health and wellness.  This annual recognition is driven by a rigorous set of criteria and recognizes organizations on two levels, Gold and Platinum. 

In particular, the Platinum Level recognizes those organizations that offer employees suggestions for physical activities; increase healthy dining options at worksite cafeterias; promote the importance of wellness in the workplace; and implement at least nine of the AHA's healthy workplace criteria, which include physical activity, promoting nutrition within the workplace and demonstrating measurable outcomes.

MSA will formally accept the award from the AHA at the Top Walker and Award Luncheon today.

About MSA:      

Established in 1914, MSA is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures.  Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company's comprehensive line of products is used by workers around the world in a broad range of industries, including the fire service, the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, construction, mining and utilities, as well as the military.  Principal products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, handheld gas detection instruments, head protection products, fall protection devices and thermal imaging cameras. The company also provides a broad range of consumer and contractor safety products through a joint venture with MCR Safety.  These products are marketed and sold under the Safety Works^® brand.  MSA, based north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., has annual sales of approximately $1.2 billion, manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America, and 42 international locations.  Additional information is available on the company's Web site at www.MSAsafety.com.  Information on Safety Works products can be found at www.SafetyWorks.com.

SOURCE MSA

Mark Deasy, +1-724-741-8570