The grant announcement includes $5 million for Disaster Response and Recovery Training Grants to provide critical health and safety training for workers who are engaged in disaster response, cleanup and rebuilding activities in the hurricane-impacted Gulf Coast region.
The grants will help train workers to avoid hazards related to confined spaces; electrical work; construction; hand and power tools; heavy equipment operation; slips, trips and falls; mold; water contamination; respiratory, chemical and biological hazards; and animal and insect bites.
"These grants are being awarded to ensure that workers in the Gulf Coast cleanup and recovery efforts are operating in a safe and healthy environment," said Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. "Much of the recovery work will involve heavy equipment and hazardous situations where the training these grants provide will enable workers to do their jobs more safely."
OSHA awarded additional grants in three categories:
- OSHA Training Materials Development Grants support the development, evaluation and validation of training materials for construction, work-related transportation hazards and other safety and health areas of interest.
- Targeted Topic Training Grants support training for construction and general industry hazards.
- Institutional Competency Building Grants help nonprofit organizations expand their safety and health training, education and outreach to assist workers on an ongoing basis.
"These funds open new opportunities in providing quality training for non-English speaking workers and others who work in high-hazard jobs," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Jonathan Snare. "The grants offer opportunities to train employees in targeted occupational safety and health topics and develop practical, user-friendly materials and curricula that will benefit workers in the future."
A complete list of the 2005 Susan Harwood Grant recipients is available at http://www.osha.gov.