US Department of Labor's OSHA seeks applications for $1.2 million in Susan Harwood safety and health training grants

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is soliciting applications under the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program to fund training for workers and employers in recognizing workplace hazards and control measures, and understanding their rights and responsibilities. A total of $1.2 million is available to nonprofit, community and faith-based organizations; employer associations; labor unions; joint labor/management associations; and colleges and universities.

"The Department of Labor is committed to ensuring that workers and employers are fully aware of health and safety hazards, and how they can be prevented," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The programs funded by these grants will supply hard-to-reach workers, small businesses and those in high-hazard industries with the knowledge and tools they need to support safe and healthful workplaces."

Two types of safety and health training grants will be awarded through this announcement: targeted topic training grants, and training and educational materials development grants.

Both types of grants are for one year, and support the development of quality training materials and programs addressing workplace hazards and prevention strategies for employees and employers. OSHA has designated the following topics: fall protection, grain handling operations, crane safety, workplace violence, hazard communication for chemical exposure, injury and illness prevention programs, and shipyard safety hazards.

Agencies of state and local governments are not eligible to apply for these grants. However, state and local government-supported institutions of higher education may apply in accordance with 29 Code of Federal Regulations Part 95.

The solicitation for grant applications is available at http://www.grants.gov. Applicants must register prior to completing the application. They are encouraged to begin the process as soon as possible, as it takes multiple days to complete. Applications must be submitted and received electronically no later than 4:30 p.m. EDT on May 17, 2012. No extensions of the deadline will be granted.

More information on the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program is available on OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov/dte/sharwood/. Questions from the public should be directed to Kimberly Mason at mason.kimberly@dol.gov or Jim Barnes at barnes.jim@dol.gov or 847-759-7700 (telephone).

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.