US Department of Labor's OSHA seeks applications for $1.5 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, through which a total of $1.5 million is available to nonprofit, community and faith-based organizations; employer associations; labor unions; joint labor/management associations; and colleges and universities. The grants will fund training and education for workers and employers in recognizing workplace safety and health hazards and prevention measures, and understanding their rights and responsibilities.

"The Department of Labor is committed to ensuring that businesses and workers are aware of and can prevent safety and health hazards," said acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris. "These grants will fund programs that will supply hard-to-reach workers, those in high-hazard industries and small businesses 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 will support the development of quality training materials and programs addressing workplace hazards and prevention strategies for workers and employers. OSHA has designated the following topics: fall protection in construction, agricultural safety including grain handling operations, hair and nail salon hazards, ergonomic hazards, hazard communication for chemical exposure, injury and illness prevention programs, and workplace violence. Target audiences include underserved, low-literacy workers in high-hazard industries.

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 Thursday, June 13. No extensions of the deadline will be granted.

OSHA has developed a webinar to assist prospective applicants in understanding the application process. The webinar will be available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, on OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov/dte/sharwood/2013_solicitation.html during the solicitation period.

More information on the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program is available on OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov/dte/sharwood/index.html. Questions from the public should be directed to Heather Wanderski or Jim Barnes at harwoodgrants@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 about the agency, visit http://www.osha.gov.