OSHA announces availability of Susan Harwood Training Grants

Washington – OSHA has announced that $10.5 million in grants is available as part of the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program, which may be heading for elimination in fiscal year 2018 after almost 40 years of existence.

The grants are distributed to nonprofit organizations for worker and employer safety training and education. More than 2.1 million workers have been trained through the program since 1978, according to OSHA.

During a June 7 hearing before the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, Secretary of Labor R. Alexander Acosta said DOL plans to replace the program with direct training.

“Recipients will create in-person, hands-on training and educational programs and develop materials for workers and employers in small businesses; industries with high injury, illness and fatality rates; and vulnerable workers who are underserved, have limited English proficiency or are temporary workers,” a July 14 OSHA press release states.

Applications for the 2017 grants must be received by Aug. 28. Anyone applying must register at www.Grants.gov and in the System for Award Management. Applicants also must have a D-U-N-S number, a unique nine-digit identifier that can be obtained for free from Dun & Bradstreet. For questions, call (847) 759-7926 or email [email protected].