The U.S. Department of Labor has taken a proactive step in promoting safe and healthy workplaces nationwide. With over $12.7 million in available funding, the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program aims to empower workers and employers through comprehensive training initiatives. These grants prioritize safety management systems that effectively address workplace hazards, educate workers about their rights, and enhance employers' understanding of their responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Grant Opportunities for Safety Training
Administered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program encompasses three funding opportunities, These grants focus on Targeted Topic Training, Training and Educational Materials Development, and Capacity Building for nonprofit organizations. By emphasizing these areas, the program delivers instructor-led training to small businesses, high-risk industries, and vulnerable populations, including those with limited English proficiency or temporary workers.
Targeted Topic Training
Grant recipients are required to provide training on OSHA-designated workplace safety and health hazards through the Targeted Topic Training grants. This funding initiative supports educational programs that identify and prevent workplace hazards. By addressing specific risks, organizations equip workers and employers with the knowledge and skills to effectively mitigate potential dangers.
Training and Educational Materials Development
The Susan Harwood Training Grant Program also allocates funding for developing high-quality training resources. Through the Training and Educational Materials Development grants, organizations create classroom-ready materials that identify and prevent workplace hazards. By providing comprehensive training materials, organization enhances their ability to deliver effective safety education to workers and employers.
Capacity Building
The program includes Capacity Building grants to support the expansion of safety and health education programs. These grants empower organizations to develop new training initiatives, assess needs, and plan comprehensive safety and health education programs. By increasing their training capacity, organizations can have a vast impact on worker safety and health across various industries and populations.
Application Process and Support
To apply for the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program, organizations must register with grants.gov and SAM.gov. The deadline for the grant applications is July 7, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. OSHA hosted a webinar titled "How to Prepare a Competitive Susan Harwood Training Grant Application" on May 25, 2023, to assist applicants in submitting competitive applications.
Empowering Safety Management Systems
The Susan Harwood Training Grant Program significantly contributes to the enhancement of safety management systems nationwide. By providing financial support to nonprofit organizations, including community-based and grassroots organizations, the program facilitates the development of free workplace safety and health training initiatives. These programs equip workers and employers with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify, prevent, and control hazards, fostering safer working environments for all.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Susan Harwood Training Grant Program demonstrates a genuine commitment to improving worker safety and health. With substantial grant funding available, the program supports training initiatives that empower workers and employers through effective safety management systems. Through targeted training, development of educational materials, and capacity building, organizations can create safer workplaces and ensure compliance with OSHA.