Atlantic Center for Occupational Health and Safety Training

Rutgers Biomedical And Health Sciences, Newark NJ

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Atlantic Center for Occupational Health and Safety Training Overall Abstract The Atlantic Center for Occupational Health and Safety Training has a long history of effective training, providing over 5.1 million contact hours of hazardous materials knowledge and skills, reaching over 506,000 workers since 1987. Our Center will train workers about safety issues during hazardous waste site clean-up, issues related to generation, treatment and storage of hazardous materials, emergency response, and disaster preparedness and response. Our Center will also provide career development training to unemployed and underemployed individuals, creating sustainable careers in environmental health and safety. The courses develop competency in workers to critically analyze dangerous situations, enable them to identify safe work practices, and make workplaces safer. Key principals of adult education are incorporated into our training. Courses are developed to include peer-learning, hands-on activities, and development critical thinking skills. The Center has a robust evaluation plan and will continue to expand the types of data collected on the impact of training on workplace practice, as well as how training can more effectively influence workplace safety culture. The Center adheres to the principles identified in the NIEHS Minimum Criteria Document. Training provided by the Center is aligned with several sections of the NIEHS Strategic Plan. The Center proposes to continue training through the HWWTP, HDPTP, and ECWTP programs. The HWWTP provides core hazardous waste and emergency response training. The training provides critical knowledge and skills for those requiring training under 29CFR1910.120 and other occupational safety and health standards. Our Center proposes to expand our capacity to reach underserved groups throughout Region 2 by adding The City College at the City University (CCNY) and The Work Environment Council of New Jersey (NJWEC). Over the next five years, the Center proposes 26,380 workers in 1,835 courses, providing 387,640 contact hours of training in the HWWTP. The HDPTP enhances the safety and health of current hazardous materials workers and chemical responders by delivering training to workers and volunteers responding to disasters. The courses focus on prevention and preparedness so that disaster response personnel are aware of safety and health hazards and mitigation techniques before they initiate a disaster response. The Center proposes to add the Northeast New York Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (NENYCOSH) to provide training in the NY State Capital (Albany) Region. Over the next five years, the Center proposes to train 9,335 workers in 560 courses resulting in 76,415 contact hours in the HDPTP. The ECWTP provides training to unemployed and underemployed individuals. The program creates career paths in environmental health, allowing trainees to achieve sustainable employment. The program targets minority communities with high unemployment and high poverty rates in low-income areas in New York City and New Jersey. The Center proposes to add Make the Road New York to the ECWTP to increase the employment opportunities for disadvantaged immigrants. Over the next five years, the Center proposes to train 825 individuals in 50 cohorts, in 210 courses, providing 161,250 contact hours in the ECWTP.