Environmental Career Worker Training Program

Rutgers Biomedical And Health Sciences, Newark NJ

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Atlantic Center for Occupational Health and Safety Training ECWTP Abstract The Atlantic Center for Occupational Health and Safety Training has a long history of effective training that meets the requirements of OSHA 29CFR1910.120, providing hazardous materials knowledge and skills to over 506,000 workers since 1987. Our Center has effectively trained unemployed and underemployed individuals in job skills and environmental clean up procedures. The courses develop competency in workers to critically analyze dangerous situations, and enable them to identify safe work practices. Key principals of adult education are incorporated into our training, and 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 date collected on impact of training on workplace practice, as well as how training can more effectively influence workplace safety culture. Our Center has effectively been able to place our program graduates in sustainable jobs. The ECWTP will utilize focused strategies to recruit, train and employ underserved residents living in disadvantaged communities for construction and environmental remediation work. The primary training providers continue to be the NYC District Council of Carpenters and Make the Road New York. We have long-term, effective partnerships in minority and underserved communities that help reinforce occupational health and worker education, and mitigate health disparities at the community level. Our Center includes training in environmental justice, health and safety, and life skills, preparing trainees for a career in the environmental industry. Over the next five years, the Center proposes to train 825 individuals in 50 cohorts, in 210 courses, providing 161,250 contact hours. The program will place at least 80% of graduates in environmental careers in the construction trades and as Community Health Workers (CHWs).