Hazmat Disaster Preparedness Training Program

Rutgers Biomedical And Health Sciences, Newark NJ

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Abstract

Atlantic Center for Occupational Health and Safety Training HDPTP 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 will train workers about safety issues during emergencies and disasters. Our Center has effectively trained workers and volunteers to respond safely to disasters including Ebola, Hurricanes, and other national disasters. 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. The Center proposes to expand our efforts by including the Northeast New York COSH (NENYCOSH) to provide training in the NY State Capital (Albany) Region. The HDPT program enhances the safety and health of current hazardous materials workers and chemical responders by delivering training to workers responding to disaster. These 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 will also adapt and develop training to address emerging issues, such as resiliency, climate change, and opioids as they impact worker health and safety. Over the next five years, the Center proposes to train 9,335 workers in 560 courses resulting in 76,416 contact hours in the HDPTP.