The NJ/NY Hazardous Materials Worker Training Center has a long history of effective training that meets the requirements of OSHA 29CFR1910.120, providing hazardous materials knowledge and skills to over 450,000 workers since 1987. Our Center will train workers about safety issues during clean-up hazardous waste sites, issues related to generation, treatment and storage of hazardous materials, and emergency response. 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 is applying for funding for the HWWT, ECWT, and HDPT programs. The focus of the HWWT program is to provide comprehensive training for workers who clean-up hazardous waste sites, are involved in the generation, treatment and storage of hazardous materials, and respond to transportation and other emergencies. Over the next five years, the Center proposes to train 51,890 workers in 2,315 courses in the HWWTP. The ECWTP will utilize focused strategies to recruit, train and employ underserved residents living in disadvantaged communities for construction and environmental remediation work. The Center has 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 year, the Center proposes to train 300 workers in 75 courses in the ECWTP. 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. Over the next five years, the Center proposes to train 14,191 workers in 740 courses in the HDPTP.
The NJ/NY Hazardous Materials Worker Training Center will provide training in hazardous materials, environmental careers, and disaster preparedness in Federal Region 2. The public health impact of training provided by the Center will prevent and reduce injuries and illness due to potential risks during hazardous waste operations, emergency and disaster response. Training provided is the vital to educating workers in safety and health issues.
| Weidner, B L; Gotsch, A R; Delnevo, C D et al. (1998) Worker health and safety training: assessing impact among responders. Am J Ind Med 33:241-6 |
| Abatemarco, D J; Delnevo, C D; Rosen, M et al. (1995) Medical surveillance practices of blue collar and white collar hazardous waste workers. J Occup Environ Med 37:578-82 |
| Gotsch, A R; Weidner, B L (1994) Strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of training programs. Occup Med 9:171-88 |
