A trove of free workplace safety and health training materials is available to employers and workers thanks to a long-running innovative grant program offered by Oregon OSHA.
The materials are designed to improve safety and health in high-hazard industries in Oregon. They address a variety of topics, including construction, firefighters and emergency response, forestry, health care, and compliance with certain safety and health standards.
Oregon OSHA encourages employers and workers to review, use, and share the materials, some of which are provided in Spanish and English: osha.oregon.gov/edu/grants/train/Pages/default.aspx#training
The creators of the materials include labor and employer groups, educational institutions affiliated with labor or employer groups, and nonprofits. The materials include:
Oregon OSHA accepts grant applications annually to create innovative workplace safety or health training or education projects (the application process for this year is closed). The division prioritizes projects that engage workers on essential workplace safety or health topics. Projects may include an immersive training video or a well-designed safety publication or a multi-media package of best practices for a specific job task.
A grant application may concentrate on a specific work process, targeting a reduction or elimination of related hazards. Any labor or employer group, educational institution that is affiliated with a labor or employer group, or other nonprofit entity may apply.
All grant materials become available to the public. More information about the grant program is available here: osha.oregon.gov/edu/grants/Pages/default.aspx
The Oregon Legislature launched the Occupational Safety and Health Education and Training Grant Program in 1990. Award recommendations are made by Oregon OSHA's Safe Employment Education and Training Advisory Committee, a group with members from business, labor, and government.