Starting July 1, Oregon OSHA will accept applications for the development of innovative workplace safety and health training programs. Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, encourages unique projects such as mobile apps, videos, or online educational games to engage workers. The training grants will focus on programs that target a high hazard Oregon industry (construction, agriculture, young workers, etc.) or a specific work process to reduce or eliminate hazards. Any labor consortium, employer consortium, association, educational institution affiliated with a labor group, or other nonprofit organization may apply. Applicants may apply for up to $40,000 per grant project without a requirement for any matching dollars or in-kind contributions. Grant applications are due Oct. 9, 2015. Some examples of past grant projects include: * A bilingual training program for hazard identification; * A video on Christmas tree harvest safety; * An online training program to help workers comply with electrical standards; * An educational program for prevention of ergonomic-related injuries for nurses. The Oregon State Legislature established the grant program in 1990. Employers cannot use the program to fund training projects for their employees. Materials produced by grant recipients become the property of Oregon OSHA. They are housed in the Oregon OSHA Resource Center and are available to the public for checkout from the library. Some programs are also available online. Grant application information is available at http://www.orosha.org/grant-programs.html. Contact Teri Watson at 503-947-7406 or teri.a.watson@oregon.gov for more information.
