NIEHS Worker Training Program Making an Impact in Alaska

The NIEHS Worker Training Program (WTP) is a significant and integral national training element of the NIEHS “Hazardous Substance Basic Research and Training Program” authorized by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (42 USC 9660).

These Hazardous Waste program awardees provide health and safety training for workers who are, or can be, exposed to hazardous materials and waste as part of their jobs or during emergency response.

In budget year 2015-2016, NIEHS WTP awardees provided 63courses to over 1,000 workers under the Hazardous Waste and Hazmat Disaster Worker Training Programs in Alaska. 

The NIEHS WTP was able to make a difference in the life of Candice Saunders, an unemployed, single mother from Allakaket, Alaska, population 107. Candice completed the RACEJT Program which gave her skills in solid waste management, job training, and MS Word and Excel skills. When the community's Indian General Assistance (IGAP) Coordinator left their position, Candice had the skills to step up and save her small community. Read more about the NIEHS WTP program's impact in Alaska here!

The University of Washington is proud to be part of the Western Region Universities Consortium (WRUC), which consists of four university-based programs located in the Western United States offering NIEHS WTP training. Read more about the UW NIEHS Worker Training Program here.

The Northwest Center Participates in Region-wide Outreach

Nancy meeting with Dede Montgomery
and Kent Anger

Northwest Center Continuing Education Director, Nancy Simcox, participated in several recent outreach activities. Outreach is a key component of the Northwest Center mission, and contributes to our efforts to create valuable community partnerships with others working in health and safety.

"As part of our NWC outreach activities this past month, I attended the Oregon Governor's Occupational Safety and Health Conference and the Alaska Governor's Safety and Health Conference. These regional conferences provide us great opportunities to connect with practitioners and NWCOHS alumni to share research, resources and upcoming professional development course offerings.  

Lynda Kreps from the University of
Alaska visiting the NWC booth

It's always great to visit with many of our colleagues like Dede Montgomery and Kent Anger in Oregon.  I enjoy meeting with new health and safety professionals to exchange ideas and solicit information from those who are working to prevent injuries and illnesses inthe workplace. As the new Director of AKOSH,  Deborah Kelly shared new regulatory changes, training ideas and new emphasis areas for Alaska during her great keynote presentation.  I also discussed our new NWC Professional Training Opportunities Program with students and staff from University of Alaska Anchorage including Diane Runge, Dean of AAU-CTC."

Making new connections
in AK for the NWC PTOP
Program!