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.

ERC Trainees Visit Animal Shelter to Assess Workplace Risks

Occupational Health Nursing and Occupational Health at the Human-Animal Interface (OHHA) trainees participated in the Spring ERC training field trip this year. They visited the Seattle Animal Shelter in the Interbay area to tour the facility and discuss all of the occupational health issues that can occur in this unique setting. Some of the identified occupational health and safety risks included interaction with unknown animals, structural challenges, biological materials, slippery surfaces, accoustic controls and loud barking, teeth and claws, and compassion fatigue.

ERC trainee Max shared his experience on the field trip:

"There were a lot of best practices and safety implementations at the shelter. Examples include protocol for handling aggressive animals, isolation chambers prior to introducing new animals to the ones at the shelter for disease protection, and treatment options for the animals to prevent any disease outbreaks both to the people and animals. Other safety measures included housekeeping, which was very visible. All rooms in the facility were clean and dust free, which helps prevent exposures."