OSHA susan harwood project to fund occupational hazard training

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) awarded $800,000 in Block Grant funding to the Virginia Department of Labor & Industry on September 30, 2025, under the Occupational Safety and Health Susan Harwood Training Grants program (CFDA 17.502). This 12-month grant, with a completion date of September 30, 2026, supports the development and delivery of occupational safety and health training and educational programs focused on helping workers and employers recognize, avoid, and abate workplace hazards.

The grant funds instructor-led training delivery and educational materials development targeting disadvantaged and underserved worker populations, including young workers, temporary workers, minority workers, workers with limited English proficiency, and workers in small businesses that face barriers to occupational safety and health training. The Virginia Department of Labor & Industry will provide training services in high-hazard industries and industries with elevated fatality rates, with particular emphasis on OSHA-specified training topics and strategic priorities. Grant recipients are required to maintain comprehensive records for three years following grant closeout and participate in data collection and training impact evaluations to assess program effectiveness.