PARK RIDGE, IL (Sept. 26, 2022) — The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Foundation
has received a second Susan Harwood education and training grant for $159,967 from the U.S.
Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), directly supporting the
ASSP Foundation’s development of free workplace safety and health instructional materials on
combatting infectious disease.
“Earning federal grants confirms the need in the greater community for new resources designed to
help safety and health professionals better protect workers in all industries,” said ASSP
Foundation Chair Trish Ennis, CSP, ARM, CRIS. “The creation of programs through these grants shows
our commitment to doing even more for the occupational safety and health community.”
This year’s OSHA grant distribution will enable nonprofit organizations to assist employers in
identifying infectious disease hazards – including coronavirus – and implementing preventive
measures to maintain safe workplaces. The ASSP Foundation will use the grant to produce live
virtual instruction on infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness and response for businesses
with 250 or fewer employees.
OSHA awards Harwood grants annually to nonprofits that develop training programs for small-business
employers and underserved vulnerable workers in high-hazard industries.
Last year, the ASSP Foundation was awarded a $74,960 Harwood grant to create free training
materials on personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to prevent falls from height. Three
education modules developed under the grant aim to assist construction, demolition and material
handling companies increase the proper use of PPE. A pilot training program recently took place
with 30 at-risk workers, demonstrating full-body harnesses, self-retracting devices, anchorage
connectors and other elements of fall arrest and restraint systems.
Working at height is inherently hazardous, exposing workers to significant risks that range from
falls from roofs, scaffolding and ladders to slips through floor and roof openings. Above-ground
work such as window washing and tree trimming remains a leading cause of injuries and OSHA
citations.
“Access to cost-effective and high-caliber PPE training has been an ongoing concern for employees
and small businesses,” Ennis said. “Our Foundation is now helping to fill that void.”
Chartered in 1990, the ASSP Foundation is the charitable arm of ASSP that has invested more than $5
million to improve occupational safety and health. Programs are solely supported by federal grants
and charitable donations from the ASSP community and corporations motivated to advance the
profession.
Stay informed of the ASSP Foundation’s latest initiatives and find out how to support its programs
by visiting www.assp.org/foundation.
About ASSP – Working together for a safer, stronger future
For more than 100 years, the American Society of Safety Professionals has been at the forefront of
helping occupational safety and health professionals protect people and property. The nonprofit
society is based in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge. Its global membership of 36,000 professionals
covers all industries, developing safety and health management plans that prevent injuries,
illnesses and fatalities. ASSP advances its members and the safety profession through education,
advocacy, standards and a professional community. Its flagship
publication, Professional Safety, is a longtime leader in the field. Visit www.assp.org and follow
us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.