OSHA has been awarding training and education grants since 1978. The following are examples of safety and health topics that have been funded through the grant program in recent years. Construction Ergonomics Food processing Lead in construction Preventing lifting injuries in medical facilities Safety and health programs for small businesses Scaffolding OSHA has made awards to safety and health organizations, employer associations, labor organizations, educational institutions, and other nonprofit organizations. One grantee funded by OSHA, a safety and health organization, trained small businesses about OSHA requirements and then provided on-site assistance in setting up safety programs. Other grantees have included national unions that trained trainers to teach members in their local areas, employer associations training members in OSHA requirements so that they could bring their businesses into compliance, and a university working with labor and management to conduct joint training about abating hazards.
Any nonprofit organization is eligible to apply.
OSHA rates the applications submitted in response to the announcement based on factors such as program design, safety and health experience, training experience, experience administering grants, and budget request. In addition, grantees must contribute a minimum of 20 percent of the total project costs. Grants are awarded for one year and may be renewed for additional 12-month periods depending on whether there are funds available, there is still a need for the training, and the grantee has performed satisfactorily. There is usually one grant application deadline each year. It is intended as a general description only and does not carry the force of legal opinion.