OSHA has awarded $10.6 million to 61 nonprofit organizations for safety and health training programs as part of its Susan Harwood Training Grants. Grant monies were awarded for workers employed in high-risk activities or hazards and those affected by new or revised OSHA standards.

The grants target safety and health training programs in construction; bloodborne pathogens; ergonomics; electrical power generation, transmission and distribution; and hard-to-reach workers. The five training topics are based on injuries and illnesses in selected industries identified in the OSHA Strategic Plan.

"These grants are a key part of OSHA's safety and health partnership and compliance assistance programs with workers and employers that contribute to our overall safety and health mission," said U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

Through a national competition open to all non-profit organizations, 28 new grantees were selected, including 15 that provide outreach to Hispanic workers. Grant recipients include five universities or colleges, four labor-management councils, five unions, four employer associations and ten other non-profit organizations.