The George Meany Center(GMC) will pilot a NIEHS-funded project to use Advanced Training Technologies as part of the ongoing Rail Workers Hazmat Program. The urgent need for rail workers to receive training is evident by the volume of hazmat shipped each year. The pilot project is converting awareness level first responder training, which addresses learning objectives required by OSHA and DOT hazmat regulations, from classroom to web-based format. Once converted to on-line format, access to training greatly increases for 165,000 rail workers at risk of occupational exposure. Despite federal law mandating training, geographical and industrial roadblocks have prevented wider distribution of hazardous materials training. Since 1990, direct training has been delivered to 13,000 rail workers. This project will make hazmat training accessible to many more rail workers through a Rail Workers website, linked to websites of participating rail unions, resource organizations and government agencies. One hundred rail workers will participate in the pilot guided by a steering committee of GMC staff, peer trainers and union representatives to provide expertise to the design of the courseware. The existing network of peer trainers has been tapped for participation on the steering committee and as interactive facilitators in on-line training. Interactivity will also be built into the design of courseware. Self-evaluation techniques developed by the steering committee and outside expert consultants will be integrated into the interactive format. The pilot project is expected to demonstrate the usefulness of ATT in promoting the effectiveness of hazardous materials awareness, and worker health and safety programs.
Learning Objectives: Understand what hazardous materials are the associated risks in an emergency Understand potential outcomes associated with hazardous materials emergency situations Recognize the presence of hazardous materials Understand role of the first responder at the awareness level Recognize need for additional resources and notification of incidents to appropriate officials
Keywords: Hazardous Waste Workers, Access
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.