Disaster preparedness: Current activities of the NIEHS Worker Education and Training Program and its awardees in preparing skilled support personnel for disaster response and recovery

Worker safety and heath training saves lives. This is particularly true in the case of disaster preparedness. Yet worker safety and health is still not a priority for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or in the National Response Framework. DHS identified 15 planning scenarios that depict a diverse set of high-consequence threat scenarios of both potential terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Collectively, the 15 scenarios are designed to focus contingency planning for homeland security preparedness work at all levels of government and with the private sector. The scenarios form the basis for coordinated federal planning, training, exercises, and grant investments needed to prepare for emergencies of all types.

Based on its experience responding to several national disasters, the NIEHS Worker Education and Training Program launched a preparedness initiative designed to address safety and health training needs of first responders, disaster recovery workers and skilled support personnel based on the 15 planning scenarios. This interactive presentation will describe the products developed by the NIEHS WETP to prepare workers for disasters before they happen. It will also address the challenges faced in training immigrant workers and volunteers who respond to disasters. Attendees will be invited to discuss issues and gaps in knowledge regarding preparedness and will gain valuable information on the training tools developed by NIEHS WETP and its National Clearinghouse.

Professionals involved in training curricula development and implementation for workers involved in emergency response and recovery, officials involved in public preparedness, and emergency management personnel are encouraged to attend.