ISRI offers free safety training as part of federal grant program

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The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Washington, has announced the formation of a “Hazard Recognition in Recycling” safety training program, a series of free classes across the country. The program is the result of $140,000 in funding ISRI received as part of the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program administered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

“The offering of a free Hazard Recognition in Recycling training program further emphasizes that safety is a core value for ISRI,” says Terry Cirone, vice president of safety for ISRI. “This program is unique in that it is designed specifically for the recycling industry. Every company in the industry, including those who are not ISRI members, should take advantage of this training. We are extremely grateful to OSHA for distinguishing ISRI’s qualifications to deliver high-quality safety training and the importance of hazard recognition in recycling.”

The course is designed for recyclers of all commodities who want employees to learn more about hazard recognition and mitigation in the operations environment. This includes:

how to do a PPE hazard assessment;

how to recognize the hazards of and safely work around mobile equipment;

the importance of proper PPE;

an understanding of the importance of the control of hazardous energy (LOTO);

good housekeeping practices;

how to recognize fire hazards; and

hazard communication in the workplace.

Those attending the class also learn what a hazard assessment is and, through group work, how to build a PPE job hazard assessment. Each free class is approximately 7.5 hours long and is open to ISRI members and nonmembers. Classes already have been held in Massachusetts, California and Texas. Additional sessions are currently scheduled in North Carolina and Alabama, with more being added.

In addition to the class, the funding includes the development of safety training materials that are offered in English and Spanish.

OSHA’s Harwood Grant Program awards grants annually to nonprofit organizations, such as ISRI, on a competitive basis. According to OSHA the focus of the program includes providing “training and education for workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance and prevention of safety and health hazards in their workplaces.”

For additional information, including how to host a class at your facility, please contact ISRI Safety at ISRIsafety@isri.org.

Details on all ISRI safety training programs, resources and news can be found on the ISRI Safety website, www.isri.org/safety-best-practices/isri-safety.