Susan Harwood Training Grant Program
Program Overview

The Susan Harwood Training Grant Program funds occupational safety and health training for workers and employers across the United States. Through this program, OSHA awards competitive grants to eligible nonprofit and other organizations, which then deliver hands-on training focused on recognizing, avoiding, and preventing workplace hazards. The program also helps workers understand their rights and helps employers understand their responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act.

Note: This program depends on Congressional approval and appropriation of funds to the Department of Labor.

A Brief History

OSHA launched this program in 1978 under the name "New Directions," awarding multi-year grants to organizations working toward financial self-sufficiency in safety training. Many of those original grantee organizations are still providing workplace safety training today.

In 1997, the program was renamed in honor of Susan Harwood, a former director of the Office of Risk Assessment in OSHA's Health Standards Directorate. During her 17 years at OSHA, Ms. Harwood helped develop OSHA standards on critical worker protections related to bloodborne pathogens, cotton dust, benzene, formaldehyde, asbestos, and lead in construction.

What the Program Does

Each year, OSHA selects a set of priority training topics based on workplace fatality data, national safety emphasis programs, and pending regulations. Grant recipients then develop and deliver training on those topics for workers and employers in general industry, construction, and other sectors.

Training priorities focus on:

  • Small businesses, which often have fewer safety resources
  • High-hazard industries with elevated injury or fatality rates
  • Workers facing barriers to accessing safety and health training

Topics may address both common and emerging workplace safety issues and can change from year to year.

Who Can Apply

The following types of organizations are eligible to apply:

  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
  • 501(c)(5) labor, agricultural, and horticultural organizations
  • 501(c)(6) trade associations
  • State and local government-supported institutions of higher education
  • Other organizations identified by OSHA

How to Apply

OSHA announces grant opportunities by publishing a Notice of Funding Opportunity in the Federal Register and posting application instructions on Grants.gov — the federal government's central grant application portal.

Key things to know:

  • All applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov
  • Applications are only accepted during the published open application period
  • Organizations must complete Grants.gov registration before submitting an application
  • Awards are typically announced by the end of the federal fiscal year

Visit Grants.gov – For Applicants to register and get started.

Training Resources

Best Practices Guide: OSHA has developed a Best Practices for Development, Delivery, and Evaluation of Susan Harwood Training Grants guide to help grantees plan and deliver high-quality training.

Finding Training: Workers and employers can find Harwood-funded training classes in their area at current Harwood training or by contacting their local OSHA Regional Office. Each regional office has a dedicated program coordinator.

Free Training Materials: Many grantees develop training materials as part of their grant work. These materials are available for free at OSHA's training materials library and may be used for non-commercial, instructional, or workplace safety purposes. Materials may not be modified or used for commercial purposes without written permission from the copyright holder.

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