Since 1990, the University of Michigan has evaluated the International Union of United Auto Workers' (UAW's) health and safety training programs funded by the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Training is directed at persons working in Independent Parts Supplier (IPS) plants. Borrowing a concept from contracts negotiated with the Big Three automakers (Ford, Chrysler, General Motors), the current research examines the development of a joint labor/management Hazardous Materials Review Committee (HMRC) training program at an IPS plant. The program is designed to provide HMRCs with the tools and skills to identify potential sources of incidents and preventive measures and establish appropriate procedures and policies for plant entry of hazardous substances. The 16-hour course includes a work site audit to evaluate specifics of emergency response planning, chemical storage, MSDSs, container labeling, personal protective equipment, electronic information resources, and process hazard analysis. During the course, participants create a checklist for evaluating chemicals that are proposed for use in the manufacturing facility. Program evaluation has several components: observation of training and meetings, qualitative and semi-quantitative pre and post training surveys and a six-month follow-up survey with members and key plant personnel. This study follows the progress of the HMRC from the planning stages through the first year of operation. Preliminary findings confirm the positive impact such a joint committee has on plant culture.
Learning Objectives: Objectives: At the conclusion, participants (learners) in this session will be able to: 1. articulate the benefits of a joint Hazardous Materials Review Committee (HMRC) training program 2. describe the essential features and components of HMRC training 3. describe the methods used to evaluate the program 4. apply lessons learned from this project to other on-site H&S training programs
Keywords: Hazards, Evaluation
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.