Darryl Begaye, BMWE and Brenda M. Cantrell, BA. Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program, George Meany Center for Labor Studies-National Labor College, 10000 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20903, (301) 4331-5435, bcantrell@georgemeany.org

A Native American peer trainer from the Railway Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program presents successes in three separate types of outreach programs focusing on Native American Rail Workers. Specifically, the programs target members of the Diné (Navajo) Nation who, in large numbers, maintain rail tracks throughout the Western half of the United States. These individuals generally work in road gangs and are usually away from home for more than a week at a time. Many do not speak English or are not fluent in reading and speaking the English language. They work dangerous jobs and are exposed to a myriad of hazardous substances on a daily basis. Four programs are discussed: 1) Blend of on-line and classroom training with a peer trainer in motel rooms after work hours, while out on a week-long road gang; 2) Special classes for Native American railworkers in Nevada and on the Diné Nation in Arizona; 3) Special blended class in Chinle Arizona for both railworkers and community members. Combinations of classroom, on-line, mentored training, and full dress-out simulation are discussed by a Diné peer trainer. This trainer, with more than 20 years on the railroad and several years experience as a peer trainer, discusses these programs and their importance to Native American railworkers who otherwise would not have received training. The program is funded by a grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences through the George Meany Center for Labor Studies-National Labor College.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify specific learning needs for Native American track workers away from home for long periods of time.
• Assess peer training innovations to reach Native American railworkers.
• Develop blends of classroom, on-line, and mentored learning specific to the Hazmat training needs of hard to reach populations.

Keywords: Training, Native Americans

Related Web page: www.hazmatgmc.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.