Judith A. Daltuva, MSW, MA¹, Melina Williams, MPH¹, Thomas G. Robins, MD, MPH¹, Luis A. Vazquez, MPH², Peter Dooley², and Samuel Orlando³. (1) Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 109 Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, 734 936 0756, jdal@umich.edu, (2) UAW Health and Safety Department, 8000 East Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214, (3) UAW Local 1637, UAW Health and Safety Department, 8000 East Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214

What accounts for the longevity of an occupational health and safety training program? This study indicates that adaptation to shifting circumstances, opportunities, and capabilities is critical. We present results from a formative evaluation of the evolution of the United Automobile Workers’ (UAW) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences–funded health and safety training over the nearly 15 years of its existence. This qualitative evaluation is based on document review and in-depth interviews with current and former UAW worker-trainers, UAW health and safety staff, and union and university personnel. These resources are used to draw a comprehensive picture of the program’s development, analyzing the factors that shaped the program as well as the effects that changes have had on the training delivered. The training program has undergone major modifications in the underlying model, the methods of instruction, and the curriculum and content of the training. The most notable changes have been 1) the transition from lecture-based training to training that relies primarily on the small-group activity method and 2) the conversion from using the union’s professional health and safety staff as lead instructors to giving worker-trainers an increasingly responsible role. Several factors, including ongoing curriculum development, facilitated these changes. This study finds that these changes have improved the efficacy and relevance of the training program, even in the context of continuing challenges. Lessons that may apply to similar training programs are explored.

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