Assessing and Preparing for Disasters

Program Summary/Abstract (HDPTP) The Tony Mazzocchi Center (TMC) seeks continued HDPTP funding for our extensive training Trust in Training partnership involving over two million at-risk hazardous materials workers, chemical responders, and skilled support personnel. We will conduct 64 courses for 1,200 workers and responders resulting in 10,920 hours of training per year. Over the next five-years, we propose 320 courses that will reach 6,000 workers, resulting in 54,600 hours of training. The proposal outlines enhancements to the Specialized Emergency Response Trainers (SERTs) team, including strengthening the team with additional training to aid in disaster response efforts. It also emphasizes building local partnerships for proactive training and integrating mental health first aid into disaster preparedness programs. Furthermore, the Community Mapping Project aims to improve resource allocation and staff deployment efficiency, while new training will address updated Risk Management Program rules for handling hazardous chemicals, in collaboration with key occupational health and safety organizations. Target Populations: The TMC partnership has an exceptionally large, at-risk population spanning across the United States, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Together our partnership reaches workers in varied sectors who are exposed to hazardous substances/materials covered by OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910, EPA 40 CFR 311, and DOT 49 CFR 171-177.