Duckworth, Durbin Announce Nearly $750,000 for Worker Safety and Health Training in Illinois

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced a total of $744,580 today in federal funding to four Illinois entities to help workers and employers create a safer workplace by identifying preventive health measures for COVID-19 and other health hazards. The trainings will also include understanding worker rights and employer responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. These federal investments are awarded through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and are funded through the American Rescue Plan.

“American workers deserve every protection available to protect themselves from COVID-19,” Duckworth said. “I’m pleased that this funding is coming to Illinois, and I’ll keep working with Senator Durbin to help make sure workers have the training and resources they need to stay safe and healthy while on the job.” 

“Protecting the health and safety of American workers during the pandemic is critically important. It’s also imperative that we recognize the incredible sacrifices our essential workers have made,” Durbin said. “I’m proud to join Senator Duckworth in announcing this federal funding, which will help ensure Illinois workers know their rights and employers can improve workplace safety.”

The following entities will receive funding:

• Chicagoland Construction Safety Council is expected to receive $145,030 to provide training for 300 employers and workers in the construction industry on health hazards associated with COVID-19, including exposure control methods. Those receiving the training will be workers in high-hazard industries and small businesses with fewer than 250 workers.
• Latino Worker Safety Center is expected to receive $200,000 to provide training for 650 employers and workers in construction and general industries on health hazards associated with COVID-19, including chemical and respiratory safety and training for essential workers and those returning to work. Those receiving the training includes workers at small businesses, limited-English speaking, temporary and at-risk workers. Trainings will be provided in multiple languages.
• Northern Illinois University is expected to receive $199,550 to provide training for 500 employers and workers in the high risk industries on health hazards associated with COVID-19 as well as other infectious diseases. Those receiving the training will include limited-English speaking, low/non-literate, temporary, of color and at-risk workers.
• Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois is expected to receive $200,000 to provide training for employers and workers in the agriculture and grain handling industry on the health hazards associated with infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Those receiving the training will include workers at small businesses that are at high risk of infectious disease as well as temporary, limited-English proficient, Native Americans, low-literacy and other hard-to-reach workers. Trainings will be offered in both English and Spanish.

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