NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Hazardous Materials Worker Health and Safety Training program for workers and responders

Official title: Hazardous Materials Worker Health and Safety Training (U45), Cooperative Agreement

Funded at University of Massachusetts Lowell · NIH-11378749 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A large training program helps workers exposed to hazardous materials learn safety, health protections, and disaster response skills.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lowell, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 1992
Project endMay 31, 2030
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$1,298,372
NIH project number5U45ES006172-35
Project IDNIH-11378749 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates include adults who work with hazardous materials, participate in disaster response, or engage in cleanup operations in New England and New York.

Less likely to help

Workers not participating in training or those outside the target regions may not directly benefit.

What this research studies

This grant funds a Northeast Hazardous Waste Worker Training Program led by a collaboration of a university, labor unions, and safety coalitions to reach workers in New England and New York. The program uses hands-on, learner-centered education to teach health and safety practices, with a focus on preventing injuries and supporting safe responses to disasters and cleanups. It plans to train thousands of workers annually over five years, emphasizing evidence-based methods and outreach to underserved populations. The aim is to improve workplace safety culture and reduce health risks for people who handle hazardous materials or participate in emergency responses.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, workers will gain essential safety skills that could reduce injuries and health problems on the job.

How similar studies have gone: Past program activity has trained tens of thousands of workers with reported safety improvements and knowledge gains.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Massachusetts Lowell
    Lowell, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Turcotte, David — University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Study coordinator: Turcotte, David

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.