Center for Public Health Workforce Development

The Office of Public Health Practice has changed its name to the Center for Public Health Workforce Development.  Since 1998, the Office of Public Health Practice has been responsible for the continuing education and workforce development activities of the Rutgers School of Public Health.

The Center for Public Health Workforce Development is a leading provider of programs, training, and technical assistance.  Since our training center was initiated in 1977, we have trained over 750,000 individuals in occupational safety, environmental health, and public health topics.  Technical assistance provided to local health departments included development of logic models for tobacco control teams for their evaluation plans, training to implement quality improvement plans, and evaluating the impact programs have on workplace practice.

The Center for Public Health Workforce Development will continue our outstanding programming to meet the needs of our partners.  All of our existing projects will continue:

• Atlantic OSHA Education Center (OSHA)
• NJNY Hazardous Waste Worker Training Center (NIEHS)
• NYNJ Education and Research Center (NIOSH)
• Region 2 Public Health Training Center (HRSA)

We have invested thousands of hours to increase the capacity of the public health workforce, and our new name reflects the work we do.  The Center for Public Health Workforce Development continues to be the leader in developing public health programs for our partners in New Jersey, New York and beyond! 

New York City Council Approves new Construction Safety Training Bill

Workers will be required to complete a total of 40-55 hours of training.  Training requirements take effect March 2018 and are phased in over a period of two years. Required courses include OSHA Construction Outreach Training, fall protection, and other training. 

More information. 

Silica Webpage Updated

Information on silica hazards and related OSHA standards are now in one location on OSHA’s website. The updated silica page contains links to guidance on complying with OSHA’s silica standards in both construction and general industry and maritime, as well as information on silica sampling and analysis, health effects of silica exposure, and answers to frequently asked questions.

2018 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls to be held May 7-11

The fifth annual National Safety Stand-Down to prevent falls in construction will be held May 7-11, 2018. Sponsored by OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and CPWR — The Center for Construction Research and Training, the weeklong outreach event encourages employers and workers to pause during the work day to talk about fall hazards and prevention. In past years, more than 1 million workers participated in events.

OSHA Memorandum Outlines 30-Day Enforcement Plan for Silica Construction Standard

Enforcement of OSHA’s respirable crystalline silica standard for construction went into effect on Sept. 23. The agency announced in a September 20 memorandum a 30-day enforcement phase-in to help employers comply with the new standard. Citations may be considered for employers not making any efforts to comply. For more information on silica hazards and OSHA’s standard, visit the Silica Final Rule webpage.