The US Department of Labor has announced a new funding opportunity that could help eligible organizations expand workplace safety education for laboratory personnel and other workers. On July 1, 2026, the department announced that $12.7 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants is available through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The grants support education and training programs that help employers and workers recognize, avoid, and prevent workplace hazards.
For laboratory leaders working within eligible colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, or other qualifying institutions, the announcement presents an opportunity to pursue external funding for workplace safety initiatives. The program emphasizes instructor-led training for small businesses and industries with elevated rates of injury and illness, making it relevant to many organizations that support laboratory operations.
Understanding the available funding categories
The Susan Harwood Training Grant Program offers two primary funding opportunities, allowing applicants to select the approach that best aligns with their training objectives. Laboratory leaders interested in pursuing funding should work with their institution's grants or sponsored research office to determine eligibility and prepare an application.
The first funding category, Targeted Topic Training, supports instructor-led education on OSHA-designated workplace hazards. The second, Training and Educational Materials Development, funds the creation of classroom-ready educational resources designed to help workers recognize and control workplace hazards.
For laboratory organizations, proposed programs could include training on chemical hygiene, bloodborne pathogens, personal protective equipment, and other workplace safety topics, depending on the project's scope. OSHA states that the grants may also support education on workers' rights and employers' responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Who is eligible to apply?
The grant program is intended for specific types of organizations rather than individual laboratories or for-profit companies. Eligible applicants include public and state colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, employer associations, labor unions, Indian tribes, OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, and organizations that operate OSHA On-Site Consultation programs.
Laboratories housed within eligible universities, nonprofit research institutes, or other qualifying organizations may be able to participate in grant applications submitted by their parent institution.
Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. EDT on July 31, 2026. Applicants must also be registered with the System for Award Management before submitting their proposal.
The grant program honors Susan Harwood, PhD, whose work over 17 years at OSHA contributed to the development of workplace safety standards addressing hazards such as benzene, formaldehyde, bloodborne pathogens, lead, and cotton dust.
Supporting laboratory safety through education
Safety training is an ongoing investment for laboratories managing complex equipment, hazardous chemicals, and evolving regulatory requirements. External funding can help eligible organizations expand training programs without relying exclusively on internal budgets.
Effective education helps laboratory personnel recognize workplace hazards, understand safe work practices, and stay informed about their rights and responsibilities under OSHA regulations. Organizations awarded Susan Harwood grants can use the funding to strengthen existing training programs or develop new educational resources tailored to their workforce.
Laboratory managers interested in the program should coordinate with their institution's grants office to determine eligibility and evaluate whether a proposed training initiative aligns with the program's funding priorities.
This article was created with the assistance of Generative AI and has undergone editorial review before publishing.
