WASHINGTON — Senator Chuck Grassley today announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has awarded a $174,978 grant to Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. The money is through the Susan Harwood Safety and Health Training Grant Program.
Kirkwood Community College will use the funds to develop, deliver and evaluate a 2.5 hour awareness-level combustible dust safety course addressing grain dust, bio-solids and other organic dusts such as sugar, flour and paper. Trainers will conduct 150 courses for 3,000 employers and employees primarily in agriculture, food processing and fiber sectors with a focus on grain elevators and ethanol bio-refineries in 14 Midwestern states.
"These funds will help Kirkwood Community College help educate and prepare the employers and employees in Iowa and the Midwest's growing bio-refinery industry about the potential health and safety hazards that could arise," Grassley said."