Pittsfield- State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield) announces today that the state Department of Industrial Accidents’ (DIA) Division of Safety has awarded Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a $21,616 Occupational Health and Safety Grant to provide safety training to their employees. 

“It’s great that MCLA has been given a boost to help reach their safety goals on campus.  A safe workplace and healthy workforce keeps folks free from injury and promotes workplace productivity,” remarked Downing.

Denise Richardello, Vice-President of External Relations & Enrollment Management at MCLA said, “this grant will allow MCLA to continue to offer important health and safety training to our facilities department leaders and safety committee members to ensure that they have a thorough understanding of how to establish, implement and lead the College in our safety management system.  This funding also allows the College to evaluate all potential hazards and changes in conditions or practices.”

Each year, DIA awards $800,000 in Safety Grants to organizations across the Commonwealth.  These grants allow organizations to train their workforce on appropriate safety measures with a focus on reduced workplace injury and increased productivity.  These grants are not limited to particular types of training.  Any safety training program that seeks to improve safety at the workplace is eligible for funding. 

To learn more about the Occupational Health and Safety Grant program and for application materials, please visit www.mass.gov/dia or contact the DIA Division of Safety at (617) 727-4900. 

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