Safe • Skilled • Ready Workforce Program

Overview

The SSRW Program designs, implements, and evaluates foundational occupational safety and health training programs for young workers (ages 15–24), contingent workers (those with a job they do not expect to last, such as temporary agency, contract, and on-demand workers), and workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

NIOSH structures programs around eight core competencies to equip at-risk workers with the essential occupational safety and health knowledge. The eight core competencies include concepts related to the predictable and preventable nature of work-related injuries and illnesses; hazard recognition and control; employer responsibilities and worker rights; work-related emergencies; and communicating about safety problems at work.

Why it matters

New workers, including young workers and contingent workers are at high risk for workplace injuries and illnesses. Through the SSRW Program, NIOSH develops and implements programs that equip workers with the knowledge and skills for safe and healthy work.

Program priorities

The SSRW Program has selected research priorities and collaborated with other NIOSH research programs to write the research goals in the NIOSH Strategic Plan for FYs 2019-2026. Priority areas include (but are not limited to):

• Increase the use of existing safety and health programs and interventions and develop new programs and interventions for workers in non-standard work arrangements.
• Reduce injuries and musculoskeletal disorders among young workers, contingent workers, and other workers who are disproportionately affected by workplace injuries and illnesses.

Contacts

Contact the Safe • Skilled • Ready Workforce Program with any questions at SSRW@cdc.gov

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