The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) has been awarded a $160,000 Susan Harwood Training Grant by the U.S. Department of Labor. The grant, which will be used for ReMA’s fire safety and prevention educational programs, was awarded in support of workplace safety, health training, and education programs.
“We’re thrilled to be selected as a recipient of a 2025 Susan Harwood Training Grant,” said Dr. Ryan Nolte, ReMA director of safety outreach. “The grant assists ReMA in continuing its high bar of fire safety and hazard prevention classes that positively impact our members. Safety is ReMA’s number one core value, and our programs educate the recycled materials industry on safe work environments and encourage preventative measures.”
ReMA was recognized by the Department of Labor for its efforts to help workers and employers recognize serious workplace hazards, employ injury prevention, and understand workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities under federal law. Funded through the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program, the grants are awarded in three categories: Targeted Topic Training, Training and Educational Materials Development, and Capacity Building grants.
The program’s name and purpose reflect the legacy of the former director of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Office of Risk Assessment, Dr. Susan Harwood. In 17 years with OSHA, the late Dr. Harwood was instrumental in developing federal standards that today protect people from workplace hazards, including asbestos, benzene, bloodborne pathogens, cotton dust, formaldehyde, and lead.
OSHA awards grants to non-profit organizations, including community and faith-based groups, employer associations, labor unions, joint labor-management associations, Native American tribes and local and state-sponsored colleges and universities. Target trainees include small-business employers and underserved vulnerable workers in high-hazard industries.
This funding allows ReMA’s safety team to deliver a comprehensive safety program to industry members across the U.S. at no cost. Since its inception, ReMA’s program has trained over 1,000 industry workers, enhancing safety standards nationwide.
“It’s not about if but when we will have fires and how prepared you are,” said Jerry Sjogren, ReMA’s senior director of safety. “The training we provide through this grant prepares recyclers so they can better protect their employees and facilities.”
The grant ensures continued access to essential fire safety and hazard prevention training, promoting safer work environments in the recycled materials industry.
For more information, contact Senior Director of Safety Outreach, Ryan Nolte & Senior Director of Safety Jerry Sjogren.
Photo by Piotr Chrobot on Unsplash.
