The Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education (OSH T&E) Program

The Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education Program is administered by the New York State Hazard Abatement Board in partnership with the New York State Department of Labor. This program is rooted in New York State Labor Law Article 29, which authorizes the Hazard Abatement Board to distribute grant funding for initiatives that improve workplace safety and health conditions. The program reflects the state’s commitment to reducing occupational injuries, illnesses, and exposure to hazardous conditions by supporting education and training efforts for workers and employers across New York State. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the development and delivery of occupational safety and health training programs. These programs are intended to educate employees and businesses on recognizing, evaluating, and mitigating workplace hazards. The initiative places emphasis on preventing occupational diseases and injuries, promoting compliance with safety regulations, and increasing awareness of worker protections such as the Right-to-Know Law. Training topics may include hazard identification, infectious disease prevention, ergonomic safety, chemical exposure, and workplace violence prevention, among others. Funding for this program totals approximately 5.9 million dollars and supports activities conducted during a defined contract period from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027. Funds are distributed on a competitive basis and reimbursed after expenses are incurred. Eligible uses of funds include training delivery, program development related to occupational safety, and education services that directly benefit workers. However, the program restricts funding for academic degree programs, general safety topics not tied to occupational hazards, stipends for trainees, and certain administrative or indirect costs beyond defined thresholds. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities operating within New York State, such as public and private businesses, labor organizations, municipalities, trade associations, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. Applicants must meet specific requirements including having at least two paid employees, maintaining good standing with labor and regulatory agencies, and being registered in the Statewide Financial System. Nonprofit organizations must also complete a prequalification process prior to submission. The application process requires submission through the Statewide Financial System portal and includes multiple required components such as a training summary, work plan, budget documentation, and compliance certifications related to equal opportunity and business participation goals. Proposals are evaluated based on program design, work plan quality, and cost effectiveness, with technical merit comprising the majority of the score. Evaluation criteria assess how well the proposed training addresses documented workplace hazards, the feasibility of implementation, and the anticipated impact on worker safety. The timeline for this funding opportunity begins with the release of the request for proposals on May 22, 2026. Questions are accepted through June 1, 2026, with responses posted through June 8, 2026. Final proposals must be submitted by June 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Award notifications are expected in Fall 2026, and funded projects must begin no later than August 1, 2026. The program operates on an annual cycle, and contracts are limited to a one-year period, although future funding opportunities may be offered in subsequent years. Overall, this program is designed to strengthen workplace safety infrastructure across New York State by equipping workers and employers with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent injuries and illnesses. It prioritizes practical, actionable training that can be implemented within a short timeframe and emphasizes measurable outcomes such as reduced incidents, improved compliance, and enhanced safety culture within organizations.

Focus on clearly documented workplace hazards strong program design and measurable safety outcomes ensure budget prioritizes direct training costs