Northern Illinois University is starting 2026 with a renewed commitment to workplace safety thanks to a significant . This is the seventh year that NIU has received the Susan Harwood Federal Safety and Health Training Grant and is offering free courses through its Continuing and Professional Education Unit, which houses the National Safety Education Center.
This grant, one of OSHA’s most respected and competitive funding sources, supports small businesses with under 250 employees to provide critical safety education to workers who face heightened risk on the job. The training is intended for workers and employers in industries with both high hazards and fatality rates and workers facing barriers to occupational safety and health training. For NIU, this funding represents both an opportunity and a responsibility: An opportunity to deliver high-impact training across multiple industries, and a responsibility to ensure workers and employers alike benefit from practical, research-based safety knowledge that can prevent injuries and save lives.
Training sessions will range from two to four hours and will be offered through classroom instruction in NIU’s modern, well-equipped facilities. On-site training can also be arranged for organizations that prefer delivery at their own locations. Participants from any geographic region are welcome to attend, and all courses will be conducted in English. Training is scheduled to begin in February 2026.
The Chicagoland Construction Safety Council, located in Hillside, Illinois, was also amongst the recipients of the 2025 grant. The council partners with Northern Illinois University to create the National Safety Education Center, an OSHA Training Institute Education Center, and received $380,620 to offer targeted training on five construction safety topics: electrical hazards, work zone hazards, harmful silica, excavation dangers and fall protection.
The Susan Harwood Training Grant has long played an essential role in improving workplace conditions, particularly for underserved populations and high-hazard industries. NIU’s selection for a 2025 award highlights the university’s strong track record in delivering accessible, applied and effective safety training. With this grant, NIU will focus on six essential safety topics: Fire safety, lockout/tagout, personal protective equipment, confined space entry, warehouse and forklift safety, and machine guarding, each of which addresses hazards known to contribute to serious injuries, regulatory violations and operational disruptions.
Fire safety training will provide workers with a deeper understanding of how fires ignite and spread, the importance of early detection and the steps needed to respond effectively when an emergency occurs. Many industrial and commercial workplaces contain flammable materials or ignition sources, and our approach will emphasize prevention, emergency planning and practical response strategies that can make a meaningful difference in critical moments.
Lockout/tagout training will address one of the most consistently cited OSHA standards and an area where lapses can have devastating consequences. Our program will break down the procedures required to control hazardous energy, illustrating the importance of careful planning and disciplined execution during maintenance or service operations. This training will help workers and employers build confidence in their ability to protect themselves and others through proper LOTO practices.
Personal protective equipment, despite being a cornerstone of workplace safety, continues to be misunderstood or improperly used in many settings. We aim to change that by offering instruction not only on choosing appropriate equipment but also on proper fit, care, inspection and storage. This training will highlight real-world examples of how correct PPE use can prevent injuries and reinforce safety culture.
Confined space entry remains one of the most dangerous tasks in many industries. Our training will help participants understand the inherent risks of confined spaces, such as atmospheric hazards and entrapment dangers, while also covering permit requirements, safe entry protocols and emergency response considerations. The goal is to equip workers with the knowledge and confidence they need to approach confined space work with the seriousness it demands.
Warehouse and forklift safety training will address risks associated with material handling, equipment operation, pedestrian traffic and facility layout. As distribution centers continue to expand and demand increases, so too do the hazards faced by workers in fast-paced warehouse environments. NIU’s instructors will focus on practical strategies that reduce collisions, improve visibility and promote safer daily operations.
Machine guarding instruction will round out our trainings by addressing the risks posed by unguarded or improperly maintained equipment. Participants will learn how machine guards function, how to inspect them and how to identify common failure points that could expose workers to rotating parts, cutting surfaces or crushing hazards. By improving awareness and understanding, we hope to help employers strengthen their equipment safety programs and prevent serious injuries.
These training programs will be presented through a variety of formats, including in-person workshops and on-site tailored sessions for individual organizations. NIU’s experienced instructors bring decades of field, regulatory and teaching experience to each session, creating a learning environment where workers feel comfortable asking questions, sharing experiences and applying lessons directly to their work.
Don Bartalone, one of NIU’s lead safety instructors, emphasized how meaningful the grant is to the university’s mission. “We feel incredibly fortunate to receive this level of support,” Bartalone said. “The Susan Harwood Grant allows us to reach workers who might not otherwise have access to high-quality safety training, and our goal is to help organizations improve their processes in ways that protect people every single day.”
John Newquist, another longtime instructor and well-known expert in OSHA regulatory training, echoed these sentiments. “This funding gives us the ability to expand our impact,” Newquist said. “We are committed to helping employers strengthen their safety programs, understand the hazards they face and put practical solutions in place. At the end of the day, our hope is that this training helps workers go home safe.”
Beyond enhancing NIU’s safety training initiatives, this grant represents a broader investment in the well-being of workers, families and communities throughout Illinois and across the nation. When organizations improve their safety processes, they reduce operational risks, protect their workforce and create more sustainable business practices. Our goal is to ensure that the training supported by this grant has a lasting, positive impact across industries.
As 2026 unfolds, NIU invites employers, workers, community groups and educational partners to take advantage of the free training opportunities available through this $950,000 award. By participating, organizations not only gain valuable knowledge but also contribute to a safer and stronger workforce. NIU remains committed to advancing its mission of safety, education and community engagement now strengthened by this imperative Susan Harwood Grant.
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If you’re interested in training or have any other questions, please send an email to Ahmed Olagunju at aolagunju1@niu.edu to discuss alternative training options.