DECEMBER 12, 1997 - Worker safety and health will take the spotlight December 15 as nine Michigan organizations receive 1998 workplace training grants from the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services (CIS).

The groups are among 18 statewide nonprofit organizations to benefit from the $850,000 awarded in grants through the CIS Safety Education and Training program. The program is aimed at increasing workplace safety by helping employers and employees meet occupational health and safety standards.

The grants will support a variety of projects including a basic safety course for new workers, training seminars to help employers and employees develop workplace violence prevention programs, and on-site training on health issues in the construction industry.

"As Michigan's economy continues to grow, we must provide our workers with the proper education to ensure their safety and health," said CIS Director Kathleen Wilbur. "On behalf of Governor John Engler, I'm pleased to present these grants that will facilitate the necessary training to do just that."

The 11 a.m. event will take place on the fourth floor of the G. Mennen Williams Building in downtown Lansing. Organizations attending the ceremony and receiving grants from Wilbur include:

Alpena Alpena Community College

Bloomfield Hills Oakland Community College

Kalamazoo: Kalamazoo Valley Health & Safety Training Partners

Lansing: Associated General Contractors

Michigan AFL-CIO

Michigan Association of Rehabilitation Organizations

Service Employees International Union

Southfield: Center for Workplace Violence Prevention

Wayne County: PASSES

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.