State funding will be used to train and educate town employees
BOSTON – The Town of Reading has been awarded a $3,400 state grant to provide education and training to its employees focused on workplace safety issues.
The funding was issued through the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) Workplace Safety Training Grant program within the state’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD). In its award announcement, the EOLWD noted the grants are intended to provide Massachusetts employers “with the financial assistance to promote safe and healthy conditions in the workplace by funding preventative safety training and education programs.”
Reading Town Manager Matt Kraunelis said the grant funding will be used for OSHA-10 safety training delivered by a certified trainer. This class is designed for newer employees and covers common job safety and health hazards within the construction industry.
“Employee safety is a top priority in Reading,” said Town Manager Matt Kraunelis. “With this funding, our Department of Public Works will ensure our newest staff members operate at the highest level in terms of safety training. Thank you to our state delegation and the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development for securing these funds for Reading.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers reported 2.6 million injury and illness cases in 2023, with a total of 5,486 fatal work injuries reported in 2022. DIA notes that programs funded under its Workplace Safety Training Grants help prevent workplace injuries and illnesses; improve compliance with laws and regulations; reduce workers’ compensation premium costs; and engage workers.
Members of Reading’s State House legislative delegation commended town officials for submitting a successful grant application.
“Maintaining a safe work environment is essential for protecting employees and preventing serious or fatal injuries on the job,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “This grant funding will help the Town of Reading train its employees to identify and avoid workplace hazards that could threaten their personal health and safety.”
“Congratulations to the Town of Reading for securing this grant funding, which will strengthen workplace safety and protect our municipal workforce,” said Representative Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn). “As a former municipal employee myself, I know firsthand how critical workplace safety training is for our local municipal employees. The funding will provide Reading’s public employees with important training to help prevent workplace accidents and injuries.”
“I’m pleased to see that Reading has been awarded this useful state grant for safety training and education,” said State Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester). “Promoting and maintaining safe working conditions should always be a top priority for all jobs and industries.”
Approximately $800,000 has been allocated for DIA’s workplace safety training grants in Fiscal Year 2025, with grants awarded on a rolling basis each fiscal year. For more information on the program, please visit www.mass.gov/dia/safety.
