Trainers
Trainers are the backbone of the FAST Program. We are actively seeking Trainers with an interest in training farm and agricultural workers to recognize, evaluate and control common hazards. The grant team will work with you to deliver these programs effectively, either as an individual or as part of an outreach program. We will provide you with training resources, teaching support in many cases, and prepare outreach materials for you. Our program goal is to reach 1,500 members of the target audience by September 30, 2024.
The FAST Program is in the fourth year of a planned four-year capacity building process. In those four years, the grant team has produced nine training modules geared toward farm and agricultural hazards. Our goal is to build both the instructional capacity and an engaged workforce acting together to reduce injury, illness and death on the farm.
The grant team will work with qualified Trainers who have a shared interest in reducing injury, illness and death on the farm. To qualify as a Trainer in the FAST Program, you should be:
- An OSHA Outreach Training Program (OTP) authorized trainer;
- A BCSP-recognized Certified Instructional Trainer;
- A trainer who previously completed a Virginia Tech's Train-the-Trainer session for either Hazardous Chemicals in General Industry or Fall Protection in General Industry;
- An EMS educator, fire service instructor, or law enforcement instructor;
- An instructor or academic faculty member at an accredited college or university;
- A CPR/First Aid instructor for the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, National Safety Council, or ASHI; or
- Other relevant safety training experience.
If you have other qualifying teaching experience that will allow you to successfully teach these programs, contact us.
The FAST program is an opportunity for you to:
- Develop additional teaching skills addressing a critical issue in an at-risk population;
- Reduce illnesses, injuries, and fatalities in farming and agricultural operations in your community;
- Build and improve relationships with an underserved segment of your community;
- Become familiar with the hazards and environment of today's farm and agricultural operations.
- Complete the Trainer interest form;
- Attend a brief Zoom Orientation session and a 4-hour Train-the-Trainer session to familiarize you with the program and class materials;
- Use the program and materials to conduct training; and
- Keep us informed of training and outreach you perform (through online forms).
- Provide training using the materials provided (they can be rebranded to your department, and added to, but the core content must remain intact as approved by OSHA).
- Recruit farm and agricultural employers and workers as participants for future farm safety programs;
- Be an advocate for farm and agricultural safety;
- Provide timely information on your training and outreach activities as they are planned and occur; and
- Work in a cooperative manner with the grant team.
- Training materials, including PowerPoint presentations, lecture notes, and student materials (PDF, with some available as printed). This includes Spanish-language materials.
- Access to the grant team for questions, ideas and support of your outreach efforts.
- Opportunity to have grant team members on-site in support of your training activity as schedules and budget permit.
- Networking opportunities with other organizations and instructors.
The Harwood Grant does not allow for financial support or the incurring of expenses for any programs not offered directly by Virginia Tech Environmental Health & Safety. Trainers are not employees of Virginia Tech. If you have questions about this aspect of the program please contact the grant team and we'll be glad to talk with you.