FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2002:

Environmental Research and Education Foundation To
Place Ergonomics Training Program on the Web

Washington, D.C. - On November 1, 2002, the Environmental Research and Education Foundation's (EREF) solid waste industry internet-based Ergonomics Training Course will be available for use.  This program was made possible by a Susan Harwood Training Grant to EREF from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  Susan Harwood Training Grants provide funds to nonprofit organizations to conduct safety and health training and education in the workplace.

The training course includes streaming video and audio, PowerPoint^TM slides, photographs and other visual aids, providing a convenient and user-friendly means for teaching safety managers and others how to implement solutions to ergonomic risks faced by solid waste employees.  It can be used by any employer or employee with a 28k (or better) connection to the Internet, making it easily accessible from remote locations.  Participants will be provided with access codes allowing them to complete the 2-hour program in one sitting or over the course of several sessions.

The foundation contracted with the Environmental Industry Associations (EIA) (Washington, D.C.) to develop the course because of their expertise related to ergonomics training and education in the solid waste workplace.  EIA is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to the advancement of safe and environmentally protective management of waste through the private wastes services industry.

The training course will be accessible via EREF's Internet homepage at www.erefdn.org (under the link "Seminars and Training Sessions"), as well as on EIA's homepage at www.envasns.org.  A fee will be charged for using the training course with proceeds going to fund future ergonomics programs and materials, and for maintenance of the ergonomics-based website.

The Environmental Research and Education Foundation is an independent public charity; its funding base is derived from donations from corporations and individuals who are committed to EREF's mission to develop environmental solutions for the future.  

For more complete information on EREF, go to its website www.erefdn.org or call 703.299.5139.