RIT’s CIMS Helps Boost Western New York Ergonomics, Health and Safety

Department of Labor awards seventh grant to the university

Small and medium-sized companies in Western New York will have access to ergonomics, and health and safety training from the Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies at Rochester Institute of Technology thanks to a recent award from the Department of Labor.

The $126,754 grant funds ergonomics and safety and health training in the Occupational Safety and Ergonomics Excellence Program for the period from Aug. 1, 2003 to July 31, 2004. It is CIMS’ seventh consecutive grant from the Department of Labor for ergonomics, health and safety efforts.

The grant projects include ergonomics and health and safety training, assessment surveys, interactive classroom workshops, and implementation training projects for participating companies. Companies can participate in any or all of the training activities, based on their particular needs. Targeted companies are small and medium-sized manufacturing, construction and healthcare companies in Western New York in the Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and Binghamton regions that lack the in-house resources to provide this type of training and implementation.

BACKGROUND: The Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies (CIMS) at Rochester Institute of Technology exists to increase the competitiveness of manufacturers through applied technology and training. Established in 1992, CIMS provides technology and workforce development solutions that strengthen industrial clients’ ability to compete in the global marketplace. CIMS represents a dynamic collaboration of in-house technical experts, as well as academic, industry and government resources.