Town Of Reading Receives State Workplace Safety Grant

READING, MA — 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 is via a grant from the state’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

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,” Kraunelis said in a statement. “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. The state grants are intended to help prevent workplace injuries and illnesses; improve compliance with laws and regulations; reduce workers’ compensation premium costs; and engage workers.