Operating Engineers Turn to Center for Training
In 2008 we moved forward with a number of important training initiatives for the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). The largest effort is a complete rewrite and expansion of the union's manual for its 40-hour hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER) training. The operating engineers play a key role in cleaning up hazardous waste sites and were vital workers during the rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations at the World Trade Center. While the manual won't be finalized until 2009, we have already completed more than 15 chapters. We've added case studies, photographs, review questions, glossaries, discussion activities, and other features that greatly enhance the union's previous training. Our work on the HAZWOPER manual has led IUOE to contract with the Center for Educational Technologies to produce a version of the manual for operating engineers in the construction industry as well as a new manual for dealing with an avian influenza outbreak.