UCM Faculty Member Awarded Grant from U.S. Department of Labor to Pursue Workplace Infectious Disease Control

WARRENSBURG, MO – Miaozong Wu, Ph.D., CSP, ARM, program coordinator of the Master of Science in Occupational Safety Management, and an associate professor at the University of Central Missouri, was recently awarded an $85,000 grant from the United States Department of Labor (DOL). Made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, this grant funds one of 14 projects from different organizations nationwide that were selected by the DOL and funded through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Susan Harwood Training Grant program. 

Wu noted that COVID-19 has caused more than 6.6 million deaths worldwide during the past three years. In addition to helping to promote workplace safety to prevent the spread of coronavirus, preventative measures are needed to help reduce the risk of many other infectious diseases.   

 “The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is a wake-up call for how infectious disease hazards can profoundly impact the health of workers, businesses and the community,” Wu said. “There are many other types of pathogens existing at workplaces that can pose a risk of exposure and cause illnesses to workers, employers and their families, and they can even be widely spread within the community.”

This new grant will allow Wu to identify preventive measures, help recognize and control workplace infectious disease hazards, and provide field training to eligible workers and their employers.

In addition to this grant, during the past three years, Wu and his industrial team have successfully completed three OSHA/DOL-funded projects focusing on electric arc safety. Sarah Craig, director of Sponsored Programs and Research Integrity at UCM, congratulated Wu for his fourth federal grant at UCM.

She noted, “More than 500 workers and employers from various industries across the country have directly benefited from the projects completed by Dr. Wu and his team. I am looking forward to another quality project led by Dr. Wu to develop new knowledge and skills that can protect our workforce and business.” 

Individuals who are interested in learning more about this project, including how to participate in free training opportunities, are encouraged to contact Wu at miawu@ucmo.edu.