Center for Public Health Workforce Development
When Gail Lavan began working at the Center for Public Health Workforce Development in May 2022, she knew all too well the importance of worker safety and the impact it can have on people’s lives. Her father had worked his entire career in the construction field, and sadly witnessed a number of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, many of which could have been prevented with proper safety equipment, education, and training. She saw the toll that took on him throughout his career. This experience serves as an added motivation for Gail today in her role assisting the trainees who come to the Center. In addition to course registration and answering general inquiries, Gail maintains student records, processes paperwork, and creates course completion certificates so trainees have proof of their credentials. Her goal, she says, “is to create a smooth learning experience for all of our students. It is meaningful to be making a real difference through training and education.”
around them safe out in the field.” “ - Gail Lavan, Data Control Clerk
Knowledge is power. The training our course instructors provide to our students gives them the tools they need to help keep themselves and those
Since Clarissa Roper-Davis joined the Center staff in April 2023, she’s helped make the Center run even smoother, lending her many skills to existing administrative projects and assisting with online courses. The Center prides itself on offering high-quality online courses, and technical issues have the potential to disrupt that learning experience. Thankfully Clarissa joined a team of administrative staff who sit in on all online courses to make sure they go smoothly. If an instructor needs to share a link or file, needs help managing the chatbox, or needs help with any other aspect of the course, Clarissa is quick to help them out.
something to me.” “
Of this role, Clarissa says she’s happy to play a part in helping keep people at work safer. A former retail store manager, Clarissa once experienced firsthand how quickly things can go wrong at work. A pipe burst above her store, and she says she’ll never forget the first responders and other professionals who rushed in and got everyone out of the store safely. “They may have learned how to do that in a place like our Center. Now being able to help others learn those skills, it means something to me.”
I’m definitely not an instructor, but being able to support the people who can create a safer work environment means
- Clarissa Roper-Davis, Administrative Assistant
“
For many trainees who come to the Center, the OSHA cards they receive at the end of the course are critical for their work. They prove that the individual has completed the required training and has basic knowledge in safety and health. For other trainees, who teach worker safety and health out in the field to other workers, these cards are also required part of their job.
The Center has changed immensely since I started in 2006. Many more classes, as well as staff, have been added. There are also more options on how to attend classes virtually or in-person.”
Megan Cahill is the person overseeing OSHA card processing and distribution, which is no small task. She estimates she mails out anywhere from 3,000 - 4,000 cards a month to trainees across our region. In addition to OSHA cards, Megan helps support and facilitate many of the Center’s online courses. If any questions or concerns come up during a course, she’s there to help. Even after working at the Center for seventeen years, she says the best part of her job is knowing students are getting properly trained and can go home safely to their families each night.
- Megan Cahill, Head Clerk
2022-2023 Academic Year Impact Report Learn more about us at rutgerstraining.sph.rutgers.edu
11
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker