Historical Highlights
1971-1985
Continuing Engineering Education, which initially included professional development and technical training for engineering, was created in UA Extended Services and was led by Professor Raymond Hollub. Engineering programs included training, which sometimes included international attendees, for NASA Engineers, Rock Mechanics, Mining Programs, Solar engineering, Gas Industry Programs, plus many more. USDOL-OSHA Foundry Training for OSHA inspectors from 50 states (1976-1977) took place at the College of Engineering’s Foundry.
1975-1976
As a result of the U.S. Metric Conversion Act, a Metric Institute was established for Alabama teachers. This was fueled by concerns about the nation’s position in global trade and a desire for greater standardization.
1977-1978
Safe State Onsite Consultation Program was established and funded through the U.S. Department of Labor-OSHA cooperative agreement. This was the first four-year institution in the United States to be designated by the U.S. Department of Labor. The successful partnership which began with OSHA during the Foundry Training Program led to this award. Safe State was managed through the College of Engineering for two years.
1978-1982
OSHA Training Programs – The University of Alabama became the national training center for the U.S. Department of Labor OSHA Consultation Program.
Photo from the book “The Widening Circle” by Jeanie Thompson about the College of Continuing Studies.
1979-2008
OSHA Consultation National Project Managers’ Conference. Safe State and the training section coordinated the conference annually throughout the United States.
1980
Safe State On-site Occupational Safety & Health Consultation Program becomes part of the Division of Continuing Education.
1983
Safe State Environmental/Toxic Substances Control Program was asked by the State to assist Alabama’s public/private primary and secondary schools to evaluate friable asbestos contamination in their facilities. The state awarded a $1.1 million contract for this project. Safe State began conducting some of the first recognized asbestos remediation training in the United States. As a result of Safe State’s efforts, public secondary schools in Alabama removed all friable asbestos building materials found in their buildings by 1987.
1985
First Annual Governor’s Labor-Management Conference was developed with partners from the Alabama Department of Labor and other organizations.
