National Institution of Corrections Sponsors Research to Improve Correctional Worker Safety
An assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell will develop workplace training for America’s 500,000 correctional officers.
- By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
- Nov 12, 2020
The National Institute of Corrections issued a grant to an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell to research workplace health and safety for correctional workers on November 9, according to News Medical.
The National Institute of Corrections, which is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice, awarded Mazen El Ghaziri, associate chair of UMass Lowell’s Solomont School of Nursing a $160,830 grant to create a program that betters on the job safety for police officers, firefighters and other first responders. El Ghaziri will work with correctional officers and health and safety experts to develop training programs.
Correctional workers are at high risk for workplace injuries, stress, disease and other mental health conditions. The risk to their physical health has increased because of the coronavirus pandemic.
El Ghaziri will develop training procedures based on previous studies and conditions in jails across the country. After the training is implemented, the research team will follow up with the facilities.
About the Author
Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.