Archived News

Morgantown, W.Va. — Communities across West Virginia, as well as the nation, are facing a shortage of firefighters. With the number of firefighters decreasing, concerns for our communities’ safety are on the rise. That’s where the West Virginia University Extension Fire Service Extension’s Junior Firefighter Camp comes in.

Nearly all workplaces contain areas that are considered confined spaces. Entering these confined areas to perform duties puts workers at high risk, because these spaces are not necessarily designed for people. To educate workers about confined space limitations and dangers, West Virginia University Extension Safety and Health Extension’s National Resource Center Occupational Safety and Health Training Institute Education Center will offer OSHA 2264: Permit-required Confined Space Entry in-person training May 17-19 in Morgantown, West Virginia.

West Virginia ranks near the lowest in the United States on many measures of diversity, including cultural, socioeconomic, linguistic, racial, ethnic, educational and income.

Many West Virginia communities have been designated best “cool towns” from various organizations and magazines throughout the country. Youths are taking the lead in helping expand the cool factor of West Virginia towns by creating opportunity and showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit through West Virginia University Extension’s My Hometown is Cool Statewide Pitch Competition.

Arborists have one of the riskiest professions with extremely high rates of injuries and fatalities. Recognizing the need to reduce those risk levels, West Virginia University Extension Safety and Health Extension will provide occupation-specific trainings aimed to improve safety conditions among the arboriculture industry.

One of 93 recipients, nationwide, West Virginia University Extension Safety and Health Extension was awarded the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Susan Harwood Workplace Safety and Health Training program grant to provide safety leadership training for up to 500 oil and gas industry workers and employers on workplace safety and health hazards.

Energy Express, West Virginia University Extension’s award-winning program, is returning this summer to bring reading and nutrition education to children across West Virginia. The program is currently seeking individuals to serve as community coordinators and mentors for approximately 60 sites across the state.