Department of Labor Offering Workplace Safety Classes in Janaury

Space is available for the safety classes in Augusta and Bangor
AUGUSTA, Maine -The Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Standards is hosting its no-charge safety courses for employers throughout January. 

"Making Maine more business friendly is a constant priority of this administration," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "One of the ways we do this is through education of workplace safety hazards that help employers provide a safe place for Mainers to work and be prepared in the case of a federal OSHA audit. Investing time and energy in safety helps everyone, I encourage businesses to connect with SafetyWorks! for one of these no-cost trainings or to schedule an on-site consultation."

Courses are held at no charge to employers and their employees to ensure and promote safety in the
workplace. The courses are held at the SafetyWorks! Training Institute at the Maine Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Drive in Augusta unless otherwise noted. 

Automotive Lift/Jack Stand Safety and Compliance: January 5, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This half-day course provides training on the proper operation of multiple types of automotive lifts, jacks and jacks stands, inspection, compliance reporting, training and documentation required by various inspecting agencies. The course will provide the information needed for a safer workplace, which helps eliminate citations and can possibly lower a company's workers compensation insurance. The course will have both classroom and hands-on training. 

Forklift Operator Training: January 12, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This class is designed for new operators. The instruction will involve classroom and hands-on training. Training will include performing a forklift inspection and use of the department's "new forklift simulator." This training does not meet the requirements to qualify the participant to be a "qualified operator." Only the employer can provide such certification. 

Accident Investigation/Injury Analysis: January 13, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

When work doesn't go as planned, accidents and near-misses happen. Investigating these incidents can prevent similar or even more serious problems from happening. Learn how to conduct a thorough accident/incident investigation and how to use your results to prevent future accidents. 

10-Hour Construction Standards: January 15-16, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This 1 1/2 day course gives basic information on several of the OSHA standards for construction (29 CFR 1926). Attendees who complete the course will receive an OSHA 10-hour course completion certificate. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on day one and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on day two.

Trenching and Excavation, January 20, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Bangor CareerCenter, 45 Oak Street, Suite 3, Bangor

You will learn the dangers to employees, soil classifications, OSHA requirements and the types of protective systems to prevent cave-ins. You will also learn what is meant by "competent person."

Noise/Hearing Protection: January 21, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This session will cover the effects of noise on hearing. Students will learn about the anatomy of the ear, the physics of sound, the effectiveness of hearing protectors and will show workers how they can protect themselves against hearing loss from the noise exposure on and off the job.

Safety Officer Training: January 22, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Bangor CareerCenter, 45 Oak Street, Suite 3, Bangor

This training is designed for the new Safety Officer. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to, OSHA regulations, facility inspections, required training and policies and procedures.

Bloodborne Pathogens Train-the-Trainer: January 23, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

If your job responsibilities involve occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, this course is for you. This class will instruct you on how the OSHA standard (29 CFR 1910. 1030) applies to non-healthcare employers. This training is designed to provide an understanding of bloodborne pathogens, common modes of transmission, methods of prevention, developing an exposure control plan, and required training for employees. Training materials will be provided.

Scaffolding and Fall Protection: January 27, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In this class, you will learn the types of scaffolding and proper setup while learning how to protect workers from falls and when you must use fall protection. The instructor will explain the OSHA requirements for scaffolding and fall protection, including the definition of "competent person". The eight-hour program will include a demonstration of the proper setup of scaffolding. Attendees must wear the appropriate PPE to class.

Employers interested in registering can learn more and register at http://www.safetyworksmaine.com and clicking "More Classes" from the homepage. Space is limited so reservations are required.

SafetyWorks! is not OSHA and cannot issue fines or citations to private businesses. While SafetyWorks! helps businesses of any size, priority is given to small businesses. The program trains about 8,000 people and consults at nearly 1,000 worksites in Maine each year. Employers interested in learning more about the consulting and training services offered by SafetyWorks! should call 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) or visit http://www.safetyworksmaine.com .

The Bureau of Labor Standards is Maine's regulatory agency overseeing labor and employment law and workplace safety; it provides both consultation and enforcement services. The division promotes and achieves compliance with labor standards to protect and enhance the welfare of Maine's workforce.