Department of Labor Offering Classes for Employers in Machias and Presque Isle on May 8 and 9

May 2, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2014
Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, 207-621-5009

Space is available for the employment law course in Machias on May 8 and OSHA recordkeeping in Presque Isle on May 9

AUGUSTA?The Maine Department of Labor?s Bureau of Labor Standards is taking its no-cost courses for employers on the road to Washington and Aroostook Counties in May.

?We want to make it convenient for employers to learn about what they need to do to comply with the law. We know it is hard on small businesses when staff have to travel for training,? said Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette. ?When employers know how to do the right thing, it makes their business a better place to work. That helps all Mainers.?

These courses are held at no cost to the employer and are designed for small business owners and staff who have responsibility for managing human resources.

The popular course that educates employers and the public about regulations governing the workplace, ?Laws Governing Workplace Rights,? will be held at the Machias CareerCenter on May 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This course covers wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, youth employment, severance pay, equal pay, leave requirements (family medical leave and domestic violence) and break requirements. It addresses commonly asked employment-related questions and offers participants an opportunity to ask questions. The course also includes a discussion of employer services offered by the CareerCenters.

The course, ?OSHA Recordkeeping,? will teach employers how to document workplace injuries and illnesses on May 9 at the Presque Isle CareerCenter. The course runs from 8:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m.

This class provides a thorough and comprehensive six-hour training for both new and experienced safety and human resources personnel. Participants learn the OSHA rule (29 CFR 1904) regarding recording and reporting work-related injuries and illnesses as it applies to their organizations. This class includes several hands-on activities on how to fill out the required injury reporting forms correctly.

Employers interested in registering for either course can learn more and register at http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Safetyworks_Classes&v=ListAll . Space is limited so reservations are required.

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.

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