Department of Labor Offers Impairment Detection Course for Employers Bookmark and Share

May 3, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 03, 2018

Media Contact: Laura Hudson, Maine Department of Labor, (207) 621-5009

Class registration or 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345)

AUGUSTA?The Maine Department of Labor?s (MDOL) Bureau of Labor Standards (BLS) is hosting its no-charge impairment detection course for employers. The first session is available May 31 in Bangor. Visit the class registration page at www.safetyworksmaine.gov or call 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) to register for any class.

Impairment Detection Training for Employers:

  • Thursday, May 31, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tri-County CareerCenter, 45 Oak St., Bangor, ME
  • Wednesday, July 25, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Greater Portland CareerCenter, 151 Jetport Blvd., Portland, ME
  • Wednesday, September 26, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Dr., Augusta, ME
  • Wednesday, November 28, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Dr., Augusta, ME

This training session is designed to help owners, managers and supervisors recognize and respond appropriately to employee impairment in the workplace in order to reduce worker accidents and injuries. Participants will be taught procedures to detect impairment regardless of the substance used or physical conditions such as illness, fatigue etc. that might be the cause. This class is designed to fulfill the federal DOT requirements for reasonable suspicion training of supervisors. In addition, participants will learn how to develop and implement policies that address impairment in the workplace and are in compliance with Maine?s Substance Abuse Testing Law.

In Maine, marijuana is still on the list of what can be tested. Testing is only allowed if a company has a drug testing policy that has been approved by the Maine Department of Labor. Employers that test for marijuana, or take disciplinary action for marijuana use, must comply with the Substance Abuse Testing Law, Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Act, and the Marijuana Legalization Act. The Department cannot provide legal advice and we encourage employers to consult with private legal counsel regarding the law.

About BLS

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.

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 www.safetyworksmaine.gov .

The State of Maine is an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.

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