Department of Labor Offering Workplace Training Sessions Bookmark and Share

June 1, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2019

Media Contact: Jessica Picard, 207-530-2065, jessica.l.picard@maine.gov

Class registration: 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) or www.safetyworksmaine.gov

AUGUSTA-The Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Standards is hosting free safety courses for employers and employees. Visit the class registration page at www.safetyworksmaine.gov or call 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) to register for any class.

Forklift Operator Safety:

  • Monday, June 3, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta

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

Confined Space Entry General Industry:

  • Tuesday, June 4, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta

A confined space has limited or restrictive openings for going in and out and is not meant for continuous use by workers. OSHA uses the term "permit-required confined space" (permit-space) to describe a confined space in which workers are exposed to serious hazards. Employers must find out if confined spaces are permit-required. Attendees will learn how to evaluate confined spaces, monitor them during use, and set up rescue procedures.

Van Safety:

  • Thursday, June 6, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta

This class emphasizes the issues and concerns related to passenger-van operation and appropriate defensive-driving techniques to reduce the potential for property damage, injury, or death. You will also learn about motor vehicle laws and resources for teaching traffic safety awareness.

Establishing an Effective Safety Committee:

  • Monday, June 10, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta

This class will train new safety officers and help to establish an effective safety committee. This class will give you the skills to put a dynamic committee together or strengthen the work of existing teams. It will provide models for hazard assessment, accident review, "near-miss" reporting, OSHA regulations, facility inspections and required training. It will help you analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your program and give you a game plan for greater success.

Minors in the Workforce:

  • Tuesday, June 11, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Portland CareerCenter, 151 Jetport Blvd, Portland

This course is designed for business owners, parents, superintendents and their issuing officers. Child Labor Laws can be complex. This seminar covers wage and hour laws, youth employment, including work permits, allowable work hours and hazardous occupations. It also touches on minimum wage, required posters and break requirements, and addresses commonly asked child labor-related questions.

Machine Guarding:

  • Wednesday, June 12, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta

Participants in this class will learn about the standards for metal and woodworking machines as well as various machine-guarding techniques. We will be applying basic guarding practices when specific issues aren't covered in the regulation. OSHA Subpart O will be covered.

10-Hour Construction Standards:

  • Thursday, June 13- Friday, June 14, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the first day, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second day, SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta This 1-day course offers 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.

Ladder Safety:

  • Tuesday, June 18, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta

Ladders are a major source of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. However, falls can be reduced if people use caution when climbing ladders or when working in places where falls are a potential hazard. This course will show participants how falls from ladders can be prevented through education that includes planning for their use, inspecting the ladder prior to use, and using basic ladder safeguards.

Wage & Hour Compliance Assistance:

  • Wednesday, June 19, 9 a.m. to noon, SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta This course is designed for human resource or benefits professionals, accountants, business owners, managers, or payroll supervisors. Labor laws can be complex. This seminar covers wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, youth employment, severance pay, equal pay, leave requirements (family medical leave, family sick leave and domestic violence), and break requirements. Addresses commonly asked labor-related questions.

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.com .

The Bureau of Labor Standards is Maines 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 Maines workforce.

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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