Free Workplace Safety Training Courses in July

June 27, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2014 Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, Maine Department of Labor, 207-621-5009

Courses offered in Augusta and Bangor.

AUGUSTA?The Maine Department of Labor?s SafetyWorks! training and safety consultation program announces free training courses for July.

?Summer brings construction and working outdoors, and we want employees to be prepared to work safely in these environments. That?s why our no-charge SafetyWorks! training courses are ideal,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?These training courses will help keep our workers safe, and help Maine?s employers be proactive about preventing injuries.?

All courses are held in SafetyWorks! Training Institute (STI) at the Central Maine Commerce Center, 45 Commerce Drive in Augusta unless otherwise noted. To register, call (207) 623-7900 or register online at http://www.safetyworksmaine.com . Businesses with several employees requiring the same training course should contact SafetyWorks! to ask about the free onsite training program.

To learn more about SafetyWorks! like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/SafetyWorks/113678682016008?v=wall .

Back Injury Prevention

July 10, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The typical back-related injury is one of the most common injuries. While most of the injuries occur at work, some happen off the job. This program will go over the anatomy of the back, causes of back-related injuries and ways to reduce back-related injuries.

Public Sector: Bureau of Labor Standards (BLS)

July 14, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

This program is for municipal employers, managers and employees (state and county welcome) and is an overview of public sector employer responsibilities, enforcement procedures and proper actions to take when visited by the Bureau of Labor Standards.

Bloodborne Pathogens Train-the-Trainer

July 15, 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.

Trenching the Excavation

July 16, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Bangor CareerCenter

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. "

Machine Guarding

July 17, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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.

Safety Officer Training

July 22, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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.

Fire Extinguisher/Emergency Action Plan

July 24, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In this class you will learn about Emergency Action Plans, as well as various types of fire extinguishers and how to maintain them. This is a hands-on class. Those attending this class should come prepared to discharge a fire extinguisher.

Video Display Terminal Train-the-Trainer July 29, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Maine's Video Display Terminal (VDT) law requires employers to train VDT operators how to work safely at the computer. This class will prepare trainers, supervisors, and safety team members to recognize the hazards VDT operators are exposed to and eliminate them.

Public Works Safety Series July 30 and 31, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This series is based on the most common types of hazards and injuries occurring in Maine public works departments. This class is intended for public sector employees only. Class runs from 8:30-4:30 on day one and 8:30-12:30 on day two.

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 .

-end-