Department of Labor Offering Workplace Safety Classes in January Bookmark and Share

December 22, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2016 Media Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, (207) 621-5009 Class registration or 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345)

Space is available for classes in Augusta and Bangor where noted.

AUGUSTA?The Maine Department of Labor?s Bureau of Labor Standards is hosting its no-charge safety courses for employers and employees throughout January. Visit the class registration page at www.safetyworksmaine.gov or call 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) to register for any class.

?A no-cost, confidential, onsite consultation by the Department of Labor?s health and safety experts can help employers provide a safer workplace for their employees and reduce worksite injuries, illnesses and even fatalities, not to mention save costs related to workers? comp, reduced productivity or finding replacement workers,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?A worksite that?s safe for all is good business for companies, their workers and those workers? families.?

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

Accident Investigation/Injury Analysis: Wednesday, January 4, 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.

Forklift Operator Safety: Monday, January 9, 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 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.

Trenching and Excavation: Tuesday, January 10, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Bangor CareerCenter, 45 Oak St # 3, Bangor, ME

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.? Space is limited, reservations are required.

10-Hour Construction Standards: Thursday, January 12, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through Friday, January 13, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This one-and-a-half-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. 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.

Mine Safety and Health Administration: Refresher: Wednesday, January 18, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requires all surface mining (i.e., stone crushing, gravel pit, etc.) employees to receive eight-hour annual training. This one-day course will cover generic MSHA training. However, site specific training will also need to be conducted once you return to your respective job sites.

How to Conduct a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Assessment: Thursday, January 19, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This course is designed to assist you in developing a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program and how to organize your PPE needs. Employers must conduct a hazard assessment before requiring employees to use PPE. The assessment provides information needed to select the appropriate PPE for the hazards at the workplace. Learn how to conduct a hazard assessment in this hands-on class.

Hazard Communication, Global Harmonization and Chemical Substitution: Monday, January 23, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Hazard Communication (HazCom) is one of the top three most frequently cited OSHA standards. In 2012, it was updated to reflect the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Manufacturers must now evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce (old and new), classify them, and communicate them in accordance with specific criteria set by OSHA. Employers must train employees on GHS and on any new hazards identified based on manufacturer reevaluation of existing chemicals. Half of this class covers HazCom/GHS and the other half focuses on chemical elimination/substitution. This is the first step in addressing chemical hazards. Eliminating a hazardous chemical or substituting it for something less hazardous not only reduces employee health and safety risks, but can improve your company?s bottom line.

Safety Officer: Tuesday, January 24, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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.

Impairment Detection Training for Employers: Wednesday, January 25, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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 Department of Transportation 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.

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 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.

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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