Department of Labor Offering Workplace Training Sessions

March 26, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2019

Media Contact: Jessica Picard, 207-621-5099, jessica.l.picard@maine.gov

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

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.

Mine Safety and Health Administration, Refresher:

• Tuesday, March 26, 8 am to 5 pm, SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta 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.

Minors in the Workforce:

• Tuesday, March 26, 9 am to 11 am, Lewiston CareerCenter, 5 Mollison Way, Lewiston 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.

Impairment Detection Training for Employers:

• Wednesday, March 27, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Portland CareerCenter, 151 Jetport Blvd, Portland 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 or 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.

Wage & Hour Compliance Assistance:

• Wednesday, March 27, 9 am 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 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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