Department of Labor Offering Workplace Safety Classes in November

(Maine D.O.L.) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2014
Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, 207-621-5009Space is available for the safety classes in Augusta, Rockland and PortlandAUGUSTA-The Maine Department of Labor s Bureau of Labor Standards is hosting its no-charge safety courses for employers throughout November. "From day one my administration has made it a mission to help reduce red tape and improve the business climate in Maine," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "The SafetyWorks! program works with businesses to help identify and address hazards that could harm workers and before enforcement becomes an issue. SafetyWorks! is not OSHA, there are no penalties, and the work with your business remains confidential."Courses are held at no charge to employers and their employees to ensure and promote safety in the workplace. The courses are held at the SafetyWorks! Training Institute at the Maine Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Drive in Augusta unless otherwise noted. Establishing an Effective Safety Committee: November 4, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.One of the greatest steps to success in injury reduction and prevention is the collaborative involvement of workers, supervisors, and managers in the workplace. 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, and "near-miss" reporting. It will help you analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your program and give you a game plan for greater success.School Laboratory Safety: November 5, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., University of Southern Maine, PortlandThe purpose of the training is to acquaint science teachers with the OSHA Laboratory Safety Standard and provide them with the information they need to develop their Chemical Hygiene Plans. At the end of this program participants will be able to list the major provisions of the Laboratory Safety Standard, evaluate laboratory facilities, monitor storage areas, complete a Chemical Hygiene Plan for their schools, and explain waste disposal options. *** This class is designed for science teachers only. ***10-Hour Construction Standards Training: November 6-7, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.This one-and-a-half-day course gives 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 card for construction. 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. OTI charges $5 per card.Video Display Terminal - Train the Trainer: November 13, 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.Forklift Operator Training: November 14, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.This half-day class is designed for new operators. The instruction will involve classroom and hands-on training. This training does not meet the requirements to qualify the participants to be a "qualified operator". Only the employer can provide such certification. OSHA Recordkeeping - November 17, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.This class provides a thorough and comprehensive six-hour training for both new and experienced safety and human resources personnel. You will learn the OSHA rule (29 CFR 1904) regarding recording and reporting work-related injuries and illnesses as it applies to your organization. This class includes numerous hands-on activities on how to correctly fill out the required injury reporting forms and will include updates to the OSHA Recordkeeping Standard (29 CFR 1904) which goes into effect January 1, 2015.10-Hour General Industry Standards Training: November 18-19, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.This one-and-a-half-day course offers basic information on a variety of general industry safety and health standards (29 CFR 1910). Attendees who complete the course will receive an OSHA 10-hour course completion card for general industry. 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. OTI charges $5 per card.Public Sector Work Zone Safety: November 20, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Public agencies that work on public roads must follow the traffic control standards of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This hands-on half-day workshop covers the MUTCD standards and use of cones, signs, flags and paddles.Confined Space Entry: November 21, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.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.Employers interested in registering can learn more and register at http://www.safetyworksmaine.com and clicking "More Classes" from the homepage. Space is limited so reservations are required.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 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.-end-Source: www.maine.gov