The Maine Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Standards is hosting its no-charge safety courses for employers throughout December.

"New federal OSHA recordkeeping updates are happening come January 1 and SafetyWorks! is increasing these workshops to help businesses prepare for the changes," said Gov. Paul R. LePage. "I encourage businesses to take advantage of all SafetyWorks! programs and consultations. The return on investment in workplace safety is well worth the effort."

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.

Driver awareness

Transportation-related crashes are the leading cause of workplace death in Maine. Driver awareness training can help your organization reduce crashes that cause property damage, injury, and death. Learn about Maine motor vehicle laws, defensive driving techniques, and resources for tracking traffic safety awareness. Dec. 2, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Scaffolding and fall protection

In this class you will learn the types of scaffolding and proper setup. You will also learn how to protect workers from falls and when you must use fall protection. The instructor will explain the OSHA requirements for scaffolding and fall protection, including the definition of "competent person". The eight-hour program will include a demonstration of the proper setup of scaffolding. Fall protection will be covered in the morning and scaffolding in the afternoon. Dec. 3, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

OSHA record-keeping

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. December 16 at Westbrook Public Safety, 570 Main Street; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Dec. 4 and 8 in Augusta. This class will include updates to the OSHA Recordkeeping Standard (29 CFR 1904), which goes into effect January 1, 2015.

Automotive lift/jack stand safety and compliance

This half-day course provides training for the proper operation of multiple types of automotive lifts, jacks and jacks stands, inspections, compliance reporting, training and documentation required by various inspecting agencies. The course will provide the information needed for a safer workplace which helps eliminate citations and can possibly lower a company's workers compensation insurance costs. The course will have both classroom and hands-on training. Dec. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

10-hour construction standards

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. Dec. 11-12 (times below)

30-hour general industry standards

This five-day course introduces attendees new to safety and health to the OSHA standards for general industry (29 CFR 1910). Attendees who complete all five days will receive OSHA 30-hour general industry course completion cards. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. day one through day five. OTI charges $5 per card. Dec. 15-19, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Employers interested in registering can learn more and register at 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 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.