1. Department to establish programs. The department shall establish and supervise programs for the education and training of employers, owners, employees, educators and students in the recognition, avoidance and prevention of unsafe or unhealthful working conditions in employment. The department shall consult with and advise employers, owners, employees and organizations representing employers, owners and employees as to effective means of preventing occupational injuries and illnesses. [PL 1985, c. 372, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] 2. Safety education and training program functions. The functions of the safety education and training program shall include: A. The development and application of a statewide safety education and training program to familiarize employers, supervisors, employees and union leaders with techniques of accident investigation and prevention; [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. A, §98 (AMD).] B. The development and utilization of consultative educational techniques to achieve long-range solutions to occupational safety and health problems; [PL 1985, c. 372, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] C. The acquisition, development and distribution of occupational safety and health pamphlets, booklets, brochures and other appropriate safety and health media as may be useful to accomplish the objectives of this section; [PL 1985, c. 372, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] D. The development and administration of a program for employers, with special emphasis on small business employers, providing technical and educational assistance on matters of occupational safety and health; [PL 1985, c. 372, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] E. The development and implementation of a training and education program for department staff engaged in the administration and enforcement of this section; [PL 1987, c. 782, §2 (AMD).] E-1. The development and administration of programs to educate employers and employees regarding the Whistleblowers' Protection Act, chapter 7, subchapter V-B; [PL 1991, c. 615, Pt. A, §18 (AMD).] E-2. The support for the development of long-term strategies to improve occupational health and safety professional education and resources. The department may award contracts to public and private nonprofit organizations as seed money to develop programs that will serve this purpose and that will develop other funding sources in the future; and [PL 1991, c. 615, Pt. A, §19 (NEW).] F. The conduct of other activities as necessary for the implementation of an effective safety education and training program. [PL 1985, c. 372, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. A, §98 (AMD).] 3. Programs provided upon request. The department shall provide safety training programs, upon request, for employees and employers. Priority for the development of safety training programs shall be in those occupations which pose the greatest hazard to the safety and health of employees. [PL 1985, c. 372, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] 4. Continuing research. The department may conduct continuing research into methods, means, operations, techniques, processes and practices necessary for improvement of occupational safety and health of employees. [PL 1985, c. 372, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] 5. Consulting services. The department shall, upon request, provide a full range of occupational safety and health consulting services to any employer or employee group. These consulting services may include providing employers or employees with information, advice and recommendations on maintaining safe employment or places of employment, and on applicable occupational safety and health standards, techniques, devices, methods, practices or programs. [PL 1985, c. 372, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] 6. Contract. The department may contract with others to perform these functions. [PL 1985, c. 372, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]
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