WNC extends OSHA training classes to Douglas campus

Western Nevada College is offering OSHA safety training to help construction workers prepare for new state laws taking effect Jan. 1.

A 10-hour OSHA training session in construction safety for employees in the industry is being offered at the WNC Douglas campus, 1680 Bently Parkway, Minden, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 12-13. Cost is $95.

WNC is also offering OSHA safety classes at the Carson City campus. The 10-hour course for new hires will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. The 30-hour training for supervisors will meet from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 14-17. Cost for the 10-hour sessions is $95, and $275 for the 30-hour class.

These are the last classes being offered before the new state law takes effect.

Scott Penzel, the college's director of workforce development, said the courses should be seen as an important way to improve safety on the job.

"We want to help employees avoid injury and possible medical bills as well as avoid fines and hassles from the regulatory agency. The real goal is to improve safety on the job site and ensure that supervisors and workers know more about preventing the types of injuries, such as falls, that can occur," he said.

To reduce workplace injuries, the 2009 Nevada Legislature enacted a law requiring construction workers to complete an Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-hour safety course and supervisors to complete a 30-hour OSHA training course no later than 15 days after being hired.

The 10-hour training is intended to provide entry-level construction workers with general awareness to recognize and prevent hazards on a construction site. It also covers a variety of construction safety and health hazards they may encounter.

The 30-hour training is intended for employees such as supervisors who have a certain degree of safety responsibility.

The instructor is Brian Crowe, WNC Environmental Health and Safety coordinator. Crowe has spent more than 30 years in the construction industry as a superintendent, project manager, general contractor and consultant.

For more information including registration procedures, contact Penzel at (775) 445-4427 or at penzelw@wnc.edu.