Contact: Maridith Geuder
A series of courses being offered by Mississippi State at several state locations will focus on issues related to ergonomics, occupational safety and aging in the workplace.
Offered through the university's Division of Continuing Education, the sessions begin Feb. 11 at the Cabot Lodge North in Ridgeland, then at the Hattiesburg Holiday Inn and Tupelo's Courtyard by Marriott on successive days, respectively.
To continue in April and May at those locations and at MSU, the courses will provide participants with continuing education units or professional development credits.
Teresa Stewart, continuing education program facilitator, said the training curricula were developed at MSU to help managers and other upper-level personnel spot potential hazards and take steps to correct them.
"American companies spend millions of dollars each year on medical expenses for employees because of work-related injuries and illnesses," she said. "Since each course will cover issues significant to the contemporary workplace, anyone responsible for design, management and maintenance of a safe, healthy and productive workplace will benefit."
The sessions include:
--"Introduction to Ergonomics," the 11th in Ridgeland, the 12th in Hattiesburg and the 13th in Tupelo.
--"Application of Industrial Ergonomics," April 3-4, Ridgeland; April 9-10, Hattiesburg; and April 11-12, Tupelo.
--"Issues in Work and Aging," May 7, Tupelo; May 8, Ridgeland; and May 14, Hattiesburg.
The three courses are approved by MSU and the state Department of Health for continuing education credit for plant managers, plant engineers, safety managers, human resource personnel, supervisors, engineers, and occupational and physical therapists.
An additional and more involved workplace course will be offered April 22-26 at MSU's Memorial Hall.
"Occupational and Health Standards," commonly referred to as OSHA 501, presents detailed information on safe work practices and implementing OSHA standards. The training has been made possible in Mississippi since 2000 through an exclusive partnership between MSU and Texas A&M University, a nationally recognized leader in OSHA education.
"Having the OSHA 501 course available in the state has proved to be very beneficial both for corporate employers and small, family-owned businesses," said program coordinator Amy Vickery.
For information about course fees or for more details about specific courses, contact the MSU Division of Continuing Education at (662) 325-8877 or http://www.msstate.edu/dept/ced.