The South Dakota State University, Engineering Extension and South Dakota OSHA On-Site Consultation Program provided FREE OSHA training to over 100 employers at the 2016 Ground Water Quality & Safety Conference in Pierre, South Dakota, on March 23, 2016.

Mr. Jon Puetz, Senior Health and Safety Consultant of SDSU Engineering Extension Program, was one of the presenters for "Safety for Contractors and Small Businesses in South Dakota." He shared examples of how the South Dakota OSHA Consultation Program provides free and confidential assistance to South Dakota small and medium-sized employers on hazard abatement options for safety and health concerns found in their workplace. Mr. Bruce Will, Safety Consultant for SDSU Engineering Extension Program, assisted Mr. Puetz at this educational conference, staffing the OSHA display table, answering employers' questions, and providing resource materials to the conference attendees.

OSHA's On-site Consultation Program offers free, confidential safety and occupational health advice to small and medium-sized businesses in all states and several territories, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. On-site Consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. Consultants from the state's agency work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing injury and illness prevention programs. South Dakota employers are encouraged to contact the SDSU Engineering Extension Office at (605) 688-4101 to request free and confidential assistance on safety and health concerns in their workplaces. Additional information about OSHA is available at www.osha.gov or 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).