Maine has its own Official State Plan that applies to public sector employees, including those working for state and local governments. However, private sector workplaces in Maine are regulated by federal OSHA. The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) is responsible for enforcing safety standards, conducting inspections, and handling complaints for public sector employers, while federal OSHA retains jurisdiction over private sector businesses operating in the state.
Two separate regulatory agencies oversee Maine’s State Plan, ensuring safety compliance for both public sector employees and private sector workers. While federal OSHA standards mandate training on specific safety topics, Maine may impose additional requirements—such as those outlined in the Visual Display Terminal (VDT) Standards under MRSA Title 26, Section 252. The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) also offers free consultation services to help employers and employees meet regulatory standards and improve workplace safety.
Although OSHA training is not strictly required, federal OSHA standards do require training on certain topics depending on job duties. As a best practice, both MDOL and federal OSHA recommend that entry-level workers receive a general overview of worksite safety. In line with this, public sector employers in Maine are encouraged to provide training such as the OSHA 10-Hour course for entry-level employees and the OSHA 30-Hour course for those in supervisory or safety-related roles.