AUGUSTA – The Maine Transportation Safety Coalition awarded Maine Network of Employers for Traffic Safety a Safety Champion award at its annual meeting for its work with Maine employers toward reducing work-related traffic crashes.

“Transportation-related injuries are the leading cause of fatalities in the workplace in Maine and nationwide. The financial and emotional costs of a crash can be staggering when you look at the health implications and expenses incurred by property damage, training and lost production,” said Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman.

To celebrate this award, Maine NETS is offering a free membership to Traffic Safety Season, Aug. 8 to Oct. 10, to employers who attend the Traffic Safety Fair on Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Augusta Armory. Admission is free and there will be many interactive events where attendees are encouraged to participate and win prizes.

“This is a valuable event for everyone who travels on Maine roads,” said Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. “I encourage businesses to send their safety representatives, safety committee members, or employees to this demonstration. Safe driving is everyone’s business.”

Given the preventable nature of the fatalities, Maine NETS is sponsoring this campaign to heighten awareness of training programs and resources available to employers and organizations seeking to provide workplace training in driver safety techniques.

Presentations include:

“How Will OSHA’s Strategic Plan Affect Maine Businesses,” Martha Kent, regional administrator, U.S. Department of labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

“Traffic Safety Proclamation and the Maine Department of Labor’s Role in Assisting Maine Businesses,” Laura Fortman, commissioner, Maine Department of Labor.

“Seat Belts Save Lives and Money – Buckling Up Just Makes Cents!” Preston Bjorn, trauma nurse coordinator, Eastern Maine Medical Center.

“Employers, Parents and Teens – How Do Teen Crashes Affect Maine Employers,” Michele Grant, Maine NETS coordinator, Bureau of Labor Standards.

“Defensive Driving Goes to Court,” Maine NETS Members.

Interactive events include:

Child Safety Seat Check, bring your children and care seats (more than 90 percent are installed incorrectly).

Seat Belt Challenge, how fat can you buckle up?

Traffic Safety Dunk Tank, participants answer traffic questions for a chance to dunk an Augusta police officer.

Traffic Feud, it’s like Family Feud, with a traffic safety theme.

The Convincer, simulates a five mile per hour vehicle crash.

Fatal Vision Goggles and Fatal Experience, demonstrates the effects of alcohol on vision and coordination.

The Rollover, simulates a rollover crash and many more.

“Employers can and do make a difference. I hear from NETS members that they are reducing the number and severity of crashes, and they are so proud of the results – not because they are saving money, but because they know they are saving lives,” said Michele Grant, Maine NETS coordinator. “The Maine Army National Guard increased their seat belt use rate from 47 percent to 96 percent. There is no limit to what employers can do. They are the reason Maine NETS received a Safety champion Award. I am proud to be associated with all of them.”

The Maine Network of Employers for Traffic Safety is a program of the Bureau of Labor Standards consisting of public-private organizations whose mission is to provide information, training and resources to employers in an effort to reduce traffic incidences affecting employees which may result in property damage, injury or death.

For more information or to RSVP for the event, phone 624-6425.