Mississippi State is offering the first OSHA "train the trainer" safety course of its kind in the state.

In the past, Mississippi employees needing the specialized federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration instruction had to travel to Atlanta or Dallas. Through a cooperative agreement with Texas A&M University, MSU's Division of Continuing Education now will be a local provider for the course.

OSHA 501 is an intensive, five-day class focusing on the skills to recognize and correct safety hazards and to perform safety audits. The class also provides a broad overview of the regulations governing most workplaces. Persons completing the certification will hold the title of General Industry Outreach Program Trainer and be qualified to teach OSHA's 10- or 30-hour general safety and health outreach courses.