AUGUSTA — Maine is offering free classes on workplace safety for business owners and employees this month.

The various courses being taught throughout September include scaffolding and fall protection, forklift operator training and construction safety.

Most of the courses are being held in Augusta at the Maine Department of Labor’s SafetyWorks! Training institute.

Republican Gov. Paul LePage says in a statement that the classes not only teach employees how to work safely, but also gives businesses a reputation as a supportive place to work.