July 12, 2023 Updates from the Department of Workforce Services

July 13, 2023

VIA Wyoming Department of Workforce Services:

DWS offers help to veterans

DWS offers employment and training services to veterans from all branches at our 18 regional workforce centers located around the state. All eligible veterans can receive:

• Career guidance.
• Job search assistance.
• Resume writing.
• Skills assessments.
• Labor market information.
• Supportive services.
• Training support.

For more information on veteran service, visit https://dws.wyo.gov/veterans. Find a workforce center near you

Student Learner Program

This program allows employers, educational institutions and the Workers’ Compensation division to collaborate and train students between the ages of 16 and 18 to work safely in extra-hazardous jobs. Through a Student Learner Agreement, students are covered under the employer’s Workers’ Compensation policy while gaining real-world vocational experience and school credit or compensation.

Qualified hazardous occupations include:

• Power driven woodworking machines.
• Power driven metal forming, punching, and shearing machines.
• Power driven meat processing machines.
• Power driven balers, compactors, and processing machines.
• Power driven saws, shears, chippers, and abrasive cutting discs.
• Roofing operations and all work on or about a roof.

Click here for more about Student Learner programs

Preventing heat-related illness

Heat-related illness can affect workers in many industries, at indoor or outdoor worksites. Some job-related risk factors include:

• Outdoor work in warm weather.
• Heat sources such as ovens, fires, or hot tar.
• Strenuous physical activity.
• Heavy or non-breathable work clothes.

When a worker is performing physical labor in a warm environment, any unusual symptom can be a sign of overheating.

Heat-related illnesses can be prevented; this requires employers and workers to recognize heat hazards. Take extra precautions to train new workers, allowing them extra time to acclimate to working in warm environments; train supervisors and workers to control and recognize heat hazards; and provide sufficient rest, shade, and fluids.

Learn more about working in heat environments