Engineering Extension
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The mission of Engineering Extension is to assist the private and public sectors of the state with their technical safety and health needs for the purpose of saving costs for businesses and to benefit economic development. The OSHA Consultation Program is a key effort of Engineering Extension.
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Engineering Extension Webpage 
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Our programs are directed toward the following needs:
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Occupational safety and health surveys of the workplaces for any South Dakota employer who request the service.
Training workshops and seminars to update skills regarding technical needs and to certify individuals who are required to work under specific government regulations, i.e. asbestos.
Technical assistance that provides "hands-on" expertise that will solve safety and health technical problems for small industries, government agencies and other through industrial/mechanical engineering technologies.
The State of South Dakota needs technical assistance for most of its industry because they are small. 91% of South Dakota business have 19 or fewer employees which means they do not have the technical expertise on staff nor the financial resources to buy this help (even if it was available in South Dakota). However, if small industry is to be successful, they must compete by having technical expertise available. This technical assistance means maintaining existing jobs and the creation of new jobs.
Engineering Extension needs a commitment by the State and/or the University for matching funds for existing on going grants and a commitment to the outreach of the engineering technologies for economic development of our state’s industry.
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INTRODUCTION
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Managers of small businesses are aware of the economic impacts of job-related accidents. These accidents increase medical expenses, insurance premiums, property damages, and production losses. But controlling safety and health hazards is becoming increasingly difficult because of growing complexity of chemicals, materials, manufacturing processes, and regulations.
Employers in South Dakota who need assistance in identifying and correcting safety and health hazards in their workplaces can call upon a free, on-site consultation service. This service, at no cost to the employer, is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. Engineering Extension, South Dakota State University offers this assistance upon request to firms seriously interested in providing safe, healthy, and productive work environments.
An on-site visit by a Engineering Extension professional is done for two purposes
1. To help employers better manage safety and health conditions, and
2. To reduce costs by improving conditions in their workplaces.
Engineering Extension, South Dakota State University has provided this service since 1981 and is staffed with well-qualified safety and health professionals with many years of experience in industry, government, and academia. Staff members are trained through the OSHA Training Institute.
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TYPICAL ASSISTANCE
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| Walk-through surveys to assist businesses in achieving in-compliance status with federal regulations and consensus standards; |
| Surveys of work practices to pinpoint causes of injuries or illnesses; |
| Noise measurements to evaluate noise exposure and assist with hearing conservation program |
| Air sampling and analysis to measure contaminants such as dusts, fumes, gases, and vapors; |
| Evaluations of technical programs such as lockout/tagout, confined space entry, hazard communication, respiratory protection, and others; |
| Safety and health programs development assistance; |
| A confidential written report at no charge for the exclusive use of the company; |
| References to safety and health standards that apply to Engineering Extension’s findings; |
| Suggestions and practical solutions for correcting hazards and improving the company’s safety and health program; and |
| On-site formal and informal training assistance. |
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SERVICES AVAILABLE
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Safety
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| Determination of compliance with OSHA regulations and consensus standards |
| Comprehensive hazard evaluations |
| Job safety analysis |
| Safety Program audits |
| Technical program development |
| Assistance with hazard controls |
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Health
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| Comprehensive hazard evaluations |
| Chemical exposure assessment |
| Technical program audits |
| Noise evaluation and control |
| Evaluation of ventilation systems |
| Determination of compliance with OSHA regulations and consensus standards |
| Indoor air quality investigations |
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For more information:
James Manning, Program Director
Engineering Extension
SDSU
Box 510, West Hall
Brookings, SD 57007
Phone: 605-688-4101
Fax: 605-688-6290
Email: james_manning@sdstate.edu
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