Syntrio-Leader in Compliance Training, Comprehensive Ethics Hotlines and Employee Reporting
Syntrio-Leader in Compliance Training, Comprehensive Ethics Hotlines and Employee Reporting

STATE-MANDATED HARASSMENT TRAINING

Maine Sexual Harassment Training Requirements

The Maine Human Rights Commission (“MHRC”) enforces the Maine sexual harassment training requirements, and the law requires nearly every employee in the state to receive training on the prevention of sexual harassment.

Preview the U.S. Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Training Course

Don’t leave compliance to chance in Maine – Stay updated on harassment laws and regulations specific to the state.

Maine State-Mandated Training Requirements

In 1991, Maine enacted legislation requiring many employers to provide training to all employees regarding the illegality of sexual harassment. Maine was the first state to require all of its employees to be trained on this important topic and was well ahead of others. Maine’s law has been viewed as a model for many of the statutes that have been enacted in subsequent years. Read More…

GET THE TRAINING - MAINE HARASSMENT TRAINING
What type of organization must provide training?   All public and private employers must provide training under Maine law. 
What is the minimum number of employees for training to be required?   Under Maine law, employers with 15 or more employees must provide training. 
How frequently must training be conducted?   Maine does not have a re-training requirement. 
How soon must training be conducted? 
  • Training must be completed within one year of hire. 
  • Additional training (including manager specific elements) must be conducted within one year of assumption of a supervisory position. 
What segments of the workforce must receive training?   The Maine law does not specify what individuals working for an organization other than “employees” must receive the training. 
What is the minimum duration of training?  Maine does not have a minimum duration for sexual harassment training under its law. 
What records must be kept following training? 
  • Maine employers must keep a record of the training (including names of employees who attended) for a minimum of three years. 
  • The records must be made available to the Maine Department of Labor upon request. 
What are potential penalties for failing to conduct training? 

Under Maine law, the Maine Department of Labor can assess fines for noncompliance with the training law. 

The fine schedule is as follows: 

  • First violation: fine of $1,000 
  • Second violation: fine of $2,500 
  • Third or subsequent violation: fine of $5,000 
What are the mandatory content requirements under Maine law? 

Maine requires employers to provide annual individual written notice to employees including a description of sexual harassment and the protections against it. The written notice must contain the information: 

  • Notice of the illegality of sexual harassment and retaliation, including a definition of the terms under state law; 
  • A description of sexual harassment, using examples; 
  • An explanation of the legal recourse and complaint process, as well as how to contact the Maine Human Rights Division; 
  • Information on the employer’s internal complaint process; 
  • Supervisors must receive additional training on the specific responsibilities associated with that role, and steps that must be taken to ensure immediate and corrective action in addressing complaints of sexual harassment. 
Are there any additional training elements required by Maine law? 

 

There are no additional training requirements under Maine law. 
Are there any policy or posting requirements under Maine law? 

Maine requires employers to provide annual individual written notice to employees including a description of sexual harassment and the protections against it. The written notice must contain the information enumerated in question 9 (“What are the mandatory content requirements under Maine law?) in this section. 

Maine also requires all employers to post in a “prominent and accessible location in the workplace” a document (that does not exceed sixth-grade literacy standards) including the following elements: 

  • A statement on the illegality of sexual harassment; 
  • A description of sexual harassment (including examples); 
  • The complaint process available through the Maine Human Rights Commission; and 
  • Directions on how to contact the Maine Human Rights Commission 

Don’t leave compliance to chance.

Access Syntrio’s “Harassment Training Requirements in the United States and U.S. Territories” brochure today and ensure your organization meets its obligations while promoting a culture of respect and equality.

FREE DOWNLOAD
Syntrio Harassment Training Requirements in the United States and the U.S. Territories

Syntrio can help your organization comply with the ever-changing sexual harassment training landscape.

Preview the U.S. Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Training Course

HARASSMENT PREVENTION RESOURCES

Manage Risk, Empower Culture, and Accelerate Performance!

Syntrio - U.S. Workplace Harassment Brochure
Essential-Guide-Workplace-Harassment Icon
Syntrio - DEI - The Continuing of Risks of Harassment
MORE RESOURCES

Enter your keyword