State of Montana Newsroom
SafetyFestMT Expands Course Offerings to Reach More Montana Workers
HELENA, Mont. – State and local leaders are encouraging Montana employers and workers to take part in this year’s SafetyFestMT, a three-day training event focused on building a strong culture of workplace and roadway safety across the state. The free event is scheduled for April 13-15 at the Great Northern Hotel in Helena.
For more than 15 years, SafetyFestMT has delivered safety training to Montana workers and employers across industries, from agriculture and construction to small businesses and industrial operations. This year, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry has expanded course offerings in the spring, added virtual courses in the fall, and continued to grow its options to better serve small employers and rural communities.
“Safety is more than a policy. It is a culture that protects us at work, while traveling, and throughout our daily lives,” said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor and Industry. “By expanding SafetyFestMT course offerings, we’re making sure more Montana workers and employers can access the training they need to go home safe every night.”
“Opportunities like SafetyFestMT are incredibly valuable for rural counties like ours,” said Levi Capdeville, Valley County Safety Coordinator. “Our remote location makes it difficult to send employees to training across the state, so having in-person options in the spring and virtual courses in the fall is especially helpful for local agricultural, government, and industrial employers.”
Montana Department of Transportation Director Chris Dorrington emphasized that safety extends beyond job sites and into everyday travel, especially for workers who spend time on the road.
“Buckling up, staying focused on the road, and driving at safe speeds are all critical for protecting yourself and others,” Dorrington said. “For many Montana workers, the drive to and from the job is one of the highest‑risk parts of the day, which is why trainings like SafetyFestMT are so important.”
Building on that message, officials note that the benefits of attending SafetyFestMT go beyond basic compliance by helping reduce injuries, strengthen workplace culture, and support safer communities across Montana.
Registration and course information are available on the Montana Department of Labor & Industry website by selecting the SafetyFestMT link on the homepage.