Take the OSHA 10-Hour Training to Improve Your Safety Knowledge

More than a million workers participated in OSHA’s 10-hour training in each of the last two years, with most completing the construction industry training. This and similar programs are available to workers who want to learn more about basic health and safety topics as part of OSHA’s formal outreach efforts. While there’s a 30-hour program that covers more in-depth knowledge, the shorter program is intended to cover introductory concepts.

What’s Covered in the 10-Hour Training?

The OSHA 10-hour training program covers basic workplace health and safety topics like common hazards, how to identify them, and how to mitigate them. Participants also learn common hazard prevention strategies along with OSHA standards. Topics include workers’ rights and employers’ obligations. Instructors also cover when it’s appropriate to file a formal complaint with OSHA and how to do so.

What Makes OSHA 10-Hour Training Stand Out?

This specialized training isn’t required by OSHA; however, in some cases, an employer may require that employees complete it. Those who do complete the program earn a physical card to recognize their efforts. While it’s easy to assume that OSHA employees run these training programs, they’re actually led by OSHA-authorized trainers who’ve completed a rigorous education program.

While they are typically held in-person, they may also be available online. OSHA 10-hour training allows students to get hands-on experience and talk to OSHA-authorized trainers for insight and guidance. Programs are offered in languages other than English. They’re intended for new workers with minimal if any experience so that all may feel welcome.

Key Things to Remember

Trainers are authorized by OSHA but are not OSHA employees. They are third-parties who offer this training as a service. They set their own schedules for training courses and fees for enrollment; however, the curriculum they follow is aligned with OSHA’s expectations. OSHA does maintain a list of trainers who’ve lost their authorization in order to give prospective students confidence in selecting a program to register for.

How to Become an OSHA 10-Hour Course Trainer

There are four trainer courses, one each dedicated to construction, general industry, maritime industry, and disaster sites (the disaster course is 15 hours in length). Authorization of instructors is good for four years; then completion of an update course is required to maintain trainer status. OSHA’s outreach training program requirements must be followed by trainers. Failure to adhere to the standards established by OSHA for these training programs can cause trainers to lose their authorization.

The OSHA 10-hour course is a good way for entry-level workers to gain an understanding of workplace health and safety topics along with practical strategies for reducing risk. The program is designed to cover the most common hazards that workers may experience in their chosen field. Training includes what to do if things go wrong and if an employee needs to file a workplace safety complaint with OSHA. An OSHA 10-hour program gives workers the knowledge and insight they need to be proactive in keeping themselves and their coworkers safe while on the job.