OSHA’s training requirements are in accordance to the safety and health hazards that employees are exposed to on the job. We often hear this misconception that OSHA requires employees to be OSHA certified. While there is no such thing as an ‘OSHA Certification’ there are various levels of training for employees and supervisors. OSHA Training Institutes (OTI) and Education Centers offer available outreach courses including 10 and 30-hour trainings in Construction, General Industry, Maritime Industry, and Disaster Work. These outreach trainings are not a certification program but they can allow a safety professional to become an OSHA Authorized Trainer by completing the appropriate courses (click here to learn more). OSHA Authorized Trainers can conduct and issue course completion cards for 10/30 Hour Trainings in the designated industry depending on which classes they take.
Although some states and certain types of jobsites may have requirements for employees or supervisors to complete an OSHA Outreach course, this is not a federal OSHA requirement. The Outreach training program is intended to cover an overview of hazards a worker may encounter on a jobsite.
OSHA Outreach Training Program training does not meet the training requirements contained in any OSHA standard.
Therefore, while the OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour are beneficial trainings for strengthening your employee’s knowledge, it cannot count towards other OSHA required training. Per OSHA’s Outreach Training Program Overview, Outreach Training emphasizes hazard identification, avoidance, control and prevention, not OSHA standards. We recommend that company utilize these Outreach Trainings as a supplemental tool in their safety program. Annual training shall still be conducted on employees’ exposure to safety and health hazards. All employees should also have initial on-the-job type training so they are mindful of their specific workplace hazards.
Workplace safety and health training should be a vital part of every employer’s program. OSHA’s training requirements manual has over 250 pages of information guiding employers on what training is needed. One phone call to Lancaster Safety can save you a ton of time and money by having one of our consultants evaluate your company’s needs quickly and the OSHA requirements that are applicable to your company’s operations. When you invest time into company safety & health training, it shows your employees that safety is a high priority and in return, enforces a positive safety culture. Companies with a strong safety culture typically have fewer injuries and illnesses, lower insurance premiums and a high employee morale.
Researchers conclude that those who are new on the job have a higher rate of injuries and illnesses than more experienced workers. Lancaster Safety recommends that employers train new hires before they even start working! LSCI has a new hire training program that offers an introduction to safety in the workplace for your employees. Upon completion of the new hire training, keep in mind that safety & health training should be conducted regularly to avoid complacency. The hazards associated with your company’s job tasks will determine what OSHA standards may apply. Depending on the standard, there can be initial, annual, periodic, or recommended training requirements. Download our training frequency guide below by filling out the form.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace. No person should ever have to be injured, become ill, or die for a paycheck.
Contact our office for more information to ensure your employees are meeting the initial, annual, or recommended training requirements for your workplace!