Which OSHA Training Course Do I Require?

Which OSHA Training Course Do I Require?

Safety training is an important aspect of many workplaces since it helps to save lives and reduce workplace injuries. Many workers contact OSHA trainers or training organizations to determine which course is most suited to their needs. Unfortunately, employers are the best people to answer this issue. Employers have a legal obligation to offer a safe workplace, thus it is critical that both employers and employees collaborate to determine what type of training is required.  

This blog provides some tips to help employees and companies decide which OSHA training course is right for them.

Is OSHA 10 or 30 Training Required?

While OSHA Outreach training is a voluntary program that OSHA does not mandate workers to participate in, employers, unions, and your state or local government may make OSHA 10 or 30 training mandatory. Always check with your employer or local government to confirm that you have received proper training for your position.

All workers can benefit from OSHA safety training. Many employers use 10-hour or 30-hour OSHA Outreach training as a baseline introduction to workplace safety hazards and workers' rights under OSHA. Following this course, your employer may require you to complete additional training on site-specific hazards you might encounter on the job.

Do I Need Construction or General Industry OSHA Training?

There are two types of OSHA training — Construction Industry and General Industry — that feature specialized topics depending on the industry chosen. Generally, employers will instruct their employees on which version of Outreach training will be needed, so if you are unsure, please contact your employer to find out which training you need. OSHA defines "construction work" as work for construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating.

General Industry refers to any industry not included in construction, maritime or agriculture. It includes (but is not limited to): health care, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and retail.

Taken directly from OSHA standards, these descriptions are the best guidelines to determine which course would be best suited for your job. But another option is to check out the types of topics covered in each course and decide which are more relevant to the types of workplaces you will be in. If the course you choose does not cover any important topics that you will encounter on a worksite, make sure to supplement training with OSHA Compliance Training or on-the-job training.

OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour?

The 10-Hour OSHA training course is sufficient for many entry-level workers, but the actual requirements will depend on what your workplace wants. 30-Hour OSHA training is generally recommended for supervisors, site leads or managers who will have any sort of safety responsibility. 30-Hour training not only goes a bit more in-depth on the topics, but also includes a wider breadth of topics.

‍