What Certifications and Training Are Required by OSHA

Safety Training

Safety training refers to learning programs designed to train employees on safe processes. The goal of safety training is to mitigate risks, prevent injuries, and prevent fatalities on the job. Safety training can also be a set of activities to provide employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job safely and efficiently.

Overall, safety training is a form of alignment training meant to protect a company and its employees. But beyond alignment, it is essential to ensure employees return safely home to their families and friends each day.

OSHA Requirements on Safety Training

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA), employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees.

“OSHA’s mission is to ensure the protection of workers and prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths by setting and enforcing standards” (OSHA). Each industry has been given different training requirements and standards under OSHA due to the unique hazards and work conditions they have.

For example, in the general industry, OSHA requires training to cover topics such as handling hazardous material, occupational health, and environment control. However, OSHA has different requirements for training employees who work in the construction or maritime industries. Necessary training for these industries covers topics such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and fall arrest systems.

For more in-depth explanations and descriptions of OSHA Requirements for industries and safety training, take a look at this document compiled by OSHA.

What Training is Required Annually by OSHA?

Many safety training courses are required to be taken annually as a way of refreshing safety information for employees. It keeps safety as the number one priority which minimizes hazard exposure and risks.

Once again though, this training varies depending on the work industry. Consider how a nurse working in a hospital would need a different refresher course than a worker who operates cranes for a construction company.

Some refresher courses are necessary throughout multiple industries. A great example of this would be OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour courses.

OSHA Certified

The term “OSHA Certified” generally refers to completing the OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour course. An employee can receive a certification for topics other than these courses, though. This will be discussed in the next section. It is also important to know that despite the titles of these trainings, OSHA does not provide these safety courses.

The OSHA 30-hour training course is generally taken by and required for:

• Site leads
• Supervisors
• Engineers
• Safety Specialists
• Project Managers

Entry-level employees in the construction or general industries are the target audience for the OSHA-10 training. OSHA strongly advises taking this course, but they don’t require it. However, some employers could insist that their staff members finish this course.

What is an OSHA Certification?

A formal competency certificate issued in line with the OSH Act of 1970 is known as an OSHA certification. Following successful completion of an OSHA Aligned safety training course, certification is typically awarded.

A worker who has been engaged to work in a confined space, for instance, would need to finish a confined space safety course. The worker would obtain a certificate after successfully completing the course attesting to their training and ability to work in restricted spaces safely.

What Are the Best OSHA Certifications to Have?

Necessary and useful OSHA certifications vary depending on the work industry and the company you work for. But overall, the best certification to have–regardless of your work industry or job type– is the General Industry 10-hour training. This safety course provides all employees with information regarding:

• Common workplace hazards and how to deal with them
• Workers rights
• Employer responsibilities
• Employee responsibilities
• How to file a complaint with OSHA

All of the above information is important for employees to learn and understand.

OSHA Requirements for the Industries

Each industry has different standards and requirements that both employers and employees must comply with. Many standards and regulations fluctuate throughout the different industries, but there are also many that stay the same. For example, no matter what the industry is, employers are responsible for providing safety training, safety equipment, and protective gear for their working employees.

Standards also state that no matter the industry, employees always have the right to file a complaint against an employer who does not provide their employees with a safe workplace or working conditions.

Legal Requirements for Health and Safety

OSHA is a federal agency that was established in 1970 by President Nixon, which means that all federal and state laws coincide with OSHA Requirements and regulations when it comes to safety in the workplace. Workers are entitled to a safe workplace under federal law.

State Specific OSHA Training

States are allowed to develop their own safety plan based on OSHA Requirements. They can create higher safety standards as needed for working conditions in their state. For example, California has its own state plan due to its large population as well as unique climate conditions. Their state safety plan is called CAL OSHA.

Hard Hat Safety Training

You might be wondering, how can I get started? Here at Hard Hat Safety Training you can start OSHA certification online courses today and work at your own pace. Our goal is to give you the top-notch training programs at the lowest possible prices!