OSHA 10-Hour Class Facts Explained

Training of the OSHA 10 hour has, over the years, become one of the region’s topmost safety education programs, especially for those workers engaged in high-risk occupations like building and construction, manufacturing, and transportation. There is, however, much contention and confusion regarding the facts of what OSHA 10-hour training is about.

This guide covers both basic and detailed answers to frequently asked questions or inquiries users may have about OSHA 10-hour training, such as what it is about, how it is needed by law, where to take such course, how long the training credentials last, and so on.

What is OSHA 10-Hour Training?

OSHA 10-hour training is a course designed and endorsed by OSHA consisting of educating workers about certain prevalent safety as well as health hazards in an occupation. It covers introductory OSHA policies, concepts and standards.

The 10 in OSHA 10-hour training denotes the length of the course – it is intended to be completed in approximately 10 hours. OSHA also offers more advanced 30-hour training for supervisors and managers. OSHA 10-hour training is considered an “Outreach Training Program” by OSHA.

It’s important to note that despite its widespread use, the term “OSHA 10 certification” is technically incorrect. OSHA has clarified that its Outreach Training courses should not be referred to as certification programs since no exam is required. The proper terminology is “OSHA 10-hour training card” or “OSHA 10-hour course completion card.” However, the public and professionals alike still tend to use the term OSHA 10 certification.

Upon completing the OSHA 10-hour training course, workers receive a wallet-sized completion card issued by the OSHA Directorate of Training and Education. This serves as documentation that they have received the training. Some refer to it informally as an “OSHA 10 card.” Employers may ask workers to present this card as proof of valid OSHA 10-hour credentials.

Types of OSHA 10-Hour Training

There are several industry-specific focuses for OSHA 10-hour training:

• OSHA 10-Hour Construction – Covers various safety hazards and standards relevant to the construction industry, like fall, electrical, and trenching hazards. It uses construction-specific examples.
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry – A more broad training covering common hazards across diverse industries like manufacturing, processing, warehousing, healthcare, retail, and more. The curriculum can be customized.
• OSHA 10-Hour Maritime – Focuses on hazards specific to maritime industries like marine terminals, longshoring, and shipyard work. Covers topics like confined space hazards, air contaminants, safe material handling near water, etc.

Choosing the OSHA 10-hour training specific to your trade or industry ensures you receive education tailored to the type of hazards you may encounter in your workplace. The General Industry course offers the most versatility for customization across many non-construction fields.

Is OSHA 10 Legally Required?

OSHA itself does not mandate all workers receive OSHA 10-hour training. It is an optional educational program. However, some states and municipalities do require OSHA 10-hour training cards for public works, construction projects and certain other types of work. This is done by incorporating OSHA 10-hour requirements into law.

For example, Nevada requires OSHA 10-hour training for all workers on public works construction sites. Other jurisdictions like New York City, Philadelphia, and Honolulu have similar mandates. Several states require public works contractors to employ a certain percentage of workers with OSHA 10-hour cards.

Outside of legal requirements, many private construction firms and general industry employers require current OSHA 10-hour training as a condition of being hired or contracted. Some give preference to applicants who already have valid OSHA 10-hour credentials. So even without an outright mandate, OSHA 10-hour training has become a de facto requirement for many trades.

Why OSHA 10 is Required for Construction?

The high rates of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the construction industry are why OSHA 10-hour training is overwhelmingly required for this sector. Though construction workers make up only about 5-7% of the total U.S. workforce, they account for 20% of worker deaths – more than 1,000 construction worker fatalities occur nationally each year.

Construction industry injury/illness rates are 50-200% higher than the average across all industries. However, studies suggest as many as 1 in 4 construction workers do not report work-related injuries. This points to rates being even higher than officially estimated.

Given these dire safety statistics, jurisdictions instituting OSHA 10-hour requirements cite the need to establish a minimum level of safety education and hazard awareness in the high-risk construction industry. Mandating and incentivizing OSHA 10-hour training is seen as an impactful way to improve safety across public and private construction projects.

Does OSHA 10 Expire?

OSHA itself does not currently specify an expiration period for its 10-hour training credentials. Once issued, OSHA considers a 10-hour course completion card valid indefinitely.

However, various jurisdictions and employers that mandate OSHA 10-hour training often do impose periodic renewal requirements. Typically the OSHA 10-hour card must be renewed every 3 to 5 years. For example, Connecticut and New York City require renewal every 5 years. Miami-Dade County policies call for renewal every 3 years.

Imposing an expiration ensures workers periodically refresh their OSHA safety knowledge and keeps their training credentials up-to-date. Workers should be aware of any renewal requirements that may apply to their OSHA 10 credentials based on local policies or employer mandates.

Where to Get OSHA 10 Training?

OSHA does not directly provide the 10-hour training to the public. Instead, OSHA authorizes trainers who can conduct OSHA 10-hour courses and issue the completion cards on OSHA’s behalf. There are two avenues to obtain OSHA 10-hour training:

• In-person classroom training – Various private safety training organizations, community colleges, workforce centers, and companies offer traditional in-person OSHA 10 classroom courses. This hands-on approach offers chance for discussion and activities.
• Online OSHA 10 training – Many safety training entities now offer OSHA-authorized online courses for added convenience and flexibility. Some include virtual classrooms. Online courses must still meet OSHA’s 10-hour training criteria.

It is essential to verify any OSHA 10-hour course – classroom or online – is being delivered by an authorized Outreach Trainer. Visiting OSHA’s website allows you to search its nationwide database of approved OSHA 10 course providers.

Cost of OSHA 10-Hour Training

Pricing for OSHA 10-hour training programs can range from about $125 to $300, depending on whether it is a classroom or online course. Often times employers will cover the cost of OSHA 10 training for their workers. Some unions also help members get subsidized OSHA 10 training.

Government workforce agencies and community colleges sometimes offer more budget-friendly OSHA 10 courses as well. It pays to research options and any available funding assistance in your area if cost is a concern.

Conclusion

The OSHA 10 Hour training course fulfills its primary need of providing safety education and prevention training for various fields such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation where there exist high levels of workplace injuries and illnesses. OSHA 10 is gaining or emerging as a requirement for many trades, although it is not applicable across the border.

Workers need to appreciate the different requirements that relate to the expertise area of obtaining OSHA 10 hour training credentials, establish the required training providers, be apt on card renewal process, and most importantly put to use the safety awareness taught on course while at work, gaining protection in the processes.