What is the Best OSHA Training Course for Me?

Safety training is an essential aspect for most workplaces and saves lives and reduces injuries on the job.

Many workers contact OSHA trainers or training companies to find out what course would best apply to their needs.

Unfortunately, this is a question that employers can best answer. It is therefore essential that both employers and employees work together to figure out what type of training is needed because employers are legally obligated to provide a safe and healthful workplace.

Here are the different options to consider as you make a wise choice.

Is OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour Training Required?

OSHA Outreach training is a voluntary program that OSHA does not require for workers to complete. Anyway, your employer, union, and/or state or local jurisdiction may require you to complete OSHA 10 or 30 training.

Find out if you’re sufficiently trained for your position by checking with your employer, or your local government.

OSHA safety training is for any worker. 10-hour or 30-hour OSHA Outreach training is commonly used by many employers as a baseline introduction to workplace safety hazards and workers’ rights under OSHA. After taking this course, your employer may have specific onsite training needs to meet in relation to any potential hazards you may encounter in the workplace.

Do I Need OSHA Training for Construction or General Industry?

Both courses are offered in Construction Industry and General Industry options, with OSHA training topics being tailored to the selected industry.

As a rule, employers will inform their employees about the Outreach training version that is going to be required, so if you have any doubt, do reach out to your employer to know which Outreach training you need to take. OSHA defines “construction work” as work for construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating.

General Industry means any industry that’s not construction, maritime or agriculture. This includes (but is not limited to) health care, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and retail.

After providing descriptions taken directly from OSHA standards, they are the best guides to how to determine what class would work for your job specifically.

Another option, though, is to look at the topics each course covers and determine which are more relevant to the type of workplaces you will find yourself in. If the course you pick does not touch on any topics that will serve you well on a worksite, ensure that you complement your training with OSHA Compliance Training or in-job training.

OSHA 10-Hour Or OSHA 30-Hour?

The 10-Hour OSHA training course is enough for many entry-level workers, but what your workplace requests will really vary. This 30-Hour OSHA training is typically recommended for supervisors; for any site leads or managers who will have any sort of safety responsibility. The 30-Hour training not only covers the topics in a little more depth, but also a broader breadth of topics.

Still have questions regarding which OSHA course may be best for you or your employees? Our Safety Counselling trained staff are here to support you in every way they can!