If you work in the construction industry, you may have heard of the OSHA 30 hour construction course. This course is designed to provide workers with basic and more advanced training about common safety and health hazards on the job site.
It is also a requirement for some employers and states to ensure compliance with OSHA standards. But what exactly is the OSHA 30 hour construction course, and what are its benefits? Here are some answers to these questions.
What is the OSHA 30 Hour Construction Course?
The OSHA 30 hour construction course is part of the OSHA Outreach Training Program, which is a voluntary program that provides workers with information and skills to prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the workplace.
The program consists of two levels of courses: the 10-hour course and the 30-hour course. The 10-hour construction course is an orientation to occupational safety and health for entry-level workers, while the 30-hour course is more comprehensive and covers specific topics in depth for workers with safety responsibilities, such as fore persons, superintendents, project managers, safety coordinators, and safety specialists.
The OSHA 30 hour construction course covers at minimum, the following topics:
- Introduction to OSHA
- Managing Safety and Health
- OSHA Focus Four Hazards (fall protection, electrical, struck-by, and caught-in or -between)
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Health Hazards in Construction
- Stairways and Ladders
- Concrete and Masonry Construction
- Confined Spaces
- Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Elevators, and Conveyors
- Ergonomics
- Excavations
- Fire Protection and Prevention
- Materials Handling, Use, and Disposal
- Motor Vehicles, Mechanized Equipment, and Marine Operations; Rollover Protective Structures and Overhead Protection; and Signs, Signals, and Barricades
- Safety and Health Programs
- Scaffolds
- Tools – Hand and Power
- The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HAZCOM)
- Welding and Cutting
- Silica Exposure
- Lead Exposure
- Asbestos Exposure
- Noise Hazards and Hearing Loss Prevention
The course can be taken online or in person, depending on the provider selected.
The course duration is 30 hours, which can be spread over a maximum of six months. At the end of each module, there is a quiz that requires a score of at least 70% to pass. After completing the course, participants receive an OSHA 30 hour construction course completion card
What are the Benefits of Taking the OSHA 30 Hour Construction Course?
Taking the OSHA 30 hour construction course has several benefits for workers and employers alike. Some of these benefits are:
- Increased knowledge and awareness of safety and health hazards in the construction industry and how to prevent them.
- Improved compliance with OSHA standards and regulations that apply to the construction industry.
- Reduced risk of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on the job site.
- Enhanced reputation and credibility as a safety-conscious employer or worker.
- Potential reduction in workers’ compensation costs and insurance premiums due to fewer accidents and claims.
- Increased productivity and quality of work due to fewer disruptions and delays caused by accidents or injuries.
- Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty due to improved safety performance.
Who Needs to Take the OSHA 30 Hour Construction Course?
The OSHA 30 hour construction course is NOT mandatory for all workers in the construction industry.
However, some employers may require their workers to take the course as part of their safety policy or contract agreement.
Some states may also require certain workers to take the course as part of their licensing or certification requirements.
For example, New York City has a local law (Local Law 196 of 2017) that requires workers on certain types of construction projects to complete either an OSHA 10 hour or an OSHA 30 hour construction course by December 1, 2019.
Other states that have similar requirements include Nevada, Missouri, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii.
Even if you are not required to take the OSHA 30 hour construction course by your employer or state, you may still benefit from taking it if you want to enhance your safety knowledge and skills or advance your career in the construction industry. The course can help you demonstrate your commitment to safety and health on the job site and make you more competitive in the job market.
Selecting an OSHA 30 Hour Training Provider
If you are interested in taking the OSHA 30 hour construction course, you need to find either an OSHA authorized trainer (if you live in one of the states mentioned above, or your employer has requested Outreach training) who can deliver the course to you, or select an online provider who offers a comparable program.
You should compare the cost, schedule, and format of the course offered by different trainers and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Wrap Up
The OSHA 30 hour construction course is a valuable training program that can help you learn about the safety and health hazards in the construction industry and how to prevent them.
It can also help you comply with OSHA standards and regulations and get OSHA certified, reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on the job site, and improve your career prospects in the construction industry.
If you are a worker with safety responsibilities in the construction industry, or if you want to enhance your safety knowledge and skills, you should consider taking the OSHA 30 hour construction course. It could be one of the best investments you can make for your safety and success.
