OSHA training provides the fundamentals needed to ensure safe workplaces.
Contrary to common belief – OSHA considers each training optional, although that being said , completion is mandated by law in some states that require OSHA 10 training, and some other jurisdictions.
Whatever the status, enrolling in an online or in-person course and getting OSHA certified will offer many long term benefits for all employers and employees.
From basic grade general industry workers to supervisors, here are some useful facts to know about OSHA 10 and 30 hour outreach training.
Different industry focuses: General Industry and Construction
The Outreach Training Program typically offers two levels of training, 10-hour courses and 30 hour courses.
The 10-hour training is primarily designed for new workers entering the industry. The 30-hour training offers supervisory employees and more experienced workers responsible for workplace safety a more in-depth and specialized training experience.
Both course levels share common objectives, and in some cases content.
They also both offer certificates of completion.
Choosing the right course depends mainly on enrolling with an appropriate training provider. For many people this will mean an OSHA authorized trainer, but for many others, who want a fast and hassle free online training experience, it will mean an online provider who will get you OSHA 10 certified.
Once the right trainer provider is selected, the next step is to decide whether to enroll in the 10- or 30-hour course, and whether to complete the training online or in-person.
Training uplifts safety awareness for everyone
According to OSHA, despite not being strictly required by OSHA, both the 10-hour and 30-hour outreach courses offer training that focuses on raising awareness about identifying, avoiding, reducing, and preventing workplace hazards.
Each also has modules that cover workers’ rights and responsibilities, employer responsibilities, and the process of filing a complaint.
The content covered in each course varies depending on industry.
The lessons prioritize essential safety considerations such as personal protective equipment, hazard communication, and other industry-specific challenges frequently encountered by, for example, construction workers.
In some cases, learners will have an opportunity to customize their courses to an extent by selecting elective classes.
Specific topics covered for OSHA construction specific courses include:
OSHA 10-Hour construction:
- About OSHA
- Struck and Caught Hazards
- Electrical Safety
- Fall Protection
- Stairway and Ladder Safety
- Excavation Safety
- Scaffold Safety
- Materials Handling
- Crane & Derrick Safety
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Permit-Required Confined Space Entry
OSHA 30-Hour construction:
- All 10-hour topics +
- Managing Safety and Health
- Noise Hazards and Hearing Conservation
- Respiratory Protection
- Lead and Crystalline Silica Hazards
- Asbestos Hazards
- GHS Hazard Communication
- Hand and Power Tools
- Heavy Machinery and Equipment
- Forklift Safety
- Fire Safety
- Welding and Cutting
- Concrete and Masonry
- Steel Erection
- Ergonomics
Regardless of the industry or of specific course curriculum, it is important to reinforce the fact that the Outreach Training Program does not fulfill any training obligations specified by OSHA standards.
As surprising as that may seem, it instead serves as an additional training opportunity for workers, complementing their mandatory workplace health and safety training.
OSHA highlights that the program places a strong emphasis on identifying, avoiding, controlling, and preventing workplace hazards.
Of course, these are all essential skills that play a role in minimizing workplace accidents and addressing common safety violations.
Regulatory bodies other than OSHA may mandate training
As we have covered, while OSHA itself does not mandate 10-or 30-hour training, other regulatory bodies may require workers to complete one of those courses.
In the construction industry, several states and even municipalities have implemented mandatory classes for specific workers.
These regulations frequently apply to workers involved in public sector contracts with a value exceeding a certain amount.
States that have made certain outreach training classes mandatory include:
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia.
Cities like New York City and Philadelphia have also implemented similar rules.
All safety training has a reward
Regardless of whether it is mandatory for you or your employees to undertake OSHA Outreach Training, it could still be a good use of time and resources.
These courses offer a vast amount of information that can be used to prevent workplace injuries, avoid hazards and illnesses, and avoid consequences such as fines, legal complications, and decreased productivity.
They can also contribute to enhancing the safety culture of your organization and serve as an excellent means of promoting safety importance to your employees.
Alsor, training can bring many benefits to your business. When accident rates are reduced, worker’s compensation claims and rates are reduced.
When workers acquire skills to work more efficiently and effectively, they become better prepared to tackle projects instead of relying solely on on-the-job training.
Completion cards earned through the training can provide a competitive advantage for companies seeking to secure contracts.
Summary
OSHA Outreach training may be a good choice for 10 hour and 30 hour training in many cases, but it is not the right fit for every individual or organization.
Here at Stay Certified we offer 10 hour and 30 hour courses 100% online that cover all mandated OSHA training topics and allow you to take very similar training to that provided by outreach at a more affordable rate, and with modern, responsive elearning.
You can start the training to get your OSHA 10 certificate immediately and receive it instantly after completion.
