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OSHA Outreach Training Programs – Know The Facts

OSHA Outreach Training Programs

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Outreach Training Program provides basic and more advanced training to workers about common safety and health hazards on the job. The 10-hour safety course covers general safety and health hazards for entry-level workers. Whereas the 30-hour safety course provides a greater variety of safety subjects and in-depth, industry-specific training. The 30-hour course is intended for supervisors and workers with safety and health responsibility.

However, over the past several years there has been an increase in fraudulent activity related to these courses. Therefore, knowing the facts about OSHA’s Outreach Training Program can help workers avoid fraudulent trainers and course providers.

FACT 1: Only OSHA-authorized trainers may teach 10- and 30-hour safety courses, and issue OSHA student course completion cards at the end of the training.

FACT 2: OSHA has published a public list of authorized trainers to help workers find legitimate training and avoid fraud. The list provides trainer names and contact information and designates which course each trainer is authorized to teach (i.e., construction, general industry, maritime, disaster site worker).

FACT 3: Taking the course does NOT guarantee employment. While 10 and 30-hour courses are an important first step towards workplace safety, beware of fraudulent advertisements that offer guaranteed job placements after obtaining the OSHA card.

FACT 4: OSHA does not require completion of these courses, but may require other training for workers that encounter certain workplace hazards. Outreach Training Program courses are a prerequisite to employment in some cities and states, although OSHA does not require the training. In some cases, however, hazards encountered in the workplace require workers to complete the 10 and 30-hour safety courses in order to meet OSHA standards. Check your local requirements and consult the relevant OSHA regulations before taking these courses.