What is an OSHA Certification?

“OSHA certification” is a term that is commonly used for workplace safety training provided through OSHA-authorized platforms. However, it’s important to note that the term is not technically correct. Certifications are formal recognitions granted by a certifying body that verifies an individual has met specific qualifications, demonstrated a certain level of skill or knowledge, and passed a standardized exam.

In this regard, OSHA does not certify workers. However, this doesn’t mean OSHA is in no way connected to these trainings. In this article, we will explore the extent of OSHA’s involvement in these training programs and clarify which terms are accurate when referring to OSHA-related safety training.

OSHA Certification: Fact or Fiction?

While there isn’t a document that can be accurately termed an OSHA certification, it’s important to note that OSHA does have what’s known as its Outreach Training Program. Through this program, OSHA authorizes third-party training providers to offer 10-Hour and 30-Hour courses to workers and supervisors. In fact, there’s a list of providers on OSHA.gov who have OSHA’s official stamp of approval to deliver these trainings.

The term OSHA certification is often misused for the certificate of completion that training platforms email to their trainees after they pass the final exam. While this document can be shown to an employer to prove that you have completed the training program, it is not issued by OSHA and doesn’t contain any stamp or official endorsement.

What is An OSHA Card? 

Another term that is often used is OSHA cards. While OSHA itself doesn’t issue any cards, trainee who complete the outreach courses receive a plastic, wallet-size card. This card is often mailed to their provided address 6-8 weeks after completing a specific program.

Such card are also called DOL cards since they are issued by US Deparment of Labor (DOL). However, only OSHA-authorized platforms deliver these cards to the trainees. 

OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour?

The type of OSHA training to undertake will depend on the industry you work in. It will also depend on which state or locality your office is located in. For example.

• Connecticut requires an OSHA 10-hour certification for construction workers. Your certification will be valid if taken within the last five years.
• Massachusetts requires construction workers to complete an OSHA 10-hour certification before starting the project.
• Similarly, Nevada requires construction as well as entertainment industry workers to undertake the OSHA 10-hour certification every 5 years (at the least). Supervisors are expected to complete an OSHA 30-hour certification every 5 years.
• Other states/municipalities like Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and West Virginia have laws requiring certain OSHA outreach training.

Although voluntary, whenever you decide to enroll in any OSHA course, ensure the requirements for that state/municipality are met.

Benefits of OSHA Training

Regardless of the state you are in or are a worker/supervisor, both 10-hour and 30-hour OSHA courses promises benefits.

• It helps workers understand the basics of workplace hazards and safe practices.
• OSHA tracks trainers. They will reprimand anyone deviating from the standards. So, the training you receive will always be from the source (that of the official body).
• Trainers tailor their curriculum to suit the industry and audience.
• Trainers are encouraged to utilize a hands-on approach.
• Employers can better shape their workplace according to the set guidelines of OSHA.
• Spanish-speaking trainers’ list is maintained by OSHA so they can be easily located.
• Workers are provided with a strong foundation to build their safety knowledge.
• Enables worker and employer collaboration for a team-driven safety culture.

Thus, it is definitely worth getting. If you are looking for a job, employers often prefer an OSHA 30-Hour course completion certificate and a DOL card over a master’s degree in health and safety.

Start Your OSHA Training Today

Looking to meet OSHA training requirements? OSHA Outreach Courses offers both the OSHA 30-Hour and OSHA 10-Hour Construction courses in partnership with UL Solutions, an authorized OSHA training provider. Enroll today and make sure your team is trained to the highest standards for safety and compliance.