Introduction to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

What is OSHA?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was established in 1970 under the Department of Labor in the United States. Its primary mission is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. The agency’s formation marked a significant step towards improving workplace safety, particularly in high-risk industries such as construction.

Employers Responsibilities:

Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.
Provide training required by OSHA standards.
Keep records of injuries and illnesses.
Set up a reporting system.
Provide and pay for most personal protective equipment (PPE).

Workers Responsibilities:

Follow all OSHA standards, rules, regulations, and orders that apply to their actions and conduct.
Use any safety equipment, personal protective equipment, or other devices and procedures provided by the employer.
Report any unsafe or unhealthful working conditions to the appropriate officials.
Cooperate during an inspection.
Report all occupational injuries and illnesses.
Follow safe work practices and help reduce work hazards.
Read and follow all health and safety postings.

Why Does OSHA Training Matters?

Before OSHA’s establishment, workplace safety was often overlooked, leading to numerous accidents and health issues among workers. The administration set standards and initiated education and training programs to help employers and employees understand and implement safety measures. OSHA training equips workers with the knowledge and skills to identify potential hazards and take appropriate actions to eliminate the risks, thus enhancing overall safety performance. Whether you are an employee looking for career advancements or an employer aiming to strengthen your safety program, the benefits of this training cannot be underestimated.

For Employees:

With OSHA training and certification, employees can:
Build relationship
It helps create a strong foundation among colleagues, resulting in a safer and more comfortable workplace.
Recognize Hazards
It gives workers hands-on experience in recognizing dangers, helping them stay safe. This allows for a significant reduction in workplace accidents.
Prevent Hazards
Workers can implement safety measures for hazards that may not be immediately visible, such as chemical exposures and ergonomic risks.
Implement safety measures
This includes wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) and other safety protocols.
Get Aware of Their Rights
The program trains workers about their rights and responsibilities, and provides knowledge of the legal aspects of workplace safety, including the right to refuse a job that appears to be unsafe and the reporting procedures for dangerous conditions.

For Employers:

With the OSHA compliance, employers can:
Prevent Injuries
Training workers with the necessary skills helps prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.
Reduce Costs
The course will help employers remain compliant with OSHA regulations, reducing the likelihood of legal actions related to workplace accidents.
Engage Workers
Safe working conditions uplift the spirit of workers, and thus, they are motivated to get more tasks accomplished, as they operate purposefully and are less likely to be hurt. This can increase productivity and enhance overall business operations.
Build a Reputation
Organizations that prioritize safety are highly regarded by clients, partners, and potential employees, helping to strengthen their reputation in the market.
Increase employee trust and morale
A safe work environment promotes trust and enhances employee morale. When employees know that the employer prioritizes their safety, they are more likely to be engaged and productive.

Impact of Non-Compliance with OSHA

Fines: OSHA can impose fines on any business that fails to observe safety measures.
Compensation Claim: In such cases, where an employee is injured due to non-compliance with the safety standards, they may be entitled to compensation.
Revenue loss: A case or accident can lead to downtime due to investigations or injuries to skilled workers, resulting in lost productivity and revenue.

OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 Explained

OSHA 30
OSHA 30 is a 30-hour training course designed for supervisors responsible for the safety of their team members. It provides workers with comprehensive safety compliance knowledge to support OSHA’s purpose. In the training, workers are extensively taught to predict and prevent hazards, rather than just addressing their consequences.

OSHA 10
OSHA 10 is a 10-hour training course for entry-level workers who do not have specific safety responsibilities.The course content helps workers learn and recognize the functions of OSHA, become aware of its inspection priorities, and identify the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees under the OSH Act.
The most popular OSHA training programs are the OSHA 10 and 30 General and Construction Industry Training. At GET OSHA Courses, you can easily enroll in these trainings.

The general industry training covers common hazards in every field except construction, maritime, aircraft, mining, and nuclear facilities. This course is ideal for workers in healthcare, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, retail, agriculture, cosmetology, and automotive industries.
The construction training is all about construction, the most hazardous field. Whether you’re a carpenter, electrician, or plumber, this course provides the necessary knowledge and skills.

OSHA certification
After passing the final exam and all the quizzes, participants receive OSHA 30 or OSHA 10 certification and an official DOL card, depending on the course completed. The card’s layout and design differ between the general and construction industries.

Who Needs OSHA Training?

Specifically, the following individuals should consider enrolling for OSHA 30 certification:

Supervisors and managers
Safety Officers
Human Resources Professionals
Employees with Safety Responsibilities

If you have just entered the construction or general industry, OSHA 10 is the right option.
This course is designed for:

Electricians
Plumbers
Labor Staff
Lab Technicians
Carpenter
Welder and any entry-level worker with zero or little experience.

Conclusion: OSHA’s Commitment to Safety

For nearly 50 years, OSHA has remained committed to fostering safer workplaces, significantly improving workplace safety. Here are key facts and figures highlighting its impact:

Federal OSHA has about 1,850 inspectors overseeing the safety of 130 million workers at more than 8 million worksites, averaging one inspector for every 70,000 workers.
Worker deaths in the U.S. have decreased from 38 per day in 1970 to 15 per day in 2022. Injuries and illnesses dropped from 10.9 per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.7 per 100 in 2022.
OSHA conducts approximately 40,000 inspections annually, focusing on high-risk industries. In FY 2023, it completed 34,267 inspections.
OSHA provides training programs to 10 million workers each year. We are pleased to announce that Get OSHA Courses is a prominent Outreach Training Institute.
According to available data, OSHA received 2,309 whistleblower complaints in Fiscal Year 2023.
OSHA’s safety programs save businesses about $1.5 billion annually by reducing workplace injuries and fatalities and cutting costs from turnover, training, and lost productivity.
OSHA’s total budget was $632 million in FY 2023, increasing yearly.

These records reflect OSHA’s efforts to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities while ensuring compliance with safety standards. Despite progress, challenges persist, and OSHA adapts to emerging workforce hazards.