What is OSHA Safety Certification and Why Does it Matter?

Introduction

The Department of Labor in the United States focuses on ensuring that work environments are safe. A subdivision of this department is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA for short. This agency has many roles, including certifying employees and trainers, and it came into existence thanks to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Getting OSHA certified means you have an official recognition of your skills showing that you meet all the OSHA requirements. This certification can help you prove your awareness of safety at work, open up more job opportunities, and keep you safer in risky jobs. In this article, we will look at the different kinds of OSHA certifications, how they help keep workplaces safe and support career development, and the steps needed to get certified.

What is OSHA Safety Certification?

Getting OSHA certification means you’ve completed specific OSHA courses. It proves that you have learned about the safety and health risks you might face on the job. You can earn this credential in construction, disaster response, maritime work, or general industry. The training covers important topics like workplace safety and how to handle incidents, along with keeping records. Once you finish the training, whether as a worker or a trainer, you’ll receive a card from the Department of Labor (DOL) as a sign of your achievement.

Types of OSHA Safety Certifications

There are different OSHA certification courses available. Some focus on
general safety in the workplace, while others target specific risks or job roles.

If you look online, you’ll find many options for OSHA Safety Certification courses. However, the only ones approved by the Department of Labor are:
OSHA Outreach Training 10-hour program
OSHA Outreach Training 30-hour program

OSHA-certified trainers can only teach these programs. When you complete one,
you’ll receive a DOL OSHA card, but keep in mind that this isn’t the same as being
OSHA certified. These courses are a good starting point for training that most workers will require.

What's the difference between OSHA 10 and OSHA 30?

OSHA 10 is a basic training program designed for workers who do not have supervisory duties. It takes about 10 hours and is spread over at least two days. On the other hand, OSHA 30 is a more detailed program aimed at both
employees and supervisors who have safety responsibilities. This course consists of 30 hours of training and runs for at least four days.

What Certification Does OSHA Require?

OSHA does not issue certifications for workers. Instead, it requires employers to provide proper safety and health training. Although taking OSHA’s 10 or 30-hour courses is voluntary, those who complete these courses receive a Department of Labor (DOL) card, which is the closest form of recognition to certification. Proper training is crucial for workplace safety and compliance, making it an important, though not mandatory, requirement.

Why Does OSHA Safety Certification Matter?

The rules for getting OSHA certification can be different depending on where you are and what job you do. In some places, construction workers are required to finish a 10-hour training before they can begin certain jobs, and some states ask for renewal every five years.

Even if it’s not required, getting OSHA certified is helpful. It can make workplaces
safer, help spot dangers, and keep safety standards high. By dealing with risks,
Making sure rules are followed and encouraging safety measures, OSHA certification helps create a safer workplace for everyone, which is good for both workers and employers.
Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of OSHA safety certification in the
workplace:

Better understanding of handling workplace hazards
OSHA training helps you grasp how to handle dangers at work. You’ll find out how to safely use equipment that might be risky and how to move around in areas that could be unsafe.

Increased safety
OSHA certification makes a workplace safer by helping to prevent accidents and looking after employee well-being. Those who are certified might find their confidence and comfort in their jobs growing. This can also help lower risks for the organization and steer clear of any compliance problems.

Enhanced Morale
It gives workers the important knowledge they need to identify and reduce dangers at work, which helps them feel more sure about their daily activities. When a company values safety; it tells employees that their health matters, building trust and making them happier at work. As a result, this creates more involvement, better teamwork, and increased productivity because employees know they are cared for and safe in their jobs.

How to get OSHA-CERTIFIED?

This training is optional, and OSHA helps by giving guidelines. They’ve also set up the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center and the Outreach Training Program. These programs offer resources for classes led by OSHA-approved trainers. The training is available only to workers in the U.S. OSHA is a federal agency that mainly oversees private sector employers and their employees in the U.S. (along with some territories and jurisdictions that fall under federal authority). Those who finish the program receive a 10-hour or a 30-hour OSHA completion card. However, OSHA doesn’t certify workers who go through these training sessions. Completing these programs isn’t necessary for compliance. Essentially, OSHA standards are the rules that employers must follow.

How to obtain OSHA certification?

Here are the five key steps to obtain an OSHA certification:

Determine the Appropriate Program: Choose the right OSHA certification based on your career goals (OSHA 10 for employees, OSHA 30 for managers).
Complete Training: Register for and complete the necessary OSHA courses through an authorized training provider. Get OSHA Courses has made this convenient for you.
Submit an Application: After completing the course, apply for your OSHA certification with your training provider.
Receive Your Card: Expect your OSHA card to arrive within 90 days, with a certificate of completion.
Stay Updated: Keep your certification current with periodic training or renewal as required for OSHA certification.

How to maintain OSHA certification?

OSHA 10 certification doesn’t expire, but it’s a good idea to take updated training from time to time to meet your employer’s or local regulations. This extra training can also help you keep up with the latest safety practices in your field. On the other hand, OSHA 30 certification lasts for four years. To stay recognized as an authorized trainer, update your course. If you let more than four years pass before renewing, you’ll have to meet certain requirements and take the full trainer course again.

Get your OSHA Safety Certification now!

Enroll now at GET OSHA COURSES to get your OSHA safety certification. OSHA requires that training be provided in a way and language that workers can easily understand. We also offer OSHA certifications in Spanish to help remove language barriers.

Conclusion

Whether in construction, general industry, or another field, having an OSHA safety certification enhances your understanding and readiness for potential dangers. Moreover, it encourages a culture of safety that benefits both employees and employers by reducing accidents and promoting overall well-being.

While not all workers are required to obtain this certification, it provides many benefits. It helps improve workplace safety, increases confidence in managing risks, and helps organizations uphold high safety standards.