OSHA 10 Expiration: Do you need to renew your training?

Since 1971, OSHA has been setting the standards for safety in construction and several other industries. After you complete OSHA training, you usually receive your card in the mail from the Department of Labor within a month or two. When you receive the card, you may notice that there is no expiration date printed on it. This leaves many people wondering if, when and how they should renew their OSHA 10 or 30 training.

Does OSHA 10 Hour Expire?

The short answer to this is no. Remember, there is no official “certificate”, but there is a wallet card that acknowledges completion of a course from an OSHA accepted provider and this card does not expire.

The only exception to this rule is for maritime industry cards. If you earned your OSHA 10 card through this program, it expires after five years. You must complete an updated course prior to the training expiration date, which should be printed on the card.

How Long Is OSHA 30 Training Good For?

You can breathe a sigh of relief with this question’s answer as well. OSHA 30 cards do not expire. In some states, this training is voluntary. However, it is mandatory in several states for certain industries. If you are self-employed, be sure to find out if your state requires it. The training is highly beneficial even when it is not required. If you are an employee or a prospective hire, your employer may require it whether the state does or not.

It’s Important to Renew Your Training Anyway!

Although OSHA 10 and 30 training courses do not expire in their validity aside from those in the maritime industry, it is still important to renew your training. Your employer may even require refresher courses periodically. If this is not the case, you can still benefit yourself and others from refreshing your knowledge. The same is true if you are self-employed.

Here are a few of the benefits of renewing your training:

Since OSHA changes its standards frequently, renewing your training keeps your knowledge current.
It is easy to forget important rules or fall into dangerous habits without continuing training.
Employers and clients prefer individuals who have updated training.
You will help keep yourself and your coworkers safer on the job.
If you are a proactive safety role model, you are more likely to be promoted.

Letting your knowledge dissipate and not being aware of updated regulations can be just as dangerous as not receiving training at all.

In November 2016, OSHA released a news bulletin about a 23-year-old New York man who was killed earlier in May by a wood chipper. It was the man’s first day on the job, and his employer had not provided proper OSHA safety training. The man and other workers had not been taught how to avoid the machine’s dangerous rotating parts, and OSHA determined that safety training could have prevented the young man’s tragic death.

This is just one of many incident examples that reflect the need for not only initial training but updated training as well. When lives depend on safety, it must always be the top priority. If your employer does not ensure this, you can be proactive by updating your training and encouraging your coworkers to do so as well.

You should refresh your knowledge of the basic safety 10-hour course annually, and most training agencies and OSHA recommend updating your 30-hour training every few years.

How To Renew OSHA Training Quickly

We offer initial training and renewal training for OSHA 10 and 30 courses here.

If you need help deciding which course to take, we can assist you in finding state requirements or recommendations for your industry. Please contact us to learn more about OSHA 10 and 30 training as well as the other courses we offer.

References:
https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=33414
https://www.osha.net/osha-training/osha10-hour-certification/
https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/faqs.html

December 4, 2016

We’ve updated our “Most Dangerous Cities” maps with data from 2015

Remember our page of interactive maps showing the most dangerous cities for American workers? We’ve just added the latest data from 2015 with updated rankings and new observations. We also improved our method for mining the data to give you a more accurate view. So where does your city rank now?

July 21, 2016

Obstructed Exits, Wiring Cited at Macy’s, Finish Line

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently conducted an inspection of a Florida-based Macy’s location and issued 14 citations to both Macy’s and The Finish Line for numerous safety and health violations. The most recent inspection, conducted on Jan. 15, 2016, in Aventura, Florida, came as a result of a complaint, filed in relation to several workplace injuries. OSHA determined that the Macy’s and Finish Line workplaces were hazardous, due to violations involving obstructed exits and electrical wiring.

Macy’s Inc., a multi-national retailer based in Ohio, has undergone inspection by OSHA over 40 times and has repeatedly been cited for similar violations, involving obstructed exits, obstructed access to electrical disconnect panels, and the use of flexible cords instead of permanent wiring, at different locations. The Finish Line, an Indiana-based company, was located within the Macy’s store and shared the burden of a joint inspection.

The proposed penalty to Macy’s and The Finish Line totaled $103,220.

Repeated citations issued to Macy’s included:

Access to electrical disconnect switches were blocked
Workers were exposed to electric-shock hazards due to use of flexible cable, as opposed to fixed wiring
Employees were exposed to fire hazards, due to exit routes not being clearly marked

Serious citations issued to Macy’s included:

Improper housekeeping in the receiving and storage areas
Exit doors were allowed to be locked with a padlock
Obstructed exits blocking routes
Employees were exposed to electric-shock hazards, due to unprotected wiring entering an outlet box and a missing ground-pin on an electrical plug

Serious citations issued to The Finish Line included:

Failure to keep the storage area clean
Obstructed exits blocking routes

OSHA cited Macy’s for three “other-than-serious” violations for a lack of exit route signs, not providing signs on non-exit doors, and failing to mount and identify the location of fire extinguishers. The Finish Line was issued one “other-than-serious” citation for failing to mount fire extinguishers.

Many violations are easily identifiable and preventable. OSHA-approved general industry courses are a recommended measure of training for employers and employees.

February 3, 2016

OSHA: Preventing Falls with OSHA 10 Training

Gravity is a serious yet often overlooked safety hazard. Failure to protect workers from falls was the most common OSHA violation in 2015 with 6,721 violations. The risk of worker falls has grown rapidly with the growth of the communications industry and the use of communications towers. By enrolling your workers in an OSHA 10 hour workplace safety course, you can create a safer environment and help prevent needless accidents.

Fatal Fall: Tragedy at V & T Painting LLC

In October 2014, two contractors traveled nearly 300 miles from Michigan to Oxford, Ohio for what they thought would be a standard commercial painting project. The trip would cost them their lives.

The duo began working at a height of seven stories atop a two-point scaffold, all without any safeguards to stop or cushion a potential fall. When the suspension rope snapped, the scaffold collapsed, and nothing could save the men from falling to their deaths.

A Case of Employer Oversight

OSHA investigators cited V & T Painting LLC for 30 total serious safety violations, 17 at the Oxford location and 13 at another site in Hamilton. In both scenarios, the company sent contractors to paint water towers without providing them with sufficient protective equipment, nor did they enroll their workers in a basic 10 hour OSHA safety course so they would recognize and avoid hazards such as the one that lead to this unnecessary fatal incident. Had they done so, the families of Nilaj and Vukaj may have been spared the shock and pain of a preventable tragedy.

OSHA’s Cincinnati area director, Ken Montgomery, stated that employers must verify that protective equipment is in place and functional before sending workers to dangerous heights. He also noted a rise in preventable falls among workers operating on communications towers and other tall structures. Both employers and workers should be well-versed in what types of PPE to use and other safeguards that must be established before the start of the project.

The Importance of OSHA Safety Training

V & T Painting also failed to follow proper inspection protocol when setting up the scaffolds. OSHA inspectors found frayed ropes, cords and slings, loose and improperly installed U-bolts, and many other damaged pieces of equipment being used. The company anchored multiple lifelines and suspension points on a single point, placing worker lives at great risk. The lines were also exposed to sharp and jagged edges. Perhaps most concerning of all was that V &T Painting failed to inspect their equipment, follow any type of safety evaluation procedure, or enroll workers in a simple OSHA 10 hour fall prevention and PPE course so they could at least have recognized a dangerous situation and possibly avoided it.

OSHA safety standards exist to save lives. All workers, salaried and contracted, deserve to be treated with respect and provided with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) by their employer before beginning a hazardous job. Companies like this one that fail to comply and put workers’ lives at risk face harsh penalties and fines, and suffer irreparable damage to their reputation and the guilt of taking workers away from their families. Both new and established companies should always make sure all managers and employees stay up to date with the latest OSHA guidelines.

OSHA Pros offers easy to follow, online safety training for construction and other workers. Enroll your employees today and get your organization on the right track to high safety standards to help reduce the likelihood of on-the-job falls and other avoidable safety failures.

January 4, 2016

OSHA: Incident Reporting and Recordkeeping

As part of OSHA’s push for higher workplace safety standards, employers must report and record all serious accidents resulting in worker injury or illness. This requirement helps companies improve their environmental health and safety training programs, protect workers, and ultimately create safer working conditions. Review the latest reporting rules (effective January 1, 2015) to keep your business OSHA compliant.

What workplace safety incident records does OSHA require me to keep?

All employers with 12 or more employees who do not operate in exempt industries must record all serious workplace incidents in one of three types of OSHA recordkeeping logs. You can find out if your industry is exempt by referring to Appendix A of the official OSHA Recordkeeping Regulation.

Which incident logs am I required to use?

If you are not exempt from reporting, you must complete three types of OSHA logs: 300, 301, and 300A.

The OSHA 300 log must be completed for every location in which an incident occurs. Employers must record the total number of injuries, missed and restrict days of work for each item.
The OSHA 301 log must be completed within one week of a reported incident. Employers must summarize the time, location, and people involved for each incident.
The OSHA 300A log must be completed annually and contains all of the information recorded in the 300 and 301 logs. Employers must complete and post this log for employees to review between February 1 and April 30.

What incidents am I required to record and report?

Employers must record all workplace safety incidents that result in:

Fatality
Loss of consciousness
Intensive medical treatment (beyond first aid)
Time off from work
Restricted job functions or transfers
Loss of hearing, breathing problems, and puncture wounds

Employers must also record serious work-related injuries and diagnoses that do not fall under the above categories. These may include chemical poisoning or burns, chronic illness, sprains and fractures, etc. If exposure to a workplace hazard exacerbated an existing condition or injury, the event qualifies as a recordable case.

In addition to recording, employers must report certain types of incidents directly to OSHA. All workplace fatalities must be reported within 8 hours, and hospitalizations, amputations, and eye losses within 24 hours. You can report directly to OSHA by calling 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or the phone number of your local OSHA Area Office during operating hours. You can also fill out and submit an online form on OSHA’s website.

How can I use this data to improve workplace safety training?

You should review the frequency of workplace safety incidents by calculating the rate of total incidents and incidents resulting in transfers or time off from work. Meet with team members on a regular basis to review this information and identify contributing factors such as location, time of day, equipment involved, supervisors in charge of the project, etc. You can then revise your workplace safety policies and implement stricter training guidelines.

Incident analysis software can help streamline your efforts. You can also ask employees for their safety and health concerns and suggestions, as they have first-hand experience on the workfloor.

Where can I find safety training programs for OSHA recordkeeping?

In addition to workplace safety training courses, OSHA Pros offers training on workplace safety incident reporting and recordkeeping. Learn when and how to report incidents and how to set up your recordkeeping system. Most importantly, learn the warning signs and preventive measures you can take to put safety first and avoid workplace safety incidents.

December 7, 2015

OSHA Fines Are Going Up

OSHA Fines Increases Emphasize Importance of Workplace Safety Training

Businesses now have another incentive to bring their occupational safety training up to date. For the first time in 25 years, fines for workplace safety violations are due to increase following passage of a new bill signed by President Barack Obama.

As a result of the legislation, analysts expect a possible 80 percent increase in OSHA fines, which are set to rise steeply to catch up with inflation rates. Despite the hefty OSHA penalty boost, other safety organizations, including the EPA, will also soon issue significantly larger fine increases. As such, businesses are encouraged to add environmental health and safety training to their list of priorities.

Higher OSHA Fines Deemed Long Overdue by Some

Many industry experts and lawyers support the new penalty structure, believing it long overdue. The previous Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 excluded OSHA from the list of agencies required to increase their fines in tandem with inflation. OSHA Chief Dr. David Michaels had long spearheaded a rise in fines for negligent safety practices.

Experts Recommend Higher Standards of Health and Safety Training

While some worry about the burden these fines could place on small businesses or startups, experts agree that the change is a positive one that pushes the industry toward a higher standard of occupational health and safety training. Countless cases of safety oversights and intentional worker endangerment have resulted in worker injury or death. OSHA has clearly outlined safety standards to protect workers from falls, electrical and chemical hazards, active machinery, and other workplace dangers.

New OSHA Fines in Effect in Fiscal 2016

OSHA is reviewing the legislation and will determine the new fine structure by the time the new budget is in place on July 1, 2016. Estimates for increased fines include $12,600 for Serious violations up to $126,000 for Repeat violations.

The new penalties will come into effect on August 1, 2016.

OSHA Safety Training More Important than Ever

Employees at all levels of an organization are encouraged to complete a comprehensive safety training course to protect themselves and co-workers from these dangers. Businesses should establish written safety protocols that outline how to identify, prevent, and report workplace safety hazards. Employers with existing safety protocols should review and revise them to ensure they meet the latest OSHA standards.

OSHA Pros offers a broad range of online safety training courses as well as onsite training and consulting. Invest in occupational safety training today to protect your workers, avoid fines, and keep your business in good standing. Contact Us for more information or sign up for an OSHA safety course today.

October 26, 2015

Furniture Fiasco: A Case for LOTO Training

There’s no excuse for putting profits before worker safety. According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) work injury report survey, moving machine parts resulted in 88 percent of all equipment-related injuries among respondents. Investing in lock out tag out (LOTO) training helps save lives, prevent costly legal proceedings, and protect a company’s reputation.

The Case of Ashley Furniture

Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. found out the hard way that there’s no shortcut for worker safety. The Wisconsin-based furniture manufacturer had more than 1,000 employee injuries in the span of three years, over a 100 of them resulting in amputations from woodworking machinery. After a July 2014 accident cost one worker three fingers, OSHA inspectors probed the company and uncovered a dozen willful and repeated safety infractions, and 14 serious safety infractions. In accordance with its strict violator enforcement program, OSHA fined Ashley Furniture nearly $1.8 million for its oversights.

A Lack of Lock Out Tag Out Training

Ashley Furniture repeatedly failed to protect workers from moving machinery risks. The company failed to provide LOTO training, which would have helped its workers identify and avoid machine-related hazards. There were no safeguards in place to prevent machines from starting during servicing or to protect workers from moving blades and other dangerous parts.

The Need for a Culture of Safety

U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez traced the problem to company culture, concluding that Ashley Furniture accepted worker injuries as a cost – a completely avoidable one – of high production and profits. However, successful companies with good safety records bear out the fact that safety and profits are never mutually exclusive, a lesson all companies should take to heart. In reality, putting in place good safety training and strong safety standards helps create better overall processes and procedures that improve employee morale, performance and productivity.

Invest in LOTO Training

Workers should never enter a project without proper safety knowledge. OSHA lock out tag out guidelines help workers protect themselves and their co-workers from machine-related hazards, and help managers establish workplace safety procedures and create low-risk working environments. Our free LOTO training tutorial outlines the basics of machine safety, explains industry-specific terms, and analyzes when, where, and how lock out tag training can save lives.

Countless workplace accidents, many fatal, can be traced to a lack of lock out tag out training. Investing just a little time and effort in a LOTO course goes a long way to ensure workers can enter projects with confidence. You can also learn about additional OSHA training courses to keep your company up to date with the latest workplace safety procedures.

October 12, 2015

Construction Confined Space Entry Training Gets Final Ruling

Confined spaces rarely make for optimal working conditions. Hazards such as collapsing structures, toxic fumes, electricity, combustion, and suffocation can endanger the lives of unprepared workers. New OSHA regulations require that employers establish a confined space entry policy and ensure that workers receive adequate training in confined space safety standards for construction sites.

Confined Space Training Rules Effective August 2015

Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor at OSHA, states that the new regulations will prepare workers to face the challenges of work sites and adapt to changes. The rules focus on training, communication, and evaluation, and take effect on August 3, 2015.

What Is a Confined Space?

OSHA defines a confined space as one:

Large enough for a worker to enter
With limited means of entry or exit
Not suited for long periods of occupancy

Examples include partially collapsed buildings, tunnels, pits, vaults, storage rooms, silos, vessels, tanks, ductwork, and pipelines.

The term “permit space” or “permit-required confined space” refers to a confined space that contains or may contain physical or atmospheric hazards, may engulf an entrant, has structures that angle in a way that may trap or suffocate an entrant, or contains other safety risks such as extreme temperatures, sharp objects or structures, electrical hazards, etc. Due to the hazards present in these environments, a permit is required before any workers can enter these spaces. With proper training, workers and managers will be able to correctly identify and prevent confined space hazards before work begins.

What Are the New Confined Space Entry Rules?

The new confined space entry regulations include the following points:

Employers must identify all confined spaces and permit spaces before employees begin work.
Employers must inform all employees of the nature and location of hazards and potential hazards within a permit space. Acceptable forms of notification include posting danger signs and informing contractors or authorized representatives of the hazards directly.
Employers aware of a permit space must instruct unauthorized employees to avoid entering the space.
Employers who wish to have employees work in a permit space must implement a written OSHA-compliant confined space program at the project site and make the program known and accessible to employees and their representatives before and during the project.
If changes occur in a non-permit confined space that pose new dangers to entrants or that invalidate the initial ruling of the space, an employer must have a trained person inspect the space and potentially identify it as a permit space.

OSHA’s confined space information page provides all details of the new rules, FAQs, fact sheets, case studies, and other resources for employers and workers.

Enroll in a Construction Confined Space Training Course

Don’t let your workers get caught in a tight situation. Enroll your team in an OSHA Construction Confined Space Training course today and get up to speed on this new and important safety topic. Workers will learn how to identify confined spaces, assess hazard levels, ensure adequate ventilation, and find alternative entry points. Managers will learn how to evaluate workspaces for confined space hazards, and what to do in the event of a confined space emergency. Rescue personnel will receive specialized training. Our OSHA-authorized trainers will also make sure your written confined space entry policy meets OSHA requirements.

Our confined space training course is also available as part of an OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Safety Course. Enroll in an online course today to protect your workers, and boost your company’s safety standards. All graduates of the course receive a Certificate of Completion.

July 21, 2015

Fall Protection: A Matter of Life and Death

Falls are the number one cause of death in the construction industry. In 2013 alone, falls claimed the lives of nearly 700 construction workers. Many employers overlook the importance of workplace safety training, a growing concern among roofing professionals. An OSHA online fall protection course teaches managers, supervisors and team leaders how to minimize fall risk and establish safeguards to minimize potential injury should a fall occur.

The Roeder Construction Case

In September 2014, a 42-year-old roofing professional fell to his death. His 25-year-old coworker sustained severe injury while attempting to break his partner’s fall. OSHA investigators found that their managers at Roeder Construction failed to establish fall prevention and protection measures. While both workers had experience installing and repairing roofs, lack of preparation brought about serious consequences.

Roeder Construction was cited on three safety violations:

Failure to provide fall protection
Failure to educate and train workers in fall protection
Failure to report the accident within 8 hours

With roughly 800,000 Americans employed in the residential construction sector alone, employers must address safety in the workplace. Knowledge and experience in construction are valuable skills, but without proper fall protection practices, one misstep can turn an otherwise straightforward project into tragedy.

During a fall, gravity can generate deadly momentum in just a few feet. OSHA guidelines require fall protection systems to be in place during activities six feet or higher from the ground. OSHA workplace safety courses teach supervisors not only how to prevent falls, but also help instill a culture of safety crucial for businesses to thrive.

OSHA Online Fall Prevention Courses

Designed for all construction professionals, our OSHA online Fall Prevention Course provides detailed instruction on minimizing fall risk in the workplace. Professionals taking the course learn the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) in preventing injury at various elevations. Video tutorials demonstrate how to set up this equipment in residential work, industrial projects, and high-rise construction projects, which demand a great attention to correct usage of these workplace safety items.

Many falls occur close to unguarded corners or edges. In the Fall Prevention Course, managers learn how to protect their employees from these risks by establishing guardrail barriers, hole covers, and other fall prevention systems. The course also teaches which implements to use in various situations. For example, different heights may alter the effectiveness of safety nets and harnesses. After completing the course, managers should be able to explain and demonstrate these processes to their employees.

Workers who enroll in the Fall Prevention Course receive first-hand knowledge they can use to better protect themselves and coworkers across various construction projects.

Additional Fall Prevention Resources

OSHA’s website provides outlines, videos, and other valuable resources to help companies establish effective safety programs. The resources are part of OSHA’s Fall Prevention initiative, which began in 2012. The project aims to maximize the depth, scope, and accessibility of fall prevention information. Coupled with an OSHA online Fall Prevention Course, these resources can help employers set clear fall prevention guidelines, invest in effective safety equipment and systems, and continue to train workers to practice safety.

July 6, 2015

OSHA 30 Classes Provide Safety Knowledge Foundation

OSHA courses set the standard for workplace safety. However, with so many course options, it’s easy for supervisors to get confused. Many wonder if a 10 hour course will do the trick, or if they should invest the time and effort in an OSHA 30 hour course.

What’s the Difference Between an OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 Hour Course?

While all OSHA classes teach how to identify, avoid, and control workplace hazards, the 10 and 30 hour OSHA course differ in the depth and variety of topics covered. For example, the 30 hour OSHA course for construction includes 3 hours on personal protective equipment (PPE), as opposed to 30 minutes in the OSHA 10 equivalent. In addition, OSHA 30 hour courses are generally geared toward supervisors and prospective supervisors, and the 10 hour courses provide a basic safety knowledge foundation for general workers.

Differences Between an OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 Course: General Industry

The OSHA 10 hour general industry course is geared toward workers in a non-supervisor role and includes the following components:

An emphasis on hazard identification, controls, and prevention
7 hours on mandatory topics including: an introduction to OSHA, electrical hazards, hazard communication, PPE, walking & working surfaces, and emergency plans
2 hours on elective topics including: hazardous materials, materials handling, machine guarding, industrial hygiene, bloodborne pathogens, ergonomics, safety & health, and fall prevention
1 hour on an optional topic

The OSHA 30 hour general industry course is designed for current and prospective supervisors. With 30 hour general industry training, supervisors can oversee and guide workers on various topics across multiple industry settings. The 30 hour course covers the same topics as the 10 hour course with these differences:

13 hours on mandatory topics with the addition of safety & health management and materials handling
10 hours on elective topics with the addition of: confined space, lockout/tagout (LOTO), welding/cutting/brazing, and powered industrial vehicles
7 hours on an optional topic

Differences Between an OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 Course: Construction

The OSHA 10 hour construction course teaches construction-specific safety principles to non-supervisors. It includes:

An emphasis on hazard indentification, controls, and prevention
7 hours on mandatory topics including: introduction to OSHA, safety & health management, OSHA focus four hazards, PPE, and health hazards in construction
2 hours on elective topics including: cranes & conveyors, materials handling, scaffolds, tools, storage/use/disposal, and stairways & ladders
1 hour on an optional topic

Supervisors who take the OSHA 30 hour construction course learn a broader array of topics and have more elective options. Key differences from the 10 hour course include:

13 hours on mandatory topics with the addition of stairways & ladders
12 hours on elective topics with the addition of: concrete & masonry, confined space, ergonomics, excavations, fire protection & prevention, motor vehicles, marine operation, powered industrial vehicles, safety programs, steel erections, and welding & cutting
3 hours on an optional topic

These visual representations of the OSHA General Industry and Construction classes can help clarify the differences. Regardless of which OSHA 30 hour course you choose, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills to lead your team safely and efficiently on a broader scope of projects. Decide which course best suits your needs and register today!

June 15, 2015

OSHA 10 Hour Certification Doesn’t Exist, but a 10 Hour Wallet Card Does

OSHA has set the standard for safety in construction and general industry since 1971. Thousands of workers each year enroll in OSHA 10 hour courses and learn how to protect themselves from workplace hazards. While OSHA course completion remains voluntary in several states, it demonstrates a commitment to safety and respect for the industry as a whole.

Can I Earn an OSHA 10 Certificate?

As a government agency, OSHA doesn’t issue official “certifications” for completing a workplace safety course. While you won’t become OSHA 10 “certified,” completing an onsite or online OSHA 10 safety training course earns you an official OSHA U.S. Department of Labor wallet card. The card is recognized by all 50 states.

Refresh your OSHA 10 knowledge today!

OSHA 10 Construction – $79 OSHA 10 General Industry – $79

What Will I Learn in an OSHA 10 Certified Course?

OSHA 10 training teaches students how to identify and avoid mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards in everyday work situations. You’ll learn how to reduce the risk of falls, toxic fume inhalation, electrical accidents, and more. In addition to saving lives, OSHA 10 courses help taxpayers save money and foster an industry-wide culture of safety.

OSHA 10 courses include:

An overview of worker rights and employer responsibilities
When and how to file a workplace safety complaint
Basic training on how to identify, avoid, and prevent workplace hazards

Will My 10 Hour OSHA Card Expire?

We get lots of questions about OSHA 10 and 30 expiration. So do your DOL wallet cards expire? Once you earn your student course completion card for the OSHA construction, general industry, or disaster site categories, it will not expire. However, it is recommended that you refresh your knowledge and training every year. We suggest you read this article to understand why it’s still important to keep renewing your training.

OSHA 10 hour cards issued for the maritime outreach training program expire after five years. You can renew your 10 hour maritime card by completing an update course before the expiration date.

Can I Earn an OSHA 10 Wallet Card Online?

Yes. OSHA offers 10 hour online courses for construction training and general industry safety. At your own convenience, you can learn about topics including fall prevention, material handling, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency protocol. The construction course focuses more on materials and equipment safety, while the general industry course covers situations that can arise in any industrial setting. If you complete an OSHA 10 hour online course you will receive a OSHA 10 wallet card in the mail, the same card you would receive if you took it onsite with an authorized OSHA trainer.

How Many Types of OSHA 10 Wallet Cards Are There?

There are three types of OSHA: Trainer-issued OSHA 10 hour wallet cards: construction, general industry, and maritime. Students can also earn 30 hour cards for these same categories. A disaster site wallet card is available for students who complete the disaster site worker course.

A Wallet Card Is as Good as an OSHA 10 Certification

Earning an OSHA 10 wallet card demonstrates your ability to prevent workplace accidents and protect your rights as a worker. Workers and managers alike can benefit from an OSHA 10 training course. Enroll today and help make your company a safer place to work.

June 9, 2015

Tips for Succeeding in the OSHA 30 Online Training

Online training courses offered by OSHA have helped thousands of workers recognize workplace hazards and minimize the risk of injury. Employees and managers who enroll in an OSHA 30 hour online training program demonstrate their commitment to safety and help protect their industry as a whole. However, succeeding in OSHA30 requires more than just a name on the class roster. How can you ensure that you’re getting the most out of the OSHA course you choose?

Have a Reliable Computer and Internet Access

Be sure to have access to a reliable computer and internet connection. You’ll need good internet speed and connectivity to view course files, watch instructional videos, and communicate with the instructor, if needed. If you don’t have a computer or internet access, you may be able to access the course at a local library.

Dedicate Time and Effort to the Course

Although OSHA online courses are accessible 24/7, you still need to allocate time in your schedule to review the course materials. A common misconception is that online classes are easier than those taught in a traditional classroom. The absence of direct student-instructor interaction and hands-on practice opportunities means students must take more initiative to structure their study sessions. While you have ample time to complete the course and earn your OSHA wallet card, don’t wait until the last minute. Make a schedule for yourself and commit to a deadline to finish the course. Then set plan to use your study time in a distraction-free environment. And, as you work through the course materials, observe and use what you have learned on the job. This will help you get the most from the course and retain your new knowledge.

Pay Attention to Course Requirements

OSHA 30 hour online courses cover comprehensive topics including electrical safety, hazard recognition, and machine operation. You will need to demonstrate sound understanding of each topic in order to graduate from the program.

Exercise Your Critical Thinking Skills

Both the general and construction industry online OSHA30 courses require critical thinking that incorporates both facts and personal experience. In construction and other industrial fields, even a small oversight can result in a catastrophe. The OSHA workplace safety courses will enhance your ability to spot hazards, correct them, and prevent future hazards, all while observing OSHA safety guidelines. For example, you will learn what proper personal protective equipment to don before handling an electrical device.

Don’t Be Afraid to Communicate

Communication is as crucial in an online class as it is on the job. Many workplace accidents can be avoided by simply addressing concerns with a manager. The same is true for your training experience. If you need help or have questions on the material, ask for help from the instructor. The more you understand and engage with the material, the more you’ll get out of the course to apply to your current and future jobs. The same rule applies to technology issues. If you have any trouble accessing course materials or using the online tools, let us know.

Choosing your OSHA 30 Online Course

Both of OSHA Pros’ 30-hour OSHA online courses come with a free study guide to prepare you for the exam. The online construction course teaches valuable information specific to construction and manufacturing. The general industry safety training course covers an array of safety topics you’ll likely encounter in the workplace. Enroll today and enhance your career with better safety knowledge to help protect yourself, and benefit your co-workers with a safer workplace environment.