When it comes to workplace safety, there is no room for error– especially when you are working on government or military contracts. In addition to normal workplace risks, contractors working on military contracts are faced with additional safety risks that can not only compromise their contract, but their personal safety and the safety of their team. Read more

If you work in the mining or construction industry, then you know just how unstable working conditions can be. Luckily, there are a wide range of workplace safety training courses that are designed to arm you with the knowledge needed to stay safe on the job. Read more

You may have heard about this training but not known what it is or even what the word HAZWOPER stands for. Let’s address the basics first and then dive in to the details. HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. This standard was enacted by OSHA in 1990 and was meant to protect workers that are involved in the initial stages of a chemical release emergency, the clean-up after the emergency has been stabilized, as well as the clean-up of chemical contamination from the country’s past industrial legacy.

24 or 40 Hours – Who Needs HAZWOPER Training?

Generally speaking, HAZWOPER training is important for the following reasons:

• To comply with OSHA requirements
• To comply with State and employer requirements
• To safeguard your health in case of an emergency
• To prevent accidents and injuries to yourself and others

As soon as you start researching HAZWOPER training you will find that, while there are many offerings for the initial training, it really comes down to 24-hour training and 40-hour training. But which training is right for you?

	24 Hour HAZWOPER	40 Hour HAZWOPER
Understanding Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) and HAZWOPER Training	Those who deal with hazardous material where their exposure is below PEL are candidates for the 24-hour HAZWOPER training. This applies to general site workers who may occasionally come into contact with hazardous substances, but are not involved in hazardous waste clean-up operations.	If you are exposed to hazardous material that exceeds the PEL then you will need the 40-hour HAZWOPER training. This applies to workers that directly come into contact with hazardous substances for the purpose of storage, treatment, and clean-up operations. This means workers must be trained in personal protective equipment (PPE) use.
Who Should Take this HAZWOPER Training?	New workers employed in hazardous waste operations On-site managers and supervisors directly responsible for, or who supervise employees Technicians, assistants, specialists, and other workers involved in handling hazardous materials Workers involved in groundwater monitoring, land surveying, or geophysical surveying and expected to work on a hazardous waste site	Workers who handle tanks that store/treat and pipes which pump in/out contaminated waste Workers who may work near sites that are contaminated such as hazardous waste treatment plants Clean-up operations crews of hazardous waste sites Workers who handle contaminated waste, soil, water, etc. Workers who work at a listed or proposed for listing site under the Superfund National Priority List
What is the OSHA HAZWOPER Standard?	OSHA HAZWOPER certification courses provides you with a complete education on OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.120 including the 1910.120(e)(3) (initial training).	OSHA HAZWOPER certification courses provides you with a complete education on OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.120 including the 1910.120(e)(3) (initial training).
Can HAZWOPER Training be Completed Online?	Yes, OSHA requires 24-hours of initial online training and one day of field experience, which must be completed under the direct supervision of a trained supervisor.	Yes, OSHA requires 40-hours of initial training online and at least three days of field experience, which must be completed under the direct supervision of a trained supervisor
Learn More	24 Hour Course	40 Hour Course

A certified environmental specialist is a scientist, who studies a particular population and its impact on the environment. These specialists are experts in natural science and they can identify problems or areas of concern within a particular environment. They collect and analyze samples of water, soil, plant material, and a variety of other things. Environmental specialists monitor facilities that can potentially affect the environment or population. They act as environmental consultants for companies by researching and implementing ways to reduce waste and other dangers that threaten the environment. Environmental specialists work to address a variety of issues related to environmental concerns. They develop plans or make recommendations for solutions based on their research findings. The work of these specialists has a profound impact on the future of the environment.

Read more

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 Read more

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!

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.

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.