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!