Contrary to popular belief, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not “certify” workers. Instead, OSHA authorizes trainers and providers to conduct 10-hour courses as part of its voluntary Outreach Training Program. But what exactly does this 10-hour course entail? In this article, we’ll dive into the specifics of OSHA’s 10-hour training for both the general industry and construction sectors, as well as the key benefits it offers.

What Is OSHA 10-Hour Outreach Safety Training?

Under OSHA’s Outreach Training Program, entry-level workers can take 10-hour courses designed to orient them to workplace safety and compliance in the construction or general industry sectors. The program aims to educate workers on potential hazards, their rights, employer responsibilities, and the process of filing an OSHA complaint. Ultimately, the goal is to improve workplace safety, raise awareness of potential hazards, and ensure employees understand their rights.

The 10-hour training specifically focuses on recognizing, avoiding, controlling, and preventing occupational hazards, alongside an introduction to workers' rights and employer responsibilities.

What Is the OSHA Outreach Program?

The OSHA Outreach Training Program covers four key areas:

1. General Industry

2. Construction Industry

3. Maritime Industry

4. Disaster Site Workers

It’s important to note that while the OSHA Outreach Program is voluntary and not a substitute for OSHA’s mandatory training obligations, some states and companies may require workers to take these courses.

The program offers both 10-hour and 30-hour courses tailored to different industries. While the 10-hour courses are designed to provide entry-level workers with basic safety and health knowledge, the 30-hour courses are intended for workers with supervisory responsibilities and offer more comprehensive training.

This article will focus on the specifics of the OSHA 10-hour training courses for general industry and construction.

Benefits of the OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training Program

Both employees and employers can benefit from the OSHA 10-hour program in several ways, including:

• Improved workplace safety culture

• Fewer accidents and incidents

• Compliance with OSHA standards

• Reduced accident-related costs

• Higher employee retention

By prioritizing workplace safety, companies not only protect their bottom line but also demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being.

What Does OSHA 10-Hour Training Cover?

OSHA has established minimum topic requirements for the 10-hour training courses, tailored to both the construction and general industry sectors. The courses consist of both mandatory and elective topics, ensuring that workers gain a well-rounded understanding of safety protocols.

OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training for Construction Workers

Mandatory Topics (7 Hours)

• Introduction to OSHA (2 hours)

  • Workers' rights

  • Employers' responsibilities

  • How to file a complaint

• OSHA “Focus Four” Hazards (4 hours)

  • Falls (at least 1 hour and 15 minutes)

  • Electrocution (at least 30 minutes)

  • Struck-by (at least 30 minutes)

  • Caught in/between (at least 30 minutes)

• Personal protective and lifesaving equipment (30 minutes)

• Health hazards in construction (30 minutes)

Elective Topics (2 Hours)
At least two topics must be covered, each lasting a minimum of 30 minutes. Possible topics include:

• Cranes, derricks, hoists, elevators, and conveyors

• Excavations

• Material handling and disposal

• Scaffolds

• Hand and power tools

Optional Topic (1 Hour)
You can select additional related hazards or elaborate on mandatory/elective topics for a total of 30 minutes.

OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training for General Industry Workers

Mandatory Topics (7 Hours)

• Introduction to OSHA (2 hours)

  • Workers' rights

  • Employers' responsibilities

  • How to file a complaint

• Walking and working surfaces (1 hour)—including fall protection

• Emergency action plans (1 hour)—including exit routes, fire protection, and prevention plans

• Electrical safety (1 hour)

• Personal protective equipment (1 hour)

• Hazard communication (1 hour)

Elective Topics (2 Hours)
At least two topics must be covered, each lasting a minimum of 30 minutes. Possible topics include:

• Hazardous materials

• Materials handling

• Machine guarding

• Introduction to industrial hygiene

• Bloodborne pathogens

• Ergonomics

• Safety and health programs

• Fall protection

Get the Right OSHA Training for Your Industry

The OSHA 10-hour program plays a vital role in promoting a safer, more compliant workplace. Whether you work in construction, general industry, or another sector, completing this training will help you build a solid foundation in safety practices and OSHA compliance.