The term OSHA 10 refers to the OSHA Ten Hour Training that is part of the OSHA Outreach Training Program.

The OSHA Outreach Training Program is a voluntary program of training provided by OSHA authorized trainers. Its purpose is to promote workplace safety and health. It is a tool that can be used to make workers more knowledgeable about their rights related to workplace safety and health and overall workplace hazards. There are two options. Workers can attend the OSHA 10-hour course, which is intended for entry-level workers, in order to obtain the OSHA 10 certification. There is also an OSHA 30-hour class for supervisors or workers with some safety responsibility.

OSHA specifies a basic outline for what must be taught in an OSHA 10 course. The content varies based on three industry classifications:

• OSHA 10 Hour Construction
• OSHA 10 Hour Marine
• OSHA 10 Hour General Industry

Does It Fulfill OSHA Training Requirements?

The OSHA 10 training does not provide the training needed to meet the requirements specified in OSHA standards. Employers must provide additional training as specified in the OSHA standards that apply to their workplace.

Some states require OSHA 10 certification, so although it is not required by OSHA, OSHA 10 training may still be required in your workplace.

What Are the Benefits?

OSHA 10 training benefits include:

• Promotes a culture of safety through peer training with those who have done the hands-on work, typically OSHA authorized trainers
• Training is intended to be participatory, using hands-on activities
• Trainers are able to tailor the training topics based on specific needs of their audience
• Training is available in languages other than English (Spanish, Polish, etc.)
• This training can be provided on-site or be completed through online training

What Topics Are Covered?

The training includes a combination of topics that are mandatory, elective and optional. Each of the three industry categories has a specific set of topics.

The mandatory topics are required and must be conducted for the minimum amount of time specified by OSHA. These topics are determined by OSHA.

The elective topics are chosen by the trainer from an OSHA-provided list of industry topics. The topics selected to be covered in the class will be based on industry, locality and the audience's needs. OSHA requires that a minimum number of these topics be taught. In addition, there is a specified minimum amount of time that must be devoted to these elective topics.

The optional topics supplement the mandatory and elective topics. OSHA 10 optional topics give the trainer flexibility to adjust the content to meet site specific needs while fulfilling the ten hour training time requirements. If optional topics are not covered, additional time must be spent on the mandatory or elective topics such that a full ten hours of training is delivered.

Is There Proof of Completion for OSHA 10?

When the training is complete the trainers send documentation of the training to their Authorizing Training Organization. At the end of the class, students are typically given an OSHA 10 certification document, proving course completion. OSHA 10 cards will be issued shortly after the completion of the course. This card is wallet sized and is the official proof that the course was completed. With the exception of cards issued in Nevada, OSHA 10 cards do not have an expiration date. OSHA 10 cards issued in Nevada must be renewed every five years.

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