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Construction crew in hard hats and safety glasses discussing jobsite procedures, representing OSHA 10 training for basic workplace safety awareness and compliance.
What Is OSHA 10 and What Does the OSHA 10-Hour Training Cover?
OSHA 10 refers to the OSHA 10-Hour Training course offered through the OSHA Outreach Training Program. It is a voluntary safety education program designed to teach entry-level workers how to recognize workplace hazards, understand their rights, and improve overall jobsite safety awareness.
The OSHA Outreach Training Program is delivered by OSHA-authorized trainers and focuses on promoting workplace safety and health across multiple industries. While OSHA 10 certification does not replace employer-required training under specific OSHA standards, it provides a foundational understanding of hazard recognition and safe work practices. For workers with supervisory responsibilities, OSHA also offers a more advanced OSHA 30-hour course.
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 OSHA 10 course includes a combination of mandatory, elective, and optional topics. Each of the three industry categories has a specific set of required subject areas.
OSHA 10 Training Topic Structure
| Topic Type | Who Determines the Content | Time Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Topics | OSHA | Minimum time specified by OSHA | Cover core safety principles and workers’ rights |
| Elective Topics | Selected by trainer from OSHA-approved list | Minimum time required | Address industry-specific hazards |
| Optional Topics | Selected by trainer | Flexible | Customize training to site-specific needs |
Mandatory topics must be taught for the minimum time specified by OSHA.
Elective topics are selected from an OSHA-provided list and are based on industry, location, and audience needs. OSHA requires that a minimum number of elective topics be covered and that a specific amount of time be devoted to them.
Optional topics supplement the required content and allow trainers to adjust material to meet site-specific needs. If optional topics are not used, the time must be added to mandatory or elective topics to ensure the full ten hours of training are 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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