Top 4 OSHA Training Questions Answered

Need to get an OSHA card but not sure of where to start? Whether OSHA training is a requirement for your state, your job, or part of your official safety and health program, chances are you will be able to find the course that's right for you online.

First, you need to ask yourself a few questions to figure out what type of OSHA training you need to complete.

Do you require OSHA 10-hour Training for the Construction Industry?

Recently, 7 states have adopted laws to require construction workers, contractors and employers to get their OSHA 10-hour card. Those states include:

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Missouri
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Rhode Island

Other states with increasing enrollment for the online OSHA 10-hour Construction Industry course are California, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and Texas. Chances are if you work in the construction industry, it may be required and is a necessity for safe job practices.

Do you fall under the "General Industry" umbrella?

General Industry OSHA courses contain topics such as Bloodborne Pathogens, Machine Guarding, Material Handling, Walking and Working Surfaces, Ergonomics and more. People needing general industry training may include workers in the medical field, as well as warehouse, factory, machine operators and more.

Most often, workers need either the 10 or 30-hour card. Both of these are offered for the construction or general industry. Even if you are not required by law, it may be required by your employer or for a future project.

Do you plan on providing OSHA training to your employees or work as a trainer?

You may need to take either the 510 or 511 Train-the-Trainer prerequisite courses. This training enables you to take the required OSHA trainer courses and train workers who need their 10 or 30-hour OSHA card. The 510 course would pre-qualify you for construction industry training and the 511 course would pre-qualify you for general industry training. After that, you would complete the 500 or 501 courses to get your OSHA Train-the-Trainer certificate.

How do you find the right OSHA training?

There are hundreds of trainers that hold classroom courses, as well as training centers across the nation. However, online training is more accessible and the best option for those not able to attend a live classroom course. More people are choosing online training to cut travel costs, time off work and because live classroom courses for the required states fill up quickly.