What is an OSHA card?

Did you know companies that have their employees get an OSHA card are more likely to have reduced accidents and injuries? An OSHA card refers to the card an employee will receive upon completing either a 10-hour or 30-hour Outreach Training Program, course focused on learning about improving safety in the workplace. This training may not be required, but it is highly recommended by OSHA. Once an employee receives an OSHA card, they are eligible to receive additional training focused on their specific company and regarding the exact hazards present.

To get the most out of the program, employees should take courses focused on their respective industry construction, general, maritime, or disaster site. Although all courses work to inform workers on their safety and rights, each training program focuses on the unique hazards each industry presents. For instance, construction courses may focus on specific PPE while the maritime industry course will offer information about recognizing, avoiding, and preventing a variety of hazards existing in the maritime industry.

Types of OSHA Training

While both the 10-hour and 30-hour courses are important, the longer class will go into much more detail and provide a bit more information. Courses are broken down into an introduction to OSHA, followed by a section on managing safety and health, subjects specific to the industry, and finally an elective and optional period. The ten-hour class is designed for employees and frontline workers, while the 30-hour class was developed for primarily supervisors, managers, and those who are looking to become a supervisor.

Anyone who complete either the OSHA 10 or OSHA 20-hour training course successfully will be able to attain the OSHA card. These cards will be valid for five years and will serve as proof that the employer completed the course. Courses must be taught by an authorized OSHA Out Reach Trainer and often run through third party training facilities. Find you nearest authorized training center here!