Wednesday, December 7, 2011

How to Find the Right OSHA Safety Training

By Cyger Manni


Need to get an OSHA card but not sure of where to start? Certain states are now requiring OSHA training. So how do you know what type of course you need?

Here are the questions you need to ask. First, do you require under the most commonly requested OSHA course: the OSHA 10-hour Outreach Training for the Construction Industry? Most recently, 7 states have adopted laws to require construction workers, contractors and employers to get their OSHA 10 hour Outreach card. Those states include:

Connecticut Massachusetts Missouri Nevada New Hampshire New York Rhode Island

Other states that have frequent enrollments in OSHA Certification courses are California, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and Texas.

Or do you fall under what is called the "General Industry" umbrella? General Industry OSHA Outreach courses contain topics such as Bloodborne Pathogens, Personal Protective Equipment, Material Handling, Walking and Working Surfaces, Ergonomics and more.

Generally, most workers need either the 10 or 30-hour Outreach 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.

Having an OSHA card is an asset to those working in any industry: from the medical field to theme parks. Even if your state or job does not require it, for a low cost it may be beneficial to get OSHA training and put it on your resume.

The other main type of OSHA training is OSHA trainer certification courses. These include, but are not limited to, 510 and 511 Train the Trainer courses. This training enables the student to take the required OSHA trainer courses and become certified to train employees in the 10 or 30 hour Outreach Training. The 510 course would pre-qualify you for Construction 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 certification.

So how do you find the training? There are hundreds of trainers that hold classroom courses, as well as OSHA Training Institute Education 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.

When you do a search online, make sure you find a provider that offers OSHA accepted courses. Generally the website will say OSHA accepted, authorized or accredited. USF OSHA offers online training that is quite lower in price than the live versions. And you can also find coupons online.

Also, remember to call the training provider for bulk discounts over the phone if you have multiple sign-ups. If you've registered for the online course, you will generally have 6 months to complete. There is a course trainer available to you for any questions you may have. At the end of the course is a final exam which you have to pass with an 70 or higher in order to get your certificate.

Most providers deliver your OSHA card and/or certificate within 10 business days. You may be able to get it sooner if you request and expedite from the provider.




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