Frequently Asked Questions About OSHA 10-Hour Certification in Construction
OSHA’s 10-hour certification in construction is a crucial credential for anyone working in the construction industry. It helps workers recognize, avoid, abate and prevent construction site hazards. It also gives workers information about OSHA, worker rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a safety complaint. If you're considering or have questions about this certification, this blog post is here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
1. What is OSHA 10-Hour Certification in Construction?
OSHA 10-Hour Certification in Construction is a training program designed to educate construction workers and supervisors about safety and health hazards common in construction environments. It's administered by OSHA and covers various topics, including fall protection, electrical safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), and more.
2. Who Should Get OSHA 10-Hour Certification?
Any construction worker or supervisor can benefit from OSHA 10-Hour Certification. It's particularly important for entry-level workers, but experienced professionals can also refresh their knowledge and stay updated with the latest safety regulations.
3. What Does the Course Cover?
The OSHA 10-Hour Certification in Construction emphasizes hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention, not OSHA standards. It covers a range of topics, including:
- Introduction to OSHA
- Fall protection
- Electrical safety
- Struck-by and caught-in/between hazards
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Health hazards in construction
- Excavations and trenching
- Hazard communication
- Scaffolding safety
- Hand and power tool safety
4. How Long Does It Take to Complete?
The course takes a minimum of 10 hours to complete and must take a minimum of two days to complete it. In other words, an instructor cannot cram the entire class in on one day. The entire length of an individual training session can be no more than 10 consecutive hours including 7.5 student contact hours, and administrative time such as lunch/meal and other breaks, taking attendance, and optional testing.
5. Is OSHA 10-Hour Certification Mandatory?
No. OSHA does not require it. However, many construction sites and employers require it.
6. How Long is the Certification Valid?
OSHA 10-Hour Certification does not have an expiration date. However, it's recommended to refresh workers’ knowledge every few years to stay current with safety regulations and best practices.
7. Where can I find a qualified trainer?
You can always reach out to your construction community and see who your peers use, or visit OSHA’s outreach trainers webpage and do a search for local instructors.
8. How many students can I fill a class with?
I sometimes hate this question! Lol. As an experienced OSHA 10-hour instructor, I recommend a class size between 15 and 20 for the best student experience. This will allow it to be interactive, and provide a lot of group discussion, practical experiences and makes for a more fun environment. If that is not possible, I allow up to 30 students so that I can manage the class. If additional managment is present, I may allow up to 40. But those are my standards and are higher than what OSHA requires.
What does OSHA require? OSHA limits an OSHA 10-hour class to a maximum of 40 students. Unless of course, you want to sign your workers up for an online class.
9. Can I sign workers up to take the Course Online?
Yes, OSHA-approved online courses are available for the OSHA 10-Hour Certification in Construction. These online courses offer convenience and flexibility, allowing workers to learn at their own pace. I recommend ClickSafety.
10. Is there a more advanced certification I should also consider for my workers?
Yes, there is. There is also an OSHA 30-Hour Certification in Construction, which provides more in-depth training on safety topics. This certification is typically aimed at supervisors and those with more responsibilities on the construction site. Check out our blog on that topic here.
In conclusion, obtaining OSHA 10-Hour Certification in Construction is a valuable investment in your company’s most valuable resource; its people. It equips workers with essential knowledge and skills to recognize and prevent workplace hazards which makes any construction company more valuable to workers, their families, the community and our industry.
Thank you for all you do for safety and I’ll see you out there!
Seth (Aka Safety Culture Pro)
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