Workplace safety is a requirement and not a luxury, and every organization should take serious measures to ensure a safer working environment. One such measure is the OSHA 10-Hour Training, which is the basic OSHA training focusing on eliminating any danger and hazards in the workplace. This article examines the OSHA 10-Hour Training program, its benefits to employees and employers who need it, and why.
What is OSHA 10-HOUR Training?
The United States Department of Labor has a federal agency focusing on workplace safety called the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA has many safety programs, but the 10-hour safety training is the most common due to its effectiveness, simplicity, and cuts across different industries.
The program aims to educate parties about workplace risks and hazards, significantly reducing workplace-related injuries. Every organization must provide an OSHA 10-hour training program to its employees, making it mandatory for everyone to participate.
Who Needs OSHA 10-Hour Training?
OSHA 10-hour training is practical in many industries, especially brick-and-mortar workplaces, where people interact with machines, chemicals, and other physical equipment that can harm them. However, here is a rundown of the people who need OSHA 10-Hour training more:
Construction Workers
By placing their safety at risk, construction workers are in dire need of OSHA 10-hour safety programs. They include:
- Construction laborers
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Carpenters
- Heavy equipment operators
- Roofers
General Industry Workers
They handle the day-to-day activities of running a business based on their skills. They include:
- Maintenance staff
- Factory workers
- Service industry employees
- Warehouse employees
- Healthcare workers
- Manufacturing personnel
Union Members
Labor unions have a mandatory OSHA 10-hour training program completion requirement for all their members. The program equips members with safety knowledge and the confidence to identify potential health risks and point them out before they cause any harm.
Supervisors and Managers
Equipping construction and general industry managers and supervisors with OSHA 10-hour training knowledge ensures they understand their responsibilities for a safer working environment. It also allows for enforcing and regulating safety measures and upholding high standards.
Employers
Employers need to know the impact of a successful OSHA 10-hour training program in the workplace. Employees tend to perform better when they know their safety is a concern and priority. The employer has to create this environment and provide everything necessary to achieve this safety goal.
Temporary and Seasonal Workers
Due to the rotative nature of many jobs, employees are often exposed to many dangers and risks. Equipping these people with the necessary safety skills ensures they understand their working environment and how to protect themselves in dangerous situations.
Benefits of OSHA 10-Hour Training
OSHA’s 10-hour training program has proven effective in keeping workplaces safe for everyone. Besides that, there are other benefits that employers and employees derive from a successful implementation of this program:
Improved Safety Awareness
The program equips workers, supervisors, and bosses with enough knowledge to identify potential health risks in advance. Doing so reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries happening.
Reduced Workplace Accidents
The number of accidents tends to lower when employees and employers are informed about the safety measures and how to react in dangerous situations. With fewer accidents, the organization can save on medical costs.
Lower Worker’s Compensation Costs
Injured employees often sue their organization for damages when an accident happens in a workplace. It usually leads to monetary compensation, which can go as high as millions of dollars. Offering OSHA training and ensuring everyone follows through is an excellent way of lowering compensation costs.
Improved Employee Morale
Workers tend to perform better when their safety is a priority. Better performing employees lead to achieving objectives and goals, which helps the organization stay on course to its overall goals.
Career Advancements
Employees versed with modern OSHA safety measures have a higher chance of progressing in their careers and getting better employment opportunities. Organizations will likely hire those with experience in safety measures as they’ll save on training costs.
Emergency Preparedness
Accidents can happen anytime without notice, and preparing for emergencies is best. A well-trained workforce can handle emergencies swiftly, minimizing damage and reducing injuries.
What Does OSHA 10-Hour Training Cover
OSHA’s 10-hour training covers many safety aspects to reduce workplace accidents and injuries. Here is a rundown of what the program covers:
Introduction to OSHA
Trainees learn the purpose and mission of OSHA. They also know their rights and the responsibilities of the employers.
Hazard Recognition
Trainees go through lessons to identify potential workplace hazards, like slippery floors, electrical cables, and hazardous chemical materials.
Electrical Safety
Unchecked electric cables are dangerous, and trainees learn how to work safely with electricity. The training covers lockout/tagout procedures, ensuring no one gets injured working with electric components.
Fall Protection
Focuses on keeping work sites, primarily construction sites, safe from falls. Fall-related injuries are prevalent in workspaces.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The section focuses on choosing suitable PPE for specific occasions. It also teaches people to use this equipment properly.
Hazardous Materials
Trainees learn to manage and handle hazardous materials. It also focuses on working with the labeling and safety data sheet (SDS.)
How to Access the OSHA 10-Hour Training Program
OSHA 10-hour training takes different forms, each aimed to suit specific needs. Here are the standard OSHA course formats:
- In-person training – A trainer visits the site where people in groups participate in the training.
- Online training – Held over video conference using popular conferencing applications.
- Blended learning – A combination of in-person and online training.
You can contact us to learn more about OSHA 10-hour training. We are at your disposal and will answer all your questions and give you a free quote if you need one.
To Wrap Up
OSHA’s 10-hour training program is a great initiative to keep workplaces safe and injury-free. The program helps companies reduce compensation costs, keep the workplace safe, attract and retain talents, and ensure legal compliance. The program covers many aspects, with common ones focusing on working with electricals, handling hazardous materials, fall protection, and working with PPEs. The program can be offered in person, online, or in combination.
ROI Safety Services is committed to ensuring that your workplace is safe and that nothing hinders productivity. Contact us today, and we will discuss your needs.
