What You Need to Know About OSHA 10

Anyone who’s worked on a construction site or in a warehouse already understands why safety is such a serious topic. When job hunting in certain states or within industries that depend a lot on safety, you’ll even see job listings that make it mandatory to have an up-to-date OSHA 10 training. Some employers may also use the word “DOL card”, which means they need to see the plastic wallet cards that the Department of Labour (DOL) issues as proof of training.

Whether you’re new to the workforce or looking to advance your career, here’s what you should know about OSHA 10 and why it matters.

First, What’s OSHA 10 Training?

OSHA 10 is a 10-hour, entry-level outreach programme offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to give entry-level workers a solid foundation in workplace safety and health. There are two main versions of OSHA 10, categorised by the type of industry.

OSHA 10-Hour Construction: This one is meant for those working on construction sites, including labourers, electricians, carpenters, and plumbers.

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry: Designed for workers in manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, and other non-construction settings.

Both courses intend to make workers more aware of job site hazards, their rights under OSHA, and how to prevent common injuries or accidents. Regardless of the version that suits you, ensure you take your

OSHA 10 course from a reputable professional education provider like RocketCert to ensure you’re studying the right content.

So, Who Needs OSHA 10 Training?

While OSHA itself doesn’t require employees to take the 10-hour course nationwide, some employers and states do. Jurisdictions like Rhode Island, Nevada, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York mandate OSHA 10 training for construction workers, especially those working in state-funded or municipal construction jobs.

If you’re in construction, manufacturing, or similar industries, earning your OSHA 10 card isn’t something you should do just to meet legal requirements. With the potential this training has to help you make workplaces safer, you should see it as an opportunity to present yourself as a more competitive job candidate. That’s because employers see it as proof that you understand the basics of workplace safety, which means fewer risks and violations on the job.

Which Topics Does the Course Cover?

The OSHA 10 curriculum focuses on practical, life-saving knowledge as opposed to complicated theory. The topics generally covered in this course, regardless of the version, are:

• The OSHA Act and workers’ rights
• Fall protection and ladder safety
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Emergency response and fire prevention
• Electrical safety
• Material handling and ergonomics
• Hazard communication
• And more

Training providers have flexibility when it comes to choosing how they can deliver these modules, but all courses must meet OSHA’s standards. You will also discuss real-world scenarios and the best practices for recognising and responding to hazards, because safety isn’t just about compliance. It’s also about keeping yourself and your team alive and well.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

As you can see from this post, there isn’t much to know about OSHA 10. The same, however, can’t be said about the importance of this course. It’s not just a means to compliance; rather, it’s also a way to demonstrate professionalism and responsibility at work. Completing this course tells your employers you take safety seriously, and that you’re ready to contribute to a better workplace.

That’s why your next stop from here should be at rocketcert.com, to see the courses they offer and begin your journey towards promoting increased workplace safety.