Question: What courses should I take if I am new to the safety profession?

Answer:

The OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers offer courses in a wide range of occupational safety and health topics in construction, general industry, and maritime. An appropriate initial course for those wanting to work as a safety professional is an occupational safety and health standards course in either construction, general industry, or maritime. These courses are the OSHA #510 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, the OSHA #511 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry, and the OSHA #5410 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Maritime Industry.  Theseare standards-based courses that cover OSHA policies, procedures, and safety and health principles.  For a complete list of courses, certificate and degree programs, OTI Education Center locations, course descriptions, and other information refer to the OSHA Web site at http://www.osha.gov/dte/edcenters/index.html.