Question: Does outreach training meet any OSHA training requirements?

Answer:

No. Employers are responsible for training their workers on specific hazards of their job, as noted in many OSHA standards. A list of standards requiring training is found in OSHA Publication 2254 [PDF], "Training Requirements in OSHA Standards and Training Guidelines."

Question: Does OSHA require the 10- and 30-hour outreach courses?

Answer:

No, they are voluntary. OSHA recommends outreach courses as an orientation to occupational safety and health for workers. However, some states have enacted laws mandating the training. Also, some employers, unions, organizations or other jurisdictions may also require this training.

Question: What is covered in the 10- and 30-hour outreach courses?

Answer:

The 10-hour outreach courses provide basic awareness training on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of workplace hazards. The course also provides information regarding workers' rights, employer responsibilities, and filing a complaint.

The 30-hour outreach courses provide a greater depth and variety of training on an expanded list of topics associated with workplace hazards in each industry. OSHA provides authorized trainers procedures for each industry program on the topic outlines for each industry.

Question: Is there an age requirement to participate in training offered through the Outreach Training Program?

Answer:

No. There is no minimum age requirement to participate in Outreach Training Program classes.

Question: The language used in the Outreach Training Program requirements references 'workers.' Does an individual have to be employed to participate in training offered through the Outreach Training Program?

Answer:

No. Although the Outreach Training Program Requirements refer to training being targeted for workers, participants of Outreach Training Program classes are not required to be employed.

Question: Who should take a 10-or 30-hour courses?

Answer:

The 10-hour class is intended to provide workers with awareness of common job-related safety and health hazards, while the 30-hour class is more appropriate for supervisors or workers with some safety responsibility.

Question: What types of Outreach Training Program courses are available?

Answer:

OSHA offers Outreach Training Programs for the following industries: Construction, General Industry, Maritime, and Disaster Site work.

Question: How do I get an OSHA card?

Answer:

OSHA-authorized trainers issue student course completion cards to individuals that successfully complete an OSHA Outreach Training Program class. The Outreach Training Program offers 10-hour or 30-hour classes for Construction, General industry, Maritime, and a 15-hour class for Disaster Site Worker. In order to obtain an OSHA card, an individual must attend and successfully complete the entire class, including all requisite topics and the minimum number of contact hours. Please note that an OSHA card is not considered a certification or license.

Question: Now that Maritime Outreach course completion cards do not expire, do I need to get a new card or is my expired card still valid?

Answer:

As of April 1, 2019, Maritime student course completion cards do not expire. Training completed before this date remains valid. Cardholders are not required to obtain a replacement. If a replacement card is desired, the Maritime class must have been completed within the past five years. To request a replacement card, please contact the original training provider.

The Outreach Training Program is voluntary and OSHA does not require Outreach training. Some states, municipalities, employers, unions, and other organizations have enacted requirements mandating training. Any determination on what will be accepted in order to meet mandatory training requirements must be made by the organization mandating the training. Anyone in possession of a Maritime Outreach course completion card with an expiration date who is eligible to request a replacement card, may request a replacement card with a course end date through the OSHA-authorized Outreach trainer who provided their training.

Question: When will I receive a plastic trainer card?

Answer:

The new cards will be phased in as trainers take update courses, and as new trainers become authorized (starting March 1, 2016). If a trainer wishes to exchange an existing paper card for a plastic card, the trainer should contact the Authorizing Training Organization (ATO) that issued the cards. Please note that authorizing training organizations may charge an administrative fee for issuing and/or replacing cards. Before requesting a replacement, please clarify with the ATO as to whether the plastic cards are available.