Question: I believe I have encountered fraudulent activity on training related to the OSHA Outreach Training Program. How do I report this?

Answer:

Write to outreach@dol.gov or call the outreach fraud hotline at 847-725-7804 to file complaints about program fraud and abuse. Provide all pertinent information, including the trainer's name, the date of training, the location of the training, the type of training (Construction, General Industry, Maritime, Disaster Site Worker), and whether it was to cover 10 or 30 hours. Include any other relevant information including your name and contact information. Please note that OSHA will maintain the confidentiality of the person providing the information.

Question: How do I verify an authorized trainer card?

Answer:

An individual who completes an OSHA outreach trainer course is provided an OSHA authorized trainer card. This card indicates the expiration date of the trainer's authorization. If the authorized trainer who issued the OSHA Outreach student course completion card wishes to verify the authenticity of their own authorized trainer status, the trainer can provide their OSHA trainer card, which will include the name and phone number of the authorizing training organization. The authorizing training organization can verify the status of the trainer. Please note that in most cases, the authorizing training organization is an OSHA Training Institute Education Center. OSHA does not operate, maintain or acknowledge any national database websites to verify authorized trainer cards.

Question: How do I verify a student course completion card?

Answer:

If an individual holding an OSHA Outreach student course completion card wishes to verify the authenticity of their student course completion card, the individual can provide the name and contact information of the authorized trainer who issued the student course completion card. Each authorized OSHA outreach trainer is required to maintain records on their training for a period of five years.

If it is a plastic Outreach Training Program student or trainer card, scan the QR code on the back of the card to verify the training. The QR code will provide contact information for the OTI Education Center who processed the card and can provide verification of the card. OSHA does not operate, maintain or acknowledge any national database websites to verify plastic or paper student course completion cards.

Question: Can OSHA verify a student course completion card or an authorized trainer card?

Answer:

For privacy reasons, OSHA does not provide individual verification of student course completion cards or authorized trainer cards. Verification of Outreach card authenticity is at the discretion of the cardholder.

Question: How do I confirm my trainer is authorized?

Answer:

Students interested in attending an Outreach Training Program class should request to see a prospective trainer's current Authorized Trainer card in order to verify the trainer's status. This should be done prior to selecting a trainer. Authorized Trainer cards will contain the trainer's name and authorization expiration date on the front of the card. The card will also list the Authorizing Training Organization (ATO) which authorized the trainer to deliver Outreach classes. Students may contact the ATO if there are any questions regarding the trainer's status. Outreach trainers must provide proof of their current training authorization on request.

Question: How do I select a trainer?

Answer:

OSHA authorized outreach trainers are not OSHA personnel. Trainers are authorized (not certified) through this program to deliver Outreach training classes. Trainers are independent service providers and their schedules and fees may vary. OSHA recommends contacting multiple trainers to find one that best meets the student's needs. This includes questioning trainers about their accommodations for students with a learning disability. Students may verify the status of an authorized outreach trainer. All trainers should possess a trainer card which includes an expiration date along with the name of the authorizing OTI Education Center.

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.