What Beginners Should Avoid When Pursuing an OSHA Card

Were you aware that companies that require their employees to obtain an OSHA card tend to experience fewer accidents and injuries? An OSHA card is given to employees after they finish a 10-hour or 30-hour Outreach Training Program, which teaches about workplace safety improvements. While not mandatory, OSHA strongly suggests completing this training. After this training, employees can access further advanced modules or training programs tailored to their company and the specific workplace risks.

In this guide, we will review the key factors to consider when pursuing OSHA 10 and 30-hour online courses to avoid scams and ensure the desired training is obtained securely.

Read More: Which Course is Valuable Between IOSH and OSHA?

What is an OSHA Card?

An OSHA card is a compact plastic card that proves completion of a 10 or 30-hour safety training course. It is a handy certification that can be displayed at any time to demonstrate that an employee has received appropriate safety training and is OSHA compliant. 

Read More - What is OSHA Training? All You Need to Know

Course Components of OSHA Training Card

Although both the 10-hour and 30-hour courses are important, the longer class will go into more detail with comprehensive content. Courses are divided into sections that-

• Introduces OSHA, 

• Focuses on safety and health management, 

• Industry-specific topics, 

• An elective and voluntary segment. 

The 10-hour course is intended for staff members and frontline workers, whereas the 30-hour course was created for mainly supervisors, managers, and individuals aspiring to be supervisors.

Read More - Differences Between OSHA 10 and 30 Course

How to get an OSHA Card?

OSHA cards can be acquired easily through a straightforward procedure. Start by going to the course provider’s website where you plan to enroll in the OSHA online course. After that, you will be required to:

• Sign up for a training program and finish the training either through online or in-person participation.

• Take a test in writing.

• Take a hands-on test.

• Download the certification and expect the card to be delivered by mail.

Read More: Understanding OSHA Certification: A Comprehensive Guide

7 Key Mistakes to Avoid When Pursuing an OSHA Card

Construction workers in the US need to have an OSHA safety certification. It includes training courses that vary, each with an OSHA card showing that one is knowledgeable in following on-the-job safety standards. However, most people make crucial mistakes during this process. These mistakes could cost them their certifications and even their careers. Some of these mistakes that you should avoid are as follows: 

Read more: How Long Does the OSHA 10 Certification Last?

• Lack of Job-specific Training

Many OSHA online courses may not always include specific site details and instead focus on general guidelines. Insufficient readiness may heighten the possibility of accidents or injuries, reducing the effectiveness of training initiatives. 

To tackle this issue, you must choose construction safety training programs that incorporate detailed site-specific information so that employees can familiarize themselves with their surroundings and take necessary safety measures.

• Ineffective Evaluation

Evaluations and certifications play an important role in OSHA training to show adherence and understanding. Nevertheless, certain OSHA online courses might not adequately evaluate students or provide certification as evidence of their skills. 

Employers need to ensure that training programs include comprehensive evaluations and provide certifications approved by OSHA to confirm employees' knowledge and adherence.

• Purchasing the Wrong Course

Many people make the frequent mistake of self-teaching when buying the OSHA 10- or 30-hour training course. Trainees do not know the difference between the various Outreach Training Programs available for purchase, which leads them to purchase the incorrect product. Some online providers make it difficult for buyers by not providing clear guidance on finding the right training for their industry before making a purchase.

Many first-time buyers go through 10 hours of training, pass the exam, and then discover they will receive the incorrect card in the mail, which is a common occurrence. 

Alternatively, if they choose the wrong training program, they will need to go through customer service to get a refund. After that, they will finally receive the right course, but they will have to start over again and pay a second time.

• Unusually low Prices

Unfortunately, it has become increasingly common to find advertisements for OSHA 10 or 30-hour online courses being offered for well below the typical market rates for these courses which are $8 to $10.

These ads often lure in consumers who focus solely on finding the cheapest product and become prey to dishonest opportunists. These impulsive consumers lack crucial information about the Outreach Training Program and its curriculum. Some of the issues include-

• The inability to receive any training opportunities after buying a product, 

• Receiving fake safety cards, 

• Various technical problems, 

• Credit card theft, 

• Complete inability to get in touch with the seller.

Read More - The Cost of OSHA 30 Training Online: What You Need to Know

• Lack of Hands-on Training

Practical experience is essential for workplace safety. Specific rules and safety measures require hands-on experience, something that cannot be gained from online platforms. Per a recent OSHA correspondence, OSHA online courses must incorporate hands-on training to meet compliance standards. 

OSHA stresses the importance of employees being trained by competent instructors on how to operate equipment. This can enhance workplace security and allow employees to improve their abilities, which is crucial for mastering specialized job methods.

• Support and Service Matters

The top 10 and 30-hour OSHA training courses provide a hassle-free experience, from sign-up and payment to starting the course, going through various topics, and finishing the exam. Make sure to buy OSHA 10 and 30-hour training online from a company that provides quick technical help and is accessible for assistance during the training. 

Search for a specialized customer service number that is free of charge. Take into account the length of time the provider has been selling the product, as well as its years in operation. You can consider the following questions: 

• Are technical requirements conveyed and accessible? 

• Are frequently asked questions (FAQs) provided by them? 

• How many students are effectively assisted annually? 

All of these are key indicators of customer satisfaction with their purchasing, training, and card-delivery experiences.

Read More: Examples Of OSHA Violations

• Technical Issues and Poor Internet

Challenges related to technology can present major obstacles to OSHA online courses. Poor internet speed, server malfunctions, and compatibility complications can cause interruptions and hinder the learning experience. It can also disrupt a worker's access to necessary training materials when needed. 

Those in charge of learning need to have strong infrastructure and support systems in place to guarantee smooth training delivery and improve the learning experience, ultimately leading to improved safety results at work.

• Not Keeping Records

Businesses must also establish and uphold OSHA training documentation. The duration for which you need to retain these records varies based on the nature of the training.

Bloodborne pathogen training records must be kept for three years after employees complete training. Investigate these factors in advance to ensure that your company complies with OSHA regulations.

Read More: Top 5 OSHA Standards Every Business Should Know

Final Thoughts

Many companies with a large number of employees must adhere to OSHA compliance regulations as mandated by law. As a worker, you should avoid the mistakes discussed so that you can help expand your company and enhance workplace safety.