What Will I Learn In The OSHA 10-Hour Training?

The OSHA 10 hour training is an important safety course designed to help entry-level workers identify and manage workplace hazards. In the U.S., workplace injuries and fatalities cost businesses more than $167 billion annually due to medical expenses, lost productivity, and legal fees. 

With over 4,700 workplace fatalities reported in 2022, the need for comprehensive safety training is clear. This training equips workers with the knowledge to handle risks and understand their rights and employer responsibilities. This results in fewer fatal injuries and days lost due to work-related injuries. 

This blog outlines what you will learn in OSHA 10 training, including topics on workplace safety in both construction and general industries.

Read More: What is OSHA Training

Why OSHA 10-Hour Training Matters

The OSHA 10 hour training is essential for maintaining a safe workplace, reducing accidents, and ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations. Both construction and general industry workers benefit from understanding how to avoid injuries and stay safe on the job.

Many industries, particularly construction, are required by law to provide safety training. Completing the OSHA 10 training shows compliance with federal safety regulations. This helps companies avoid fines and ensures that workers are well-prepared to handle on-the-job risks.

What Will You Learn in the OSHA 10 Hour Training? 

The OSHA 10-Hour Training provides essential safety knowledge for workers in general industry and construction. It covers hazard identification, prevention strategies, and employee rights. This program ensures you understand workplace risks and comply with OSHA standards for a safer environment. The table below lists the key topics covered under OSHA 10 hour construction and general industry training: 

OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry Training

The OSHA 10 hour construction industry training is designed for construction workers and provides education on hazards they face in their work environment. From working at heights to handling power tools, this course covers all the essential safety protocols. Following are the some topics discussed in detail:

Fall Protection

Falls are the leading cause of construction-related fatalities. Fall protection training teaches workers to use safety gear such as harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets. Workers also learn how to identify fall hazards and avoid dangerous situations.

Electrical Safety

Construction sites often involve complex electrical systems, which pose risks of shock or fire. Electrical safety training covers the safe use of temporary wiring, tools, and equipment, teaching workers how to identify and address electrical hazards.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE) can prevent serious injuries. Workers learn how to select and use PPE, such as hard hats, gloves, and safety goggles, tailored to the specific hazards in their environment.

Scaffold Safety

Working on scaffolding is a common but dangerous task in construction. Scaffold safety training ensures workers know how to set up, inspect, and use scaffolds safely to avoid accidents such as falls or scaffold collapses.

Read More: OSHA 10 Certification Cost

Struck-By and Caught-In Hazards

Construction sites are full of moving machinery and falling objects. Workers learn how to prevent struck-by and caught-in hazards, which occur when they are struck by vehicles or machinery or caught between materials and equipment.

Topics Covered Under OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training

The OSHA 10 general industry training is designed for workers in non-construction sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. It covers industry-specific hazards and teaches workers how to prevent accidents. The different modules that are covered are as follows:

Walking and Working Surfaces

Slips, trips, and falls are common in many workplaces. Walking and working surface safety training teaches workers how to maintain clear walkways, use ladders and stairs safely, and avoid hazards on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Hazard Communication

Workers handling chemicals need to understand the dangers involved. Hazard communication training covers reading Safety Data Sheets (SDS), labeling hazardous materials, and protecting themselves from harmful substances.

Read More: What is Hazard Communication Standard ( HCS)

Ergonomics

Many industries involve repetitive motion tasks that can lead to injury. Ergonomics training focuses on proper lifting techniques, adjusting workstations for comfort, and reducing strain to avoid musculoskeletal disorders.

Machine Guarding

Industrial machinery can be dangerous if not properly guarded. Machine guarding training teaches workers how to use safety guards to protect themselves from moving parts, pinch points, and other mechanical hazards.

Fire Safety and Emergency Plans

Workplaces must be prepared for emergencies such as fires. Fire safety and emergency action plan training ensures workers know how to respond in emergencies, use fire extinguishers, and evacuate safely through designated exit routes.

How OSHA 10 Training Benefits Employers and Workers

The OSHA 10 course provides valuable benefits for both employers and employees. Workers usually get a career boost as their employers trust them more. Similarly, with trained professionals, employers encounter fewer losses related to workplace hazards. This ensures that workplace safety becomes a shared responsibility.

Reducing Workplace Injuries

OSHA reports that safety training can reduce workplace injuries by up to 30%. This makes training not just a legal requirement but a smart business investment. Employers with fewer accidents face lower costs related to workers’ compensation and lost productivity.

Improved Workplace Morale

A safer workplace is a more productive workplace. When employees feel secure in their environment, their job satisfaction improves, and they are more likely to remain loyal to their employers.

Increased Competence in Safety Procedures

Completing the OSHA 10 hour training increases workers’ confidence in handling various safety challenges. They become more skilled in using equipment properly, understanding regulations, and maintaining a hazard-free environment.

Read More: Benefits of Earning an OSHA 10 Card as a New Worker

Convenience and Accessibility of Online OSHA 10 Course

The OSHA 10 safety training is available online, making it more accessible for workers across industries. This flexibility allows workers to complete the training at their own pace without disrupting their regular work schedules.

OSHA 10-Hour Online Course Structure

The OSHA 10 online course is structured in modules that cover essential safety topics. Each module includes assessments and quizzes to ensure participants understand the material before moving on to the next topic.

Certification Process

Upon completing the OSHA 10 training, students receive a printable diploma and a physical OSHA card issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. While the OSHA card does not expire, it’s recommended that workers refresh their training every five years to stay updated on new regulations.

Read More: How to Get OSHA Certified

Benefits of Online Training

Online training provides flexibility for workers and employers. Workers can fit the course into their busy schedules, while employers can ensure their workforce receives proper training without interrupting daily operations. Online training is also cost-effective compared to traditional classroom training.

Read More: A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Your OSHA 10 Certification

Which OSHA 10 Course Should I Take?

Both courses cover industry-specific hazards you will encounter on the job. Thus, you should select the training program that best matches the industry in which you work.

• The Construction Course focuses on safety practices related to jobs like carpentry, roofing, electrical work, and masonry. It covers specific hazards such as fall protection, scaffolding safety, and the use of heavy equipment. This course is ideal for anyone working on construction sites or involved in construction-related activities.

• The General Industry Course is designed for workers in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, warehousing, and retail. It focuses on general workplace hazards, such as fire safety, hazard communication, and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This course is suitable for anyone who works in any industry other than construction.

You should check with your employer to see which course perfectly meets the industry's requirements and recommended safety guidelines. If you want both credibility and full safety coverage, consider enrolling in the OSHA 10/30 Card training to get the OSHA-10 certification that’s widely recognized and backed by hands-on industry standards.

The Value of OSHA 10-Hour Training!

OSHA 10 training is essential for workers in the construction and general industry sectors. It helps workers recognize hazards and empowers them with the knowledge to manage those risks effectively.  For employers, it ensures compliance with OSHA regulations and reduces the likelihood of workplace accidents, saving both lives and money. Whether taken online or in person, the OSHA 10 course is a smart investment in creating a safer work environment.

The OSHA 10-hour training is a comprehensive program that equips workers with essential safety knowledge so that they can handle workplace risks and remain compliant with legal standards.

References: 

• https://www.oshatrainingschool.com/blog/what-is-osha-10-key-topics

• https://www.osha.gov/training

• https://www.osha.com/courses/outreach-10-hour.html