Is OSHA 10 Online Certification Accepted by Employers

Every day, hundreds of thousands of workers go out to work at different production facilities, construction sites, factories, and industrial locations and work hard with focus and determination. Most of the time, these locations or manufacturing units have different potential risks and safety issues. Not everyone is well aware or trained to work in such setups or structures.

This is where the OSHA 10 comes into the picture. It is a certification that helps workers spot and prevent health and safety risks in the workplace. In this article, we will discuss the importance and use of OSHA 10 online certification and simultaneously decipher the various aspects associated with it.

OSHA 10 is a 10-hour safety program that certifies that a worker has successfully completed training on industrial safety. OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It is a regulatory agency from the United States Department of Labor and is a successor to the Bureau of Labor Standards. 

The objective of the OSHA 10 online certification is to make workers aware of the safety and health hazards that they will typically come across when working in different industries, like automotive, manufacturing, and transportation. It also makes workers aware of their rights to work and operate in a healthy work environment with appropriate means and optimal resources and conditions.

#1 - Accredited Providers

The most important aspect of OSHA 10 certification for employers is that it comes from an accredited provider. In simple words, it is not just a certificate or a local document issued by any random university or unverified entity. The OSHA 10 certification comes directly from the US Department of Labor and thus holds great importance, reputation and value for anyone receiving it. As a matter of fact, OSHA itself is a renowned regulatory body that works for the betterment and workplace safety of workers and promotes the same across all industries.

#2 - Employer Requirements

Many industries deal with heavy machinery, chemicals, tools and construction sites that are directly and indirectly exposed to a high risk of health issues and dangerous working conditions. Hence, many employers demand that the workers they are willing to hire have an OSHA 10 certification. Having such a certificate makes a worker aware of the safety hazards, allowing them to operate safely. Hence, completing this program is a key eligibility criterion that many companies operating in various industries require workers to fulfill when hiring.

#3 - Industry-Specific Rules

Lately, given the rise of workplace accidents in high-risk sectors, OSHA 10 certification has become an industry-specific rule. There are many companies in industries, such as manufacturing, warehousing, and construction, that only hire candidates who have completed OSHA 10 training. If you are someone who is most likely to work in any factory or manufacturing plant, proper research can help you learn about the industries that demand this certification as a mandatory aspect.

#4 - State and Local Regulations

Suppose you are searching for jobs in a particular state or jurisdiction. In that case, you must know that OSHA 10 certification is now part of many state and local regulations, and you should have an up-to-date OSHA 10 certificate. Sometimes, it is also referred to as a DOL card because the Department of Labor issues a plastic card that you can carry with you as proof of your training. Now, a small difference that people must remember is that the outreach courses have two levels. While OSHA 10 is for a regular worker, OSHA 30 is for training any worker with supervisory responsibilities.

#5 - Certification Validity

The validity of OSHA 10 certification is decided by the state and local authorities and regulations. Even the employer may decide how often a worker needs to renew the certificate. The general validity varies between three to five years in Philadelphia, Miami and Connecticut. Hence, a candidate has to ensure that their certification is properly renewed at times and is up to date when looking for jobs.

#1 - Flexibility

The number one benefit of an OSHA 10 certification is the flexibility that comes with it. The training has no fixed timetable, and the candidates can complete the training at their convenience. It allows them to complete the certification program while ensuring the fulfillment of their work and personal life obligations. 

#2 - Cost-Effective

The second most important benefit of OSHA 10 online programs is that they are cost-effective and affordable for candidates, irrespective of their financial background. Anyone can invest in educating themselves to acquire the necessary safety-related knowledge required for working in specific industries. Moreover, this single certification trains and makes the candidate eligible for different jobs across industries.

#3 - Convenience

The OSHA 10 training takes place online. Hence, there is a lot of convenience offered to the workers. In other words, the online program lets them complete the training from the comfort of their home. Moreover, the self-paced course allows them to learn at their own pace. All of these features make the whole training program a hassle-free experience.

#4 - Widely Accepted

Online OSHA certification acceptance is valid across an extensive range of industries. As soon as the training is completed, the candidates can expect to receive their US Department of Labor or DOL card within a few weeks. Once received, they become eligible for a wide range of jobs within particular industries. The DOL card serves as proof of their knowledge concerning the potential health and safety hazards in the workplace.

Safety is crucial in any workplace, and OSHA plays a vital role in improving it through its certification programs. Workers who complete the training become educated regarding the identification as well as prevention of various possible safety risks. Having the knowledge is vital to minimize the risk of injuries and accidents in a workplace. 

The employer acceptance of OSHA 10 online varies from one state to another. However, OSHA itself considers its training to be optional. While the outreach courses may not cover all aspects of an employer’s safety and health training programs, a DOL card received post-completion of the OSHA training will automatically make you eligible for various jobs within different industries. As we stated above, OSHA 10 has many benefits and puts you in a position of leverage. 

Although some people might tell you that you may not require a DOL card, certain jurisdictions and local authorities demand workers have a valid one. Considering the certification program is cost-effective, convenient and flexible, there is no harm in getting one.