Managing safety and workplace hazards ensures employees, contractors and the general public stay safe on any job site. Whether it’s ladder safety on construction sites, dealing with hazardous materials, or simply understanding state or local laws better, OSHA is an official certificate of competency issued in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
OSHA protects employers and employees across the U.S. It also operates in a variety of U.S. territories, including the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. OSHA focuses on training that’s based around occupational health and safety, providing employees with knowledge and training to ensure a safer workplace.
Home builders can choose between OSHA 10 vs 30. First, here’s a more detailed rundown of what OSHA training is:
OSHA training saves lives
In any workplace, safety training is a must. It isn’t just a means to avoid lawsuits, it minimizes workplace injuries, and it save lives. Something you should consider, even before examining ways to reduce project costs.
OSHA provides online training for individual employees and companies in need of training relevant to their industry and needs. It is a custom home builder’s legal responsibility to create a safe workplace for employees. Part of that responsibility requires custom home builders to train those on the job site so that everyone can help maintain safety and protect lives.
There are two options available from the Outreach Training Program – OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30 hours. At the end of the training course, you will either receive the OSHA 30 hour training vs 10 hour training completion card, depending on which course you undertake.
What is the difference between OSHA 10 vs 30?
So, what’s the difference between OSHA 10 vs 30? OSHA 10 is not as intensive as the OSHA 30 course. Typically, if you are trying to decide between OSHA 30 vs 10, the question is – what is your position?
Are you an employee? In this case, the OSHA 10 vs 30 training debate proves clear cut – the OSHA 10 course provides the needed safety awareness training. Also, if your job mandates OSHA Outreach Training, the OSHA 10-hour training course is the right option.
Are you a safety director or a supervisor? The OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30 debate pans out differently – OSHA 30 was made specifically for safety directors and supervisors.
The industries that typically embark on this training include warehousing, construction, maritime, and manufacturing. However, you should always consult local laws with regard to training requirements. It’s suitable for entry level workers and is run by authorized trainers.
Both OSHA courses address health and safety hazards in line with maritime, construction, and general industry. With the course completion card comes the ability to train others in these health and safety standards. While these programs are voluntary, many employers recommend them and see them as a sound investment along with other planning methods. Beyond that, certain U.S. states have made laws to mandate the training. Likewise, there are certain unions and employers that expect this training to be completed.
OSHA 10-hour course covers safety training
To get a better idea of if OSHA 10 hour is right for you, let’s detail what OSHA 10 covers and who should take it.
In the 10-hour training OSHA course, employees learn about PPE (personal protective equipment), electrical safety responsibility, fire protection and scaffolding. Additionally, the course covers basic awareness and prevention of workplace hazards. It also provides insight into employee rights and employer responsibilities, including how employees can file complaints.
In addition, the course covers lifesaving equipment. It also offers a variety of electives perfect for home builders, including hand and power tools, excavations, stairways and ladders, material handling and more.
The length of time it takes to complete OSHA 10 varies, but it generally lasts for two days. If you take the online course, then you can spread it out across multiple days.
OSHA 30-hour course offers training for managers
Comparing OSHA 10 vs 30 makes it clear that OSHA 30 is a more in-depth training course. It highlights the potential injuries and hazards employees may face on the worksite and how best to prevent these from occurring. The 30-hour course was designed specifically for field supervisors, safety directors, and foremen.
Other topics covered include lead exposure, asbestos exposure, ergonomics, working confined spaces, and welding and cutting. Other topics include mechanized equipment and motor vehicles.
OSHA 30 takes a minimum of four days to complete. Again, if you take an online course, you can take longer than 30 hours to complete it and spread it out as much as you need to work with the source material. The time it takes to complete either course will vary widely. Different instructors use different methods, and when tracking time, there are also breaks, tests and commutes to factor in.
Do you need both OSHA 10 and 30?
No, the only reason you would need both is if you climb the ladder and earn a promotion that requires you to then take the OSHA 30 course. Additionally, there is no need to complete OSHA 10 before you embark on the OSHA 30 training course. That’s certainly helpful when you have so many other home building issues to consider.
Limits and restrictions of OSHA 10 & 30
The maximum class length per day is 7.5 hours in a 24-hour period, even for online classes. There should be at least eight hours between training sessions. While the online course may allow you to take longer than 10 and 30 hours to complete the total course, there is still a time limit. If you exceed the time limit, the work you have completed will be invalidated and you will have to start again. That being said, the time limit is six months, which should provide you with more than enough time to complete the course.
Once you pass the exam (you have three attempts) and receive your OSHA certification, it does not expire, but some employers may require you to refresh the training every so often to ensure your safety knowledge is up-to-date.
How to find reputable safety training
There are many reputable training companies available, the key is to ensure the safety trainer has the proper level of safety training and the qualifications required by law to provide OSHA training. The OSHA website has a guide that will help you find a reputable trainer in your area.
