How Many OSHA Certifications Are There?

Whether you're a construction worker, forklift operator, or warehouse manager, OSHA certifications are designed to prepare you for the hazards specific to your job. But with so many OSHA training programs available, it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. Do you need OSHA 10 or OSHA 30? What’s the difference between Construction and General Industry? In this blog, we’ll answer these questions and discover which one you need for you and your role.

What Does OSHA Stand For?

OSHA is an abbreviation for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency of the United States Department of Labor. Established in 1970 under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, OSHA's primary mission is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

Some of OSHA’s responsibilities include:

• Regulation and Enforcement:
  • Develops workplace safety and health regulations.
  • Conducts inspections to ensure compliance with standards.
  • Issues citations and penalties for violations.
• Training and Education:
  • Provides resources and training for workers and employers to promote workplace safety.
  • Offers programs like the OSHA Outreach Training Program (e.g., OSHA 10 and OSHA 30-hour courses).
• Consultation Services:
  • Offers free, confidential consultations to small and medium-sized businesses to help improve workplace safety without fear of penalties.

OSHA also promotes a whistleblower protection program, ensuring employees can report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.

In summary, OSHA plays a vital role in protecting the workforce by maintaining safety standards, educating stakeholders, and holding employers accountable for providing a safe work environment.

How Can I Get OSHA Certified?

The term "OSHA certified" is a common misnomer, as OSHA itself does not directly issue certifications. Instead, individuals receive a Department of Labor (DOL) card upon successful completion of an OSHA Outreach Training Program. However, in everyday conversations, most people refer to these cards or the training itself as "OSHA certifications." For the sake of clarity and consistency within this article, we’ll use "OSHA certified" or "OSHA certifications" to refer to the completion of these OSHA-approved training courses and the resulting DOL cards. Just remember that this is not the official terminology OSHA itself uses.

How Many OSHA Certifications Are There?

OSHA offers a variety of certifications tailored to different industries and job roles, all with the goal of enhancing workplace safety and health awareness. These include entry-level OSHA 10-Hour and more advanced OSHA 30-Hour certifications, available for construction, general industry, and maritime sectors. Construction certifications focus on specific hazards like scaffolding, trenching, and electrical safety, while general industry certifications address machine guarding, hazard communication, and ergonomics. Maritime certifications specialize in vessel safety, cargo handling, and confined space entry. Other important certifications include HAZWOPER for hazardous waste workers, confined space entry training, fall protection training, forklift operator certification, and electrical safety certification, each designed to teach workers how to safely perform their duties and prevent workplace accidents.

Pros and Cons Of Completing OSHA Training

Completing an OSHA training course offers several benefits, but also comes with some considerations to think about. Let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of getting your OSHA certification:

Pros:

• Enhanced Job Prospects: Many employers prioritize candidates with OSHA certifications, increasing your employability.
• Improved Job Security: Demonstrates a commitment to safety, making you a valuable asset to your employer.
• Potential for Higher Earnings: Certifications can lead to higher wages or advancement opportunities.
• Increased Safety Awareness: Provides valuable knowledge to recognize and prevent workplace hazards, benefiting you both on and off the job.
• Boosted Confidence: Increases confidence in your ability to identify and address safety concerns.

Cons:

• Time Commitment: Requires dedicating time to complete the course.
• Cost: May involve a fee for the training course.
• Potential for Boredom: Some may find the material repetitive or less engaging.
• Limited Applicability: The specific benefits may vary depending on your industry and job role.

What OSHA Training Course Should I Get?

Picking the right OSHA course will depend on a variety of factors, such as your specific job role, the industry you work or want to work in, and your responsibilities. Below is a guide to help you figure out which OSHA certification might be the best fit for you:  

• Select Your Industry: Do you mainly work on construction sites? If so, the OSHA 10 or 30-hour Construction courses might be the ones for you. If your role is more manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, or office environments, you might be better off with either the OSHA 10 or 30-hour General Industry courses. For specialized industries, such as those where someone works with hazardous waste, or on military and federally funded contracts or projects, you might be interested in a specialized certification like HAZWOPER or EM 385-1-1 training. These options, however, will not come with an official DOL card.   
• Think About Your Job Position: OSHA 10-hour courses provide foundational safety knowledge and are sufficient for entry-level workers or employees without supervisory responsibilities. On the other hand, OSHA 30-hour courses are more comprehensive and designed for those overseeing teams or implementing safety protocols.
• Verify With Your Employer or State: Double checking with your employer or state regulations might be the easiest way to verify which course you need to start working. Many companies require specific OSHA training in order to comply with state or federal regulations, and it’s important to purchase the right one.

Start Your Journey Today With OSHA.com

Now that you have a better sense of how many OSHA certifications exist and which one you might need for your role, it’s time to take the next step and enroll! OSHA.com has courses for every industry, including Construction, General Industry, DOT HAZMAT and Transportation Safety, MSHA, and more. Our programs are also 100% online and mobile-friendly, so you can learn when and where it’s convenient for you. Your progress is also saved automatically as you go, so you can log in and out as many times as needed. Head on over to our website to view our full catalog of courses today!