The OSHA 10-Hour and OSHA 30-Hour courses educate workers and supervisors on workplace hazards, safety protocols, and their rights and responsibilities under the OSH Act. However, many individuals wonder whether OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certifications expire.
In this article, we will explore the expiration of OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 training, the importance of renewing these credentials, refresher training, and how to stay compliant with OSHA regulations.
OSHA and OTI
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) classes are essential for workplace safety and compliance with federal regulations. The OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers are a national network of non-profit organizations that OSHA authorizes to teach safety courses. They deliver occupational safety and health training for all levels of workers.
The OTI Centers certify trainers who have a combination of experience and education to teach the OSHA 10-Hour and OSHA 30-Hour courses. An OTI center authorizes trainers who teach these courses and ensure they meet specific criteria for any class they teach. The OTI Center will issue plastic training cards to each participant once participants complete classes through the authorized trainer.
What are the differences between OSHA 10 and OSHA 30-Hour Training?
Before diving into whether 10-Hour or 30-Hour training expires, it’s essential to understand what these courses entail.
OSHA 10-Hour Training
OSHA intends 10-hour training to be for field employees. It covers basic information about recognizing and preventing workplace hazards, including electrical safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), fall protection, and hazard communication. The course is a comprehensive introduction to safety and health regulations for either construction or general industry (which includes manufacturing, warehousing, and retail).
OSHA 30-Hour Training
OSHA 30-hour training is a more extensive program, typically intended for supervisors and those with safety-related responsibilities. This course goes into greater depth on various safety and health topics. It covers the same topics as the OSHA 10-Hour course but in more depth. It includes industrial hygiene, confined space entry, ergonomics, and safety leadership.
Do these OSHA certifications expire?
OSHA 10-Hour Training Expiration
OSHA 10-hour training certifications do not expire. Once participants have completed the course and received the training card from the Department of Labor Outreach Training Institute, it is considered valid for life. Participants can include OSHA 10 on their resumes and use it as proof of basic safety training throughout their careers.
However, it’s important to note that while the OSHA 10 certification does not expire, OSHA regulations and safety practices may change over time. We recommend that individuals consider periodic refresher courses, as well as training revisions, any time OSHA updates or introduces new regulatory standards. While there is no specific OSHA 10 refresher, supplemental training will help ensure workers are up-to-date on recent developments in workplace safety.
Staying up-to-date on safety regulations is crucial for industries that have a fast pace or experience the frequent introduction of new equipment and technologies, such as construction and manufacturing. Supplemental or refresher training courses can provide valuable information on new safety practices and tools to enhance workplace safety.
OSHA 30-Hour Training Expiration
Like OSHA 10-hour training, OSHA 30-hour training certifications do not expire. Once participants complete this comprehensive program, their training card remains valid for as long as they have it. In the event a training card is lost or stolen, workers cannot get it replaced beyond a period of 5 years without retaking the entire 30 hours of training.
However, like with OSHA 10, OSHA 30-hour training cards may not cover particular industry-specific training or equipment training that is needed to safetly perform a job. To ensure ongoing compliance with current safety standards, individuals who have completed OSHA 30-hour training may require additional training to understand the hazards they will encounter and should consider taking refresher courses regularly.
Why Consider Refresher Courses?
While OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certifications themselves do not expire, here are several important reasons to consider periodic refresher courses:
Evolving Regulations
OSHA standards and regulations may change over time in response to new research, technological advancements, or changes in workplace safety priorities. Staying informed about changes is crucial to maintaining a safe work environment and avoiding potential violations.
Advancements in Safety Practices
The field of occupational safety continually evolves, with new best practices and safety technologies emerging. Refresher courses can provide exposure to the latest safety innovations, enhancing your workers’ ability to protect themselves and their colleagues.
Company Requirements
Some companies may require their employees to complete refresher courses periodically, regardless of whether OSHA mandates them. Meeting these requirements can be essential to maintaining employment. In some cases, the company’s clients and customers may require specific training standards for their partners, and they become a driving force behind training requirements implemented by a company.
Career Advancement
Staying updated with refresher courses can bolster your employees’ qualifications and make them qualified candidates for higher-level positions in your organization.
Personal and Peer Safety
Even if an employee’s certification is valid, staying informed and practicing safe behaviors helps protect yourself and those around you. Regularly refreshing their knowledge can prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace.
Legal Liabilities
In a workplace accident or injury, outdated safety practices can have legal consequences. Demonstrating a commitment to ongoing training and staying current with safety regulations can be a valuable defense in legal matters.
In summary, OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 training certifications do not expire. Once participants have completed these courses and received their training card from the Outreach Training Institute, they are considered valid for life. However, the knowledge and skills acquired during these courses can become outdated as safety regulations and practices evolve. Therefore, retaking these courses every three to five years is recommended to ensure ongoing compliance with the latest safety standards and regulations, enhance workplace safety, and protect yourself and your colleagues.
By staying informed, proactive, and committed to safety, employees contribute to a safer work environment, reduce the risk of injuries, and build a foundation for a successful career in your organization’s industry.