How Many OSHA Certifications Are There?

Getting your Department of Labor card (DOL) card can lead to great job opportunities, a better sense of workplace safety, and increased earning potential. It’s proof that you’ve successfully completed an OSHA 10 or 30-hour safety training course. But the 10 and 30 options aren’t the only ones that exist. In fact, there are different industries and specializations to choose from. In this blog, we’ll go over the types of OSHA certifications that exist and which one is right for you.

What Is OSHA?

OSHA, which stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is a federal agency within the United States Department of Labor. Established in 1970 by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, OSHA's primary mission is to safeguard employee well-being by establishing and enforcing workplace safety and health regulations, providing training and education, and offering assistance and outreach.

Key functions of OSHA include developing and enforcing workplace safety standards, conducting inspections to ensure compliance, and issuing citations and penalties for violations. OSHA also provides valuable resources and training programs, such as the OSHA Outreach Training Program, to educate both workers and employers on workplace safety best practices.

What Does It Mean To Be OSHA Certified?

There is technically no such thing as an official "OSHA certification" or being "OSHA certified." OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) does not issue certifications or designate individuals as "certified." Instead, OSHA authorizes training programs that provide completion cards or certificates indicating that a person has successfully completed a specific OSHA Outreach Training course or other OSHA-compliant training.

Here’s what this means:

1. OSHA Outreach Training Programs: Courses like the OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour are part of the OSHA Outreach Training Program. Upon completing these courses through an OSHA-authorized provider, participants receive a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) wallet card. While this card is widely recognized, it is not considered an "OSHA certification" but rather proof of course completion.
2. Specialized OSHA-Required Training: OSHA mandates specific training for certain industries or job roles, such as HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) or confined space entry. These trainings fulfill OSHA requirements but are conducted by third-party providers and not directly certified by OSHA.
3. The Misconception of "OSHA Certified": The term "OSHA certified" is commonly used but not officially recognized. It is often used informally to describe individuals who have completed OSHA-authorized or OSHA-compliant training, but OSHA itself does not issue certifications.

So while you cannot officially be "OSHA certified," completing OSHA-authorized training is a valuable step toward ensuring workplace safety and compliance. Always choose reputable, OSHA-authorized training providers to ensure the validity of your training.

What Are OSHA Certifications?

OSHA certifications refer to formal training programs and credentials designed to educate workers, supervisors, and employers about workplace safety and health standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These certifications are typically earned by completing OSHA-authorized courses that cover specific safety topics relevant to various industries.

Common OSHA Certifications:

1. OSHA 10-Hour Training
   • Purpose: Provides entry-level workers with general awareness of workplace safety and health hazards.
   • Industries Covered:
     • General Industry: Manufacturing, healthcare, warehousing, etc.
     • Construction Industry: Safety for construction sites, tools, and equipment.
2. OSHA 30-Hour Training
   • Purpose: Designed for supervisors, managers, and workers with greater safety responsibilities.
   • Industries Covered:
     • General Industry
     • Construction Industry
3. Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Certification
   • Purpose: For workers dealing with hazardous waste cleanup, emergency response, and disposal.
   • Duration:
     • 24-hour course (for occasional site visitors).
     • 40-hour course (for workers with direct hazardous material exposure).
   • Includes annual 8-hour refresher training.
4. OSHA Fall Protection Certification
   • Purpose: Focused on fall hazards and prevention measures for workers in construction and other industries.
   • Key Topics: Ladder safety, scaffolding, and personal fall arrest systems.
5. Forklift Operator Training (Powered Industrial Trucks)
   • Purpose: OSHA requires certification for forklift operators to ensure safe operation and hazard prevention.
   • Key Components: Classroom instruction, hands-on training, and an evaluation.
6. Confined Space Entry Certification
   • Purpose: For workers who enter confined spaces with potential hazards like low oxygen or toxic gases.
   • Key Components: Identifying hazards, proper use of safety equipment, and rescue procedures.

What Are the Benefits of OSHA Certifications?

OSHA certification offers numerous benefits for both employees and employers, fostering safer and more productive workplaces. Here are some key advantages:

• Improved Workplace Safety: OSHA certification equips workers and supervisors with the knowledge to identify and mitigate workplace hazards, reducing the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. This training promotes a culture of safety and ensures compliance with OSHA standards, which are designed to protect employees across various industries.
• Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements: For many industries, OSHA training is a legal requirement. Certification helps businesses stay compliant with federal and state safety regulations, avoiding potential fines, legal issues, and shutdowns. Employees gain confidence knowing their workplace adheres to strict safety standards.
• Reduced Workplace Costs: By preventing accidents and injuries, OSHA training lowers costs associated with workers' compensation claims, medical expenses, and lost productivity. A safer workplace also means fewer disruptions to operations, contributing to long-term cost savings.
• Enhanced Employee Confidence and Morale: Workers who complete OSHA training feel more confident in their ability to perform tasks safely. This confidence translates to higher morale, increased job satisfaction, and a greater sense of responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment.
• Increased Career Opportunities: OSHA certification enhances an individual’s resume and professional profile, making them more attractive to employers. For supervisors and managers, advanced training, such as the OSHA 30-hour certification, can open doors to higher-level positions and greater responsibility.

Which OSHA Certification Do I Need?

Selecting the right OSHA certification depends on an individual's job role, industry, and workplace responsibilities. Here’s a guide to help determine the appropriate OSHA certification:

• Assess Your Industry: If you work on construction sites, OSHA 10 or 30-hour Construction courses are ideal. For manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, and office environments, OSHA 10 or 30-hour General Industry courses are better suited. If your job involves shipyards, ports, or maritime facilities, OSHA Maritime courses (10 or 30 hours) are specifically designed for your field. For roles involving hazardous waste, confined spaces, or fall hazards, specialized certifications like HAZWOPER or Fall Protection are necessary.
• Consider Your Job Role: 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.
• Check Employer or State Requirements: The best way to figure out which course you need is to simply ask. Because many employers require OSHA certifications to comply with federal or state regulations, it’s best to verify with them about which certifications are needed for your role. Some states might also require a specific type of training, so be sure to research which certification is right for you.

Get Started With OSHAcampus

Understanding the various OSHA certifications is the first step toward creating a safer, more compliant workplace. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, advance your career, or ensure your team meets regulatory standards, our online OSHA courses are designed to help you succeed. With flexible learning options, expert guidance, and official certification upon completion, there’s no better time to invest in safety training. Explore our OSHA courses today and take the next step in building a safer and more productive future for yourself and your organization!