Department of Labor Card: What is a OSHA DOL Card?
You have probably heard of DOL cards, even if the name does not sound familiar. Often called OSHA cards or Completion cards, DOL cards are the official issue of the United States Department of Labor to those who have completed an authorized OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Outreach Training Program. In this article, we will discuss what DOL cards are, if you need one, and how they benefit you as a worker.
What is a DOL Card?
DOL cards are wallet-sized certificates obtained by completing an OSHA 10 or 30-hour Outreach Training Program. OSHA Outreach Training, though initially voluntary, is now mandatory in several states for construction and general industry professionals. Also, many employers now require OSHA Outreach for construction and general industry workers.
Do I Need an OSHA Card?
DOL cards do not certify employees for work but rather prove they have taken a course on workplace hazards and safety measures to prevent injury and death. Employers decide if a DOL card is necessary, and entry-level employees are typically required to take an OSHA 10 Construction course due to the high risk of hazards in the construction industry. Other workplaces with serious hazards, like factories, may require an OSHA 10 General Industry course.
If you need to take OSHA training as a job requirement, there's a strong likelihood that you'll be required to carry your DOL card while on the job site. In 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor gave the card a big facelift, making it much more durable and secure. In fact, 360training.com was the first online training provider to offer the new card to students! Here's what you need to know if you're looking to get your DOL wallet card soon.
How Can I Get My DOL Card?
DOL cards are obtained by successfully completing an OSHA 10 or 30-hour course. Students typically have the choice of OSHA 10 or 30-hour training programs. The training they ultimately decide will depend on their role, employer requirements, and future goals. Generally, the training is broken down as follows:
- 10-hour course for entry-level employees
- 30-hour course for managers
We provide both OSHA 10 and OSHA 30-hour training for both construction and general industry at 360training.com. These classes are OSHA-compliant and cover all the same content as an Outreach Program training.
In order to get an official OSHA card, you must first:
- Enroll in an OSHA Outreach course.
- Finish your training online or in person.
- Pass the final examination.
When you pass the online Outreach training evaluation, you will immediately get your certificate of completion. Your official OSHA card, however, will be delivered to you within two to three weeks.
While the Outreach Training Program targets workers, participants aren't required to complete training to be employed. With the benefit of online courses, students can take their Outreach Training online at their own pace and in their preferred environment.
When Do DOL Cards Expire?
OSHA cards never expire. However, there are several circumstances in which you would need to retake the OSHA 10 or 30 course. Refresher training may be required by your employer every 1-3 years. In addition, if you lose your card, you must retake the course unless you replace it within five years of the date you first completed it.
How Does an Official DOL/OSHA Card Look?
Usually, OSHA DOL cards are made of card stock. In February 2016, the DOL transitioned from card stock completion cards to stronger, durable plastic cards. This is because employers require workers to carry them on the job, and paper cards are more susceptible to tearing, loss, and being left behind. The new plastic cards resemble credit cards in appearance and feel.
The cards still feature a white background with a colored stripe indicating the program's industry and course length. The following information is printed on OSHA cards:
- Student name
- Course name
- Trainer name
- Issue date
- Unique card number
- Name of OTI Education Center that provided the card
Each card also features a QR (Quick Response) code on the reverse side. The QR code will enable employers and managers to verify employee course completion and authenticate the card's owner. It can be scanned with a smartphone and provides a link to the OSHA OTI Education Center for the employee. This could reduce fraudulent incidents, which have forced OSHA to upgrade to a more secure card.
Get Your DOL Card Today
There is a good chance that you will be required to get a DOL card if your employer requires you to complete OSHA training. A big benefit of 360training.com is the benefit of taking OSHA 10 and 30 courses online. Online courses are cost-effective and self-paced. At 360training.com, we offer OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 courses online for construction and general industry. Check out our catalog and get your DOL card today!
