OSHA Arkansas Online Training

Since the 1970s, OSHA rules and regulations have drastically improved the safety of workers in the U.S. Before they were established, very few laws existed to protect worker safety. Now, OSHA standards reduce fatalities, injuries, and illnesses in every state, including Arkansas.

Health and safety regulations can be confusing, though. The guidelines vary from state to state. To help you make sense of the OSHA standards that matter in Arkansas, we'll go over OSHA's training recommendations, the best way to get OSHA training, and why it's important that every Arkansan complete this training—particularly for construction workers.

OSHA Training Requirements in Arkansas

Arkansas doesn't have a "state plan" like some of its neighbors—an occupational health and safety program of its own. Instead, Arkansan workers are under federal OSHA jurisdiction, which protects most in the private sector.

While OSHA requires training in certain topics, their Outreach courses are not mandatory. Instead, 10- and 30-Hour OSHA courses are only recommended as a general orientation to workplace safety. Some states have laws requiring OSHA Outreach, but Arkansas isn't one of them.

Even though the federal and state governments don't mandate these courses, some employers require workers to complete OSHA 10-Hour training and supervisors to complete OSHA 30-Hour training. Outreach courses do cover common safety topics required for the industry, so this is a way for employers to begin meeting their training obligations.

Arkansas' Right to Know Act

While OSHA has hazardous communication rules that apply in the private sector, Arkansas has its own law for state, county, and municipal employees. The Public Employees' Chemical Right to Know Act ensures that government employees get training and information about hazardous chemicals they might encounter on the job.

Benefits of OSHA Training for Workers in Arkansas

OSHA safety training is designed to increase employees' awareness of workplace hazards. In doing so, it prevents fatalities, injuries, and illnesses.

In addition to reducing the human cost, employers in Arkansas can reap financial benefits from providing OSHA training. They can:

• Avoid infractions of OSHA standards that lead to penalties on inspection
• Lower workers' compensation costs
• Increase productivity and the financial performance of the company

Below, we'll look at the numbers that bear those claims out. OSHA, the Department of Labor, and other agencies provide workforce safety statistics that illustrate the high cost of safety violations, from fatalities to fines.

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Fatal Occupational Injuries in Arkansas

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 75 fatal occupational injuries in Arkansas in 2022, out of a national total of 5,486.

Of Arkansas' fatalities:

• 26 were from transportation incidents
• 15 were from contact with objects and equipment
• 13 were from falls, slips, and trips
• 9 were from exposure to harmful substances or environments

The breakdown of fatalities by industry was:

• 19 in transportation and warehousing
• 14 in manufacturing
• 11 in construction
• 10 in government (3 state, 7 local)
• 8 in administrative and waste services
• 5 in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
• 3 in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

In addition to fatal occupational injuries, Arkansans suffered over 27,800 nonfatal injuries or illnesses on the job in 2022. In Arkansas's public sector, for every 100 full-time employees, there were 3.1 work-related illnesses and injuries recorded in 2022 as opposed to 3.3 in 2021.

2023 Top OSHA Enforcement Cases in Arkansas

As you can now see, Arkansas workers are at a high risk for injuries and accidents. However, employees aren’t the only ones that will benefit from life-saving safety training; without safety training, employers are at a much higher risk for OSHA inspection penalties.

OSHA lists the top enforcement cases by state on its website. To give you an idea of the hefty fines you risk for violations, here are the top cases for 2023.

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Federal OSHA Offices in Arkansas

Employers and workers in Arkansas have a local area office at their disposal to help with questions and concerns. It's located in Little Rock.

If you need to contact the local OSHA office, you can find their up-to-date contact information on OSHA’s website.

Additional Arkansas Resources for Safety Information

Access more safety resources by visiting these state agency and association websites:

Arkansas Department of Labor (AR DOL): The AR DOL provides workforce services to employers and workers. They handle unpaid wage claims, enforce child labor laws, and provide mediation, among other services.

Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS): The ADWS assists unemployed Arkansans by handling unemployment claims and providing workforce readiness training and job search assistance.

Arkansas Insurance Department (AR DOI): The AR DOI controls Arkansas' insurance industry, including workers' compensation. If you're injured on the job in Arkansas, this is where you go to file a claim.

Arkansas' Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (AR ASSP): The ASSP provides educational resources, standards development, and community to occupational safety and health professionals.

Enroll Now in Arkansas OSHA Training Courses

As you can see, OSHA training is crucial to the safety and well-being of Arkansans— be they workers, supervisors, or employers. Your next logical question: where's the best place to get your OSHA training?

We have more than 20 years of experience as an OSHA-authorized training provider. Our courses are entirely online, for your convenience. We offer Outreach courses, including OSHA 10-Hour Construction, OSHA 30-Hour Construction, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry, and OSHA 30-Hour General Industry.

We also offer a full suite of standard-specific courses for all your OSHA training needs.

Register for training today! Courses can be completed anywhere and anytime, at your own pace.