OSHA Definitions: 100+ Workplace Safety Terms
To help you better understand the jargon and technical terms safety professionals use, we’ve put together this useful glossary. You’ll find common workplace and OSHA safety terms, along with a short definition of each one. Don’t forget to bookmark this page so that you can refer back to it. And feel free to share this glossary with anyone you think will benefit from it!
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
1926 Subpart C |
1926 Subpart C contains the basic elements and requirements of a general safety and health program, including first aid, fire protection, housekeeping at the site, illumination, sanitation, and personal protective equipment. Subpart C also includes the definitions of terms used in construction standards. |
29 CFR 1910.120(e)(3) |
This article states that workers who are frequently exposed to non-toxic materials (exposures are under permissible limits) need a minimum of 24 hours of HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) safety instruction off-site, and a minimum of one day on-site practical observation. |
| A | |
Accident Prevention Plan (APP) |
An Accident Prevention Plan (APP) instructs military employees how to respond in the case of common occupational hazards. It includes precautions that should be taken to reduce or eliminate these hazards. |
Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) |
An AHA is a technique used in military operations that analyzes common job hazards before they occur. Specifically, AHAs focus on the relationship between the employee, the task, the tools, and the work environment. The idea behind an Activity Hazard Analysis is that once all potential hazards are identified that they can be avoided and eliminated. |
Administrative Line of Authority |
The group of administrative authorities who are responsible for smooth mining operations. |
Air Monitoring |
Measuring airborne toxicants, like gases, vapors, dusts, or particles, to ensure worker safety. Improve your skills with our OSHA-aligned Clean Air Act Training course. |
Alternate Entry |
A method allowing confined-space entry without a full permit when only atmospheric hazards are controlled via ventilation. If conditions shift, a permit-required entry is mandatory. Learn more in our Confined Space Training Online course. |
Asbestos Exposure |
Contact with asbestos fibers, common in older buildings, can cause diseases like mesothelioma or lung cancer. Understand how to test and protect yourself in our Hazards of Asbestos in the Workplace course. |
Asphyxiation |
A life-threatening lack of oxygen, caused by toxic atmospheres or oxygen displacement, is often encountered in confined spaces. Learn how to identify and mitigate these risks with our Confined Spaces & Permit Required Confined Spaces (General Industry) online course. |
Atmospheric Monitoring |
Using evaluation and verification testing to confirm safe air conditions before confined-space entry. Prepare for OSHA standards in our Gas Detection Online Training course. |
| B | |
Bloodborne Pathogens |
Pathogens in blood, like hepatitis B/C or HIV, can be contracted via exposure to contaminated fluids. Protect yourself with our OSHA-aligned Bloodborne Pathogens Training course. |
| C | |
Chemical Exposure |
Contact with hazardous chemicals requires proper identification, labeling, and PPE protocols. Study best practices in our GHS & Hazardous Communication Training course. |
Chemical Hazards |
Workplace risks posed by chemicals, like toxicity, flammability, or reactivity, require thorough hazard communication. Master them in the same GHS & Hazardous Communication Training course mentioned above. |
Concrete & Masonry |
Construction materials with unique hazards in handling, formwork, and concrete placement. Ensure compliance through our Concrete & Masonry Safety Online Training course. |
Confined Space Atmospheric Hazards |
Air contaminants, such as dust, chemical vapors, fog, or mist, can displace oxygen or introduce toxic or flammable atmospheres in confined spaces. Gain a clear understanding of these hazards in our OSHA-aligned Confined Spaces & Permit Required Confined Spaces course. |
Confined Space Permit System |
A formal permitting process that is required when confined spaces present risks like hazardous atmospheres, engulfment, tapering walls, or unguarded machinery. Learn the full permitting procedure and compliance essentials in our Confined Space Entry Training for Construction course. |
Confined Spaces |
Spaces with restricted entry and exit that are not meant for continuous occupancy, posing dangers such as oxygen deficiency and toxic atmospheres. Get certified in identifying and working safely in these environments via our flagship Confined Space Training Online course. |
Conveyors |
Mechanical systems used to transport materials across job sites. Learn to inspect, use, and maintain conveyors safely in our Cranes and Rigging Safety Training (Construction) course, which covers safe operation around conveyors. |
Corrosives |
Substances such as strong acids and bases that can destroy living tissue or equipment on contact. Learn how to properly identify these substances with our RCRA Identifying Hazardous Wastes Training course. |
Cranes |
Heavy machinery using hoist ropes or chains to lift, lower, and horizontally move loads. Master crane safety, including rigging and signal protocols, in our Crane Operator Training course. |
| D | |
Decontamination |
The essential cleaning process to remove or neutralize contaminants from people or equipment, crucial at hazardous waste sites. Enhance your understanding with our OSHA-aligned Hazardous Substances & Industrial Hygiene course, which covers proper decontamination procedures. |
Derricks |
Stationary lifting devices similar to cranes, used to hoist heavy materials via fixed foundation setups. Learn safe operation and rigging practices as part of our Digger Derrick Online Training course. |
| E | |
Electrical Hazards |
Risks, such as arc flashes, thermal burns, or shock, arising from contact with energized equipment or conductors. Mitigate these dangers with our OSHA-aligned Electrical Safety Training Online, which addresses safe work practices and PPE. |
Electrocutions |
Fatal or serious injuries caused by electric shock. Learn prevention strategies and emergency response in our OSHA Electrical Safety (Construction) course. |
Elevators |
Temporary hoist systems commonly used on construction sites to move people and materials vertically. Understand inspection and safe operation protocols in our Elevators II course. |
EM 385-1-1 Manual |
The official US Army Corps of Engineers safety manual, requiring at least one SHSO to be certified per its protocols. Gain foundational knowledge through our HAZWOPER 24Hour + GHS Communication course, which supports site safety oversight. |
Emergency Action Plans |
Workplace procedures for emergencies like fires or evacuations. Build compliant EAPs in our OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Training course. |
Emergency Spill Response |
Response techniques—such as neutralization or chemical use—to contain and remove hazardous spills. Learn practical tactics to reduce these risks with our Spill Prevention and Release Reporting course. |
Entry Permits |
Mandatory permits confirming safe entry into confined spaces—ensuring atmospheric hazards are managed and only safe air is present. Our NYC SST: 1-Hour Confined Space Entry training course can help you learn permit protocols. |
Environmental Hazards |
Elements—chemical, physical, biological, or psychosocial—that threaten ecosystems or human health. Learn to identify and mitigate them in our Environmental Hazards (Real Estate) course. |
Ergonomics |
The science of optimizing work tasks and environments to boost efficiency and reduce injury risk. Train with our OSHA Ergonomics Safety course. |
Excavation |
The process of removing soil or rock to create trenches or foundations, posing collapse and trench safety hazards. Take our Excavation & Trenching Safety in Construction course. |
| F | |
Fall Protection |
Controls and systems—like harnesses, guardrails, or nets—to prevent or arrest falls from heights. Gain OSHA-aligned skills in our Fall Protection Training & Certification for Construction. |
Fire Prevention Plans |
Formal strategies and documentation outlining fire risks, alarms, extinguishers, and evacuation protocols. Develop these in our Fire Safety and Prevention Online Training. |
Fire Protection |
Equipment and systems—like alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers—installed to detect and suppress fires. Master fire protection basics in our Fire Safety and Prevention Online Training course mentioned above. |
First Aid/CPR |
Emergency medical procedures—first aid for minor injuries, and CPR for individuals whose breathing or heartbeat has stopped. Get OSHA-compliant certification in our CPR & First Aid Online Training, covering CPR, AED use, wound care, burns, choking, and more. |
Flammable & Combustible Liquids |
Liquids that ignite easily at room temperature, classified by their flashpoints. Learn how to safely handle and store these substances in our Hazardous Materials & Industrial Hygiene course. |
| G | |
GHS Hazard Communication Standards |
Provides easy-to-understand information on the safe handling of hazardous equipment. The Hazard Communication Standard is comprised of four main parts: Hazard Classification, Labels, Safety Data Sheets, and Training. Our GHS and Hazardous Communication Training and Hazard Communication (HazCom) Training courses helps you learn how to operate effectively and safely. |
| H | |
Hand and Power Tools |
Manual and powered tools that require proper use, PPE, guards, and safety switches to prevent common injuries. Learn safe tool use in our Hand & Power Tool Safety Training offering. |
Hazard Determination |
The evaluation process of identifying chemicals as physical or health hazards based on scientific data, critical to regulatory compliance. Train in hazard analysis methods in our HAZCOM Training course. |
Hazardous Waste Operations |
Cleanup operations at uncontrolled waste sites under OSHA and EPA regulations, involving planning, controls, and specialized PPE. Prepare for these tasks with our comprehensive HAZWOPER 24-Hour + GHS Communication course. |
HAZWOPER |
An OSHA standard (Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response) governing worker safety during hazardous waste cleanup and emergency response. Covered employees must complete 24 or 40-hour initial training plus annual refreshers. Start with our flagship online HAZWOPER Training course. |
Hoists |
Mechanical devices, manual, electric, or pneumatic, using ropes or chains to lift or lower loads. Learn safe hoist operation and inspection in the Overhead Crane Online Training course. |
| I | |
Industrial Hygiene |
The science of recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards that may cause illness or injury, such as chemicals, noise, and biological agents. Build a strong foundation in our Intro to Industrial Hygiene course. |
| J | |
| K | |
| L | |
Lead Exposure |
Occurs when individuals inhale or ingest excessive amounts of lead, commonly on construction sites involving older buildings or welding, which can cause lead poisoning, neurological and developmental issues, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, death. Understand protective measures and regulatory compliance in our OSHA-aligned Lead Safety in the Workplace (Construction) Online Training. |
Lockout/Tagout |
A safety procedure requiring energy-isolating devices to be locked and tagged during equipment servicing to prevent accidental energization. Master OSHA’s LOTO protocols in our comprehensive OSHA Lockout/Tagout (General Industry) Online Training. |
| M | |
Machine Guarding |
A safety feature that uses shields or devices to cover dangerous, moving parts of machinery, preventing hazards like flying sparks and wood chips from leaving the machine area. Machine guarding is essential for workplace safety and is mandated by OSHA standards. Learn how to safeguard equipment and machinery according to OSHA standards with our Machine Guarding Safety Training course. |
Medical Surveillance Program |
A structured system of ongoing medical checks designed to monitor employee health in workplaces with hazardous exposures, such as lead, asbestos, or hazardous chemicals. Medical surveillance ensures early detection of work-related illnesses, regulatory compliance, and proper recordkeeping. Our online HAZWOPER Training course helps you develop an actionable, effective program. |
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) |
A U.S. federal agency within the Department of Labor that enforces safety and health standards in mines to reduce accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases. MSHA develops regulations, conducts inspections, and provides training to promote safer mining operations. Deepen your knowledge through our helpful online courses, including MSHA Certification & Training Part 46. |
Mine Safety Rules |
The standards and regulations used to prevent injuries and deaths of mine workers in the United States. These regulations are mandated by the MSHA and include safety topics like personal protective equipment, permit-required confined spaces, and atmospheric conditions. Ensure compliance with regulations and enhance safety in mining operations with our MSHA Part 46 Training. |
Mining Equipment (Mobile and Stationary) |
A wide variety of equipment used in mining operations, some of which is stationary, while other equipment is mobile. Examples include backhoes, cone crushers, scrapers, and screw conveyors. Learn about the safety protocols and PPE for miners in our MSHA Surface Mining Personal Protective Equipment course. |
MSHA - CFR 30 |
This volume contains the rules and regulations issued by MSHA that cover safe mining operations. These guidelines include safety training procedures and mine rescue arrangements. These safety regulations are included in our MSHA Part 46 2-hour Surface Mining Refresher course. |
MSHA Part 46 |
This MSHA volume covers safety training that is specific to miners engaged in shell dredging, or those working in sand, gravel, surface stone, surface clay, and surface limestone mines. |
MSHA 5000-23 Form |
Used by mine operators to record their employees' Part 48 Training compliance, Form 5000-23 is also known as a Certificate of Training and is required by 30 CFR Part 48.9 and 48.39. Form 5000-23 should be readily available for viewing by MSHA, and each employee should get a copy of their certificate. |
| N | |
| O | |
OSHA |
Enhance workplace safety knowledge with our OSHA 10-Hour Training, designed to provide employees with essential safety awareness and compliance skills. |
OSHA Act |
Understand the fundamentals of workplace safety with our OSHA 30-Hour Training, a comprehensive program covering workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and core OSHA standards. |
OSHAcampus® |
Explore comprehensive training options at OSHAcampus®, offering a wide range of OSHA-authorized online Outreach training courses as well as safety and compliance courses that are in line with OSHA standards. |
OSHA Inspection Priorities |
Learn about OSHA inspection processes with our Compliance Safety Training, which explains OSHA’s priority system for inspections, including imminent danger situations, severe injuries, employee complaints, programmed inspections, and follow-ups. |
OSHA Inspection Processes |
OSHA’s priority system for inspections, including imminent danger situations, severe injuries, employee complaints, programmed inspections, and follow-ups. To learn about OSHA inspection processes, our Intro to OSHA Online Training course is a great place to start. |
Outreach Training Programs |
Voluntary OSHA courses taught by authorized trainers that teach workers to recognize, avoid, and prevent workplace hazards. Proudly recognized as an OSHA-authorized online outreach training provider, we offer many courses that help you better understand inspection procedures, documentation requirements, and compliance best practices. |
Overhead Protection |
Refers to protecting from falling objects, debris, and overhead hazards which are a danger to workers. Learn about overhead protection requirements with our Construction Safety Training, which addresses OSHA standards. |
Oxidizers |
Chemical substances that can oxidize other materials, often leading to combustion. Common oxidizers include oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and halogens. Understand how to properly stock oxidizers with our Chemical Storage Training. |
| P | |
Permissible Exposure Limits |
The legally enforceable ceiling for worker exposure to physical, chemical, or biological hazards, established to prevent health effects from excessive exposure. Learn how to apply these limits in real-world scenarios through our Hazardous Materials & Industrial Hygiene Training. |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) |
Clothing and gear such as helmets, goggles, gloves, and respirators, used to protect workers from hazards when other controls aren’t feasible. Build practical PPE knowledge and compliance strategies in our PPE Training Online. |
Pictograms |
Standardized visual symbols (on white backgrounds with red borders) used in GHS Hazard Communication to quickly indicate chemical hazards like flammability or toxicity. Master their use and interpretation in our online HAZWOPER 40-Hour Training + GHS Communication course. |
| Q | |
| R | |
Radiation |
Energy in the form of electromagnetic waves or subatomic particles. Some types are harmless, while others (like ionizing radiation) can damage cells and DNA. Learn to identify and control radiation hazards with our Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety Training (General Industry) course. |
Respiratory Equipment |
Master proper use and compliance requirements in our Respiratory Protection Training course, which provides OSHA-aligned instruction on respirator selection, fit testing, maintenance, and safe work practices. |
Rigging Equipment |
Tools and devices—such as wire rope slings, chains, and spreader beams—used to safely lift and move heavy loads. Enhance safety skills in our Basic Rigging I and advanced training options. |
Rollover Protective Structures |
Frames or cabs integrated into vehicles like tractors or earth-moving machinery to protect operators if the vehicle flips or rolls over. Understand regulatory requirements in our Bulldozer Safety Online Training course, which covers rollover protection. |
| S | |
Safety and Health Programs |
OSHA-recommended workplace systems that include management commitment, employee participation, hazard identification, prevention controls, and training. Strengthen your understanding with our Intro to Safety & Health Programs Training course. |
Sanitation at Temporary Workplaces |
OSHA requires accessible, clean sanitation facilities (e.g., potable water, private toilets) for all worksites, both permanent and temporary. Learn installation standards in our OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training Course. |
Scaffolding |
Temporary structures of metal poles and planks used to safely access elevated work areas. Train to meet OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L requirements via our Scaffolding Online Training course. |
Silica Exposure |
Inhaling silica dust generated by cutting, grinding, or drilling can cause serious lung diseases, including silicosis and cancer. Protect yourself with our Respirable Crystalline Silica Safety Awareness Training (Construction) course. |
Site Characterization |
An assessment of geologic, hydrologic, and engineering conditions at a work site—covering soil, groundwater, tunnels—to support safe design and project planning. Learn environmental site evaluation in our HAZWOPER 8-Hour Refresher Course. |
Site Safety Health Official (SSHO) |
A designated safety professional responsible for inspections, audits, and compliance oversight on construction and general industry sites—especially under EM 38511. Advance your SSHO training with the Site Safety and Health Officer Training course. |
Solvents |
Liquids or gases like acetone, ethanol, toluene, or chloroform that dissolve substances and may pose inhalation, fire, or environmental hazards. Learn safe storage, labeling, and use in the Hazardous Substances and Industrial Hygiene course. |
Stairways & Ladders |
Stairways provide fixed, gradual access between levels, while ladders offer portable or fixed rung-based access to elevated areas. Both are essential for safe vertical movement in workplaces. Gain practical knowledge with the Ladder & Stairway Safety Training course, which covers OSHA requirements for safe use in construction environments. |
Statutory Miners Rights |
Rights guaranteed under the 1977 Mine Act, including filing safety complaints, refusing unsafe work, and leaving the mine if lacking proper training. Explore miner protections through customized Mining Compliance Training. |
Subpart AA of 29 CFR 1926 |
OSHA regulations covering confined-space hazards in construction not addressed by Subpart P (Excavations). This standard requires specialized training to protect workers in permit-required confined spaces. Get compliant with the Confined Space Entry Training for Construction course listed above, which directly aligns with Subpart AA requirements. |
| T | |
Toxicology |
The scientific study of harmful effects of chemical exposure on humans, including diagnosis, dose-response, and treatment protocols. Build foundational knowledge in our Hazardous Materials & Industrial Hygiene course mentioned above, which covers toxicological principles. |
| U | |
U.S Army Corps of Engineers Contractor Safety and Health Requirements (USACE) |
Safety and health protocols mandated for contractors working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, covering everything from PPE to site management. Prepare for compliance via our 40-Hour EM 385-1-1 Training course. |
| V | |
Ventilation |
The controlled introduction of fresh air and removal of contaminated air, a critical safety measure to prevent hazardous atmospheres in confined spaces and mining. Learn techniques and standards in our Hot Work Training Online course, which emphasizes proper ventilation for welding, cutting, and brazing. |
| W | |
Welding & Cutting |
Processes that join or sever metals using heat, often generating sparks, fumes, and combustion hazards. Master safety essentials, including PPE, ventilation, and hazard controls, in our OSHA Welding & Cutting Safety Training course. |
| X | |
| Y | |
| Z | |
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