OSHA Rhode Island Online Training
Before the establishment of OSHA, there were only a few government rules that protected workers in Rhode Island from common workplace hazards. Luckily, with the formation of OSHA, there are now plenty of regulations in place to keep U.S workers safe from all job sites hazards – especially those in construction.
Although these regulations are essential in protecting workers from injuries and fatalities, all the regulations can be confusing, especially when each state has different guidelines. To improve your understanding of Rhode Island OSHA standards, below we’ll review OSHA training recommendations, how you can get your OSHA Rhode Island training, and why training is so important for workers in Rhode Island.
OSHA Rhode Island Training Requirements
Unlike other states, Rhode Island has no occupational health and safety regulatory program of its own (often called a "state plan"). Instead, Rhode Islanders fall under federal OSHA control.
OSHA mandates training on certain topics. In Rhode Island, OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour "Outreach" courses are not required by federal OR state regulation, but OSHA does recommend Outreach training as a general orientation to safety. Outreach courses also typically cover common required topics for their industry.
Even when Outreach training isn't required by law, many Rhode Island employers will require it as part of their safety training obligations. OSHA 10-hour courses are designed for entry-level workers, and OSHA 30-hour courses are designed for supervisors.
Rhode Island Public Property and Works Safety Awareness Programs
There is one exception to Outreach being voluntary in Rhode Island. Any construction worker on a state or municipal project needs OSHA 10-hour Construction Training, if the project has a total cost of $100,000 or more (RI General Law § 37-23).
Learn More About OSHA 10-Hour and 30-Hour Courses for Rhode Islanders
We offer OSHA 10-Hour Construction, OSHA 30-Hour Construction, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry, and OSHA 30-Hour General Industry to meet your OSHA training needs.
Not sure where to start? Read our guide.
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Rhode Island Hazardous Substance Right to Know (RtK) Act
While OSHA's hazardous communication standards apply in Rhode Island, the state also has a similar law: The Rhode Island Hazardous Substance Right to Know (RtK) Act (RI GL §28-21). It requires registration and an employee training program for any private or public employer that uses, stores, or transports certain hazardous substances.
Benefits of OSHA Rhode Island Training for Workers in Rhode Island
OSHA’s goal with their regulations and training is to help increase employee awareness and understanding of workplace hazards so they’re better equipped to prevent injuries and fatalities. When Rhode Island employers choose to invest in OSHA training programs, they’ll be well on their way to avoiding OSHA inspection penalties, lowering workers’ compensation payouts, and increasing worker productivity. To top if off, with a safer workplace, employers can expect better financial performance.
If you’re not yet convinced that OSHA training will keep your workplace safe, look at the below statistics from OSHA, the Department of Labor, and other Rhode Island agencies.
Fatal Occupational Injuries in Rhode Island
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 8 fatal occupational injuries in Rhode Island in 2017, compared to 5,147 that occurred nationally.
Of the 8 fatalities, 4 were in trade, transportation, and utilities.
2018-2019 Top OSHA Enforcement Cases in Rhode Island
Besides preventing injuries and fatalities, Rhode Island businesses can use OSHA training to reduce their risk of penalties from OSHA.
Currently, OSHA lists the top enforcement cases by state on its website, but here are the top cases for 2018-2019
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| State | Inspection Number | Employer | City | Issuance Date | Initial Penalty |
| RI | 1390187.015 | Target Corporation | WARWICK | 05/14/2019 | $64,599.00 |
| RI | 1355285.015 | Metric Construction Corporation | PAWTUCKET | 04/15/2019 | $64,974.00 |
| RI | 1346378.015 | Richard Mayo | WESTERLY | 09/25/2018 | $52,438.00 |
| RI | 1335471.015 | Alliance Paper Company, Inc. | PAWTUCKET | 08/30/2018 | $47,157.00 |
| RI | 1270859.015 | RBC Industries, Inc. | WARWICK | 02/27/2018 | $81,486.00 |
Federal OSHA Offices in Rhode Island
OSHA maintains a local area office in Providence to serve the needs of Rhode Island employers and workers under their jurisdiction.
You can find the contact information for OSHA's Providence office on OSHA's website.
Additional Rhode Island Resources for Safety Information
You can find additional information on occupational health and safety in Rhode Island at the following state agency and association websites. These are particularly valuable resources for small to medium-sized businesses struggling with compliance.
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT): The DLT organizes unemployment insurance, workforce development, and labor market information. They enforce the RTK law and monitor the workers' compensation system, which is a critical part of occupational safety and health.
Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH) OSHA Consultation Program: DOH's consultation program provides small to medium-sized private businesses with assistance in complying with OSHA regulations. They arrange safety and health presentations and on-site consultations with experienced occupational hazard consultants. They also recognize businesses with exceptional work safety practices through the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).
Safety Association of Rhode Island (SARI): SARI is a professional association for safety, health, and environmental professions in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. They exchange information and ideas to tackle safety challenges.
Rhode Island Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (RICOSH): RICOSH is a non-profit resource center for preventing occupational and environmental disease and injury. They're involved in safety training, technical assistance, and advocacy.
Enroll Now in Rhode Island OSHA Training Courses
Now that you have a better understanding of the importance of OSHA Rhode Island training for the safety and well-being of workers, supervisors, and employers in Rhode Island, the next step is to determine which OSHA training course you need.
Look no further for your OSHA training needs! We have over 20 years of experience as an OSHA-authorized training provider, and we offer OSHA 10-Hour Construction, OSHA 30-Hour Construction, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry, and OSHA 30-Hour General Industry to satisfy your OSHA training needs.
When you select one of our courses for your training needs, you can register for training today and complete your online training at your own pace.
