The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to train employees on various safety and health topics. The specific training requirements depend on the industry, hazards present in the workplace, and OSHA standards that apply. However, there are some general training requirements that apply across industries.
OSHA General Industry Training Requirements
For general industry workplaces, OSHA requires training on the following topics:
Hazard Communication
Employers must provide training to employees on the hazards of chemicals present in the workplace as part of their hazard communication program. The training must cover:
– An overview of the hazard communication standard and the employer’s written program
– The hazardous chemicals present in the workplace
– How to read and interpret labels and safety data sheets (SDS)
– Physical and health hazards associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals
– Measures employees can take to protect themselves from hazards, such as personal protective equipment
– Emergency and first aid procedures to follow if exposed to hazardous chemicals
Personal Protective Equipment
Employers must train each employee on proper use, care, and limitations of any required personal protective equipment (PPE). The training must cover:
– When PPE is required
– What PPE is required
– How to properly put on, take off, adjust, and wear PPE
– Limitations and useful life of the PPE
– Proper care, maintenance, and disposal of PPE
Emergency Action Plan
Employers must have an emergency action plan and provide training to employees on:
– Procedures for reporting emergencies
– Evacuation routes and procedures
– Critical plant operations that need to be shut down before evacuating
– Procedures to account for all employees after an evacuation
– Rescue and medical duties for any employees designated to assist in emergencies
Fire Prevention Plan
If the workplace has a fire prevention plan, employers must provide training on:
– The fire hazards present in the workplace
– Procedures to control ignition sources and control accumulation of flammable/combustible materials
– Housekeeping procedures for preventing fire hazards
– Proper response and evacuation in the event of a fire
Powered Industrial Trucks
Employees required to operate powered industrial trucks (e.g. forklifts) must receive training on:
– Operating instructions, controls, and safety devices
– Vehicle capacity and stability
– Vehicle inspection and maintenance
– Workplace-related driving hazards
– Rules for safe operation, load handling, and charging/refueling procedures
Construction Industry Training Requirements
For construction industry employers, OSHA requires training on these topics:
Fall Protection
Employers must provide training for each employee exposed to a fall hazard. The training must enable employees to recognize fall hazards and know how to minimize them. Topics include:
– Nature of fall hazards in the work area
– Procedures for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling fall protection systems
– Role of each employee in the safety monitoring system when used
– Correct procedures for handling, storage, and securing of tools and materials
– Applicable OSHA fall protection standards
Scaffold Safety
Employees involved in erecting, disassembling, or altering scaffolds must be trained on the following:
– Nature of scaffold hazards
– Correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, and inspecting scaffolds
– Design and structural characteristics of scaffolds being used
– Maximum intended load capacity and load handling procedures
– Any other pertinent requirements specified in OSHA’s scaffold standards
Excavations
Employees exposed to excavation hazards must be trained in:
– Hazard recognition and protective systems (e.g. sloping, shoring)
– Access and egress procedures
– How to recognize conditions that could result in a cave-in
– Required precautions when excavations are near underground installations or water
– Applicable OSHA excavation standards
Cranes
Employers must ensure that crane operators are trained on topics such as:
– Crane controls and operating characteristics
– Maximum hook and line speeds, capacities, and boom lengths
– Instructions on how to avoid power line contact
– Applicable OSHA crane standards
Those involved in erecting or dismantling cranes must also be trained on safe procedures for assembly/disassembly operations.
Aerial Lifts
Employees using aerial lifts must be trained on:
– Proper operating procedures for the specific type of vehicle
– Load limits
– Proper use of personal fall arrest systems
– Electrical hazards and minimum safe approach distances
– Fall protection procedures during elevated work
– How to properly lower and stow lifts when work is completed
Training Requirements for Other OSHA Standards
In addition to the general training requirements outlined above, OSHA has training requirements in many other standards covering specific hazards and industries. Some examples include:
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Employers must provide LOTO training to ensure employees can safely control hazardous energy when servicing equipment. The training must cover:
– Types of hazardous energy and common control methods
– Specific LOTO procedures used in the workplace
– Procedures for placement, removal, and transfer of lockout devices
– How to verify energy isolation before proceeding with servicing/maintenance of equipment
Bloodborne Pathogens
Employees with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (e.g. healthcare workers) must receive annual training on:
– Which tasks may involve exposure
– Methods to reduce exposure, including universal precautions
– Proper use and limitations of personal protective equipment
– Information on hepatitis B vaccine
– Procedures to follow after an exposure incident
Respiratory Protection
Employers must train employees on proper use and maintenance of respirators before they are required to use them. The training must cover:
– Respirator selection, capabilities, and limitations
– Donning and user seal (fit) checks
– Fit testing procedures
– Maintenance and storage procedures
– Medical signs/symptoms that may limit effective respirator use
Confined Spaces
Employers must provide training before any employee enters a confined space. The training must ensure employees can safely perform duties related to confined space entry. Key topics include:
– Hazards associated with confined spaces
– Use of air monitoring equipment
– Roles of entrants, attendants, supervisors, rescue personnel
– Emergency response procedures
– Use of ventilation equipment
– Training on any other equipment needed for safe entry (e.g. fall protection, PPE, lighting)
Hazardous Waste Operations (HAZWOPER)
Employees involved in hazardous waste cleanup, responses to hazardous material releases, or other operations covered by the HAZWOPER standard must receive in-depth initial and annual refresher training on relevant topics such as:
– Names of personnel responsible for site safety
– Safety, health, and other hazards present on site
– Proper use of PPE
– Safe work practices and emergency procedures
– Medical surveillance requirements
Best Practices for OSHA Training
To ensure OSHA training is effective, employers should follow these best practices:
Provide Training in a Language Employees Understand
Training must be provided in a manner and language that employees understand. Use interpreters if needed.
Repeat Periodically and Update Regularly
Don’t just do a one-time training. Periodically repeat training and update it as needed (e.g. when new equipment is installed).
Keep Detailed Training Records
Maintain detailed records showing the dates of training, topics covered, trainer names and qualifications, and names of workers trained.
Tailor Training to the Facility
Make sure training is facility-specific and covers hazards present in your workplace. Avoid generic off-the-shelf training.
Allow Opportunities for Questions
Training should include an opportunity for employees to get answers to any questions they may have.
Assess Employee Understanding
Evaluate how well employees comprehend the material, such as through hands-on demonstrations or testing. Retrain employees who need it.
Training Resources
Here are some resources employers can utilize when developing OSHA training programs:
– OSHA’s website contains training requirements for various standards and sample training materials.
– OSHA’s Outreach Training Program provides 10-hour and 30-hour courses on core OSHA topics.
– OSHA Education Centers offer classroom and online training courses.
– American National Standards Institute (ANSI) offers training materials on topics like confined space entry.
– National Safety Council provides training literature, online courses, and on-site instruction.
– Construction companies can check with groups like the Associated General Contractors of America for training.
– Unions and trade associations often provide training for workers in their industry.
– Equipment/product vendors and safety equipment manufacturers offer product-specific training.
– Insurance carriers may conduct on-site training as an added service for policyholders.
Conclusions
– OSHA requires employers to provide workplace-specific training on a variety of health and safety topics.
– Key training requirements apply to hazard communication, personal protective equipment, emergency action plans, and power industrial trucks.
– Construction employers must provide training on topics like scaffolding, fall protection, and excavations.
– Many other OSHA standards also contain specific training requirements.
– Employers should follow best practices for training such as tailoring it to their facility, assessing comprehension, and keeping detailed records.
– Numerous resources are available to help employers meet OSHA training requirements, including OSHA, unions, trade groups, and insurance carriers.