OSHA Online Centers are a convenient option for many. Let’s find out what they are and what they do.
OSHA was granted a budget of $519 million+ in 2022 to ensure safety regulations in workplaces. A lot of that amount went into usual OSHA affairs, such as 24 thousand+ inspections across the United States. However, it also went into better implementing workplace safety training regulations.
These safety training methods are usually synonymous with OSHA as being in-person/physical classes. However, the initiative of OSHA Online Centers has made it easier for full-time workers and employers to offer e-learning opportunities for workplace safety.
So, let’s find out what OSHA Online Centers are and how they affect occupational safety and health.
What are OSHA Online Centers?
OSHA Online Centers are dedicated online platforms that provide employee training for occupational safety and health. These platforms have become one of the primary educational resources for workers, supervisors, and employers who wish to get/provide the OSHA DOL card.
The purpose of these online centers is to cater to those who are either:
• Unable to attend physical/in-person classes;
• Don’t have an OSHA center nearby.
Thus, these online centers will cater to those who wish to earn the OSHA DOL (Department of Labor) card without having to attend classes physically. The two primary courses OSHA Online Centers provide are 10 and 30-hour safety training classes—but more later.
For now, it’s important to understand that these online centers are established to provide interactive learning through web-enabled platforms, i.e., mobile phones, tablets, PCs, laptops, etc.
This allows workers or supervisors to achieve this certification quite comprehensively. Or, the employer can provide this training to their full-time workers to be in compliance with OSHA’s regulations.
4 Things OSHA Online Centers Offer
Many aspects of OSHA Online Centers prove beneficial for both the workforce and the employers. However, it’s imperative to understand the basics and provisions offered by the OSHA Online Centers. So, let’s talk about the four main aspects offered by the OSHA Online Centers:
1. OSHA 30 and 10-Hour Safety Training
OSHA’s two main programs are 30 and 10-hour safety training. If you aren’t aware of them, then the 10-hour program is for workers, whereas the 30 hour is for workplace leaders/supervisors. OSHA states that the 10 Hour program covers the basics of general safety and health hazards.
Whereas the 30-hour program provides a bit more in-depth insides into occupational health and safety through a variety of course materials. Both the 10 and 30-hour courses include multimedia content and interactive learning.
These online centers provide these safety courses through an exclusive Learning Management System (LMS), which covers basic areas of:
• Understanding worksite hazards (30 hours)
• Conducting safe work practices (10 and 30-hour)
• Risk management of injuries and illnesses (10 and 30-hour)
• Regulatory compliance of a workplace (10 and 30-hour)
While some basics are taught to both the 10 and 30-hour groups, the more comprehensive matters are taught to supervisors, managers, and workplace leaders.
2. Catering The Big Four Groups
OSHA’s programs are designed to cater to the four main industries, which the organization itself refers to as the Big Four. These big four industries are more likely to face regulatory compliance based on their potential worksite hazards. The big four are:
• General Industry
• Construction
• Maritime
• Agriculture
The potential workplace hazards and perils of a worksite in these industries bring them under scrutiny. Thus, OSHA provides web-based tools so that these industries can provide basic safe work practices to their employees.
Or so that the companies in these four industries can regulate the necessity of occupational health and safety by compelling new applicants to take these courses before they can join/apply for work.
3. OSHA DOL Card
OSHA DOL cards are handed out to those who have completed the basic safety training. The DOL stands for Department of Labor since OSHA is regulatory support of the U.S. Department of Labor. The cards used to be provided to those who attended these safety classes in person.
However, since the establishment of OSHA Online Centers, these cards are provided to those who take complete online 10 or 30-hour certificates. Therefore, the online platforms act as resource centers for OSHA that help workers study, certify, and get DOL cards.
4. Printable Certificates
Lastly, the main aspect of these online classes is that they provide printable certificates. While you will get the verified DOL card in the mail, the provision of printable certificates makes it easier for a job applicant.
For instance, if a company requires OSHA 10/30 hour certification, then the candidate can take these classes, certify, and show these printable certificates as proof until the DOL card arrives.
3 Benefits of OSHA Online Centers
OSHA Online Centers have made life easier for many employers and employees. The online nature makes it easier to take classes and brings the courses to full-time workers. So, let’s talk about the three main advantages of OSHA Online Centers:
1. Train Workers & Supervisors
For an employer, these online programs are time and money savers. Instead of compromising on work hours, an employer can regulate these online classes for entry-level workers.
Besides that, they can also regulate the 30-hour courses for potential supervisors and leaders before they take up that position.
2. Ideal For Full-time Workers
A full-time worker cannot afford to go to scheduled classes or meetings. Therefore, the online nature of these courses makes them ideal for full-time workers. For instance, you only need to spend 1 hour every day to finish the OSHA 10-hour course in 10 days.
3. Convenient Online Nature
Employers and workers alike prefer OSHA Online Centers because of their online nature—as the name suggests. Taking a class from the comfort of your home without sacrificing work hours is perhaps the most beneficial aspect of these OSHA Online Centers.
Conclusion
These are some of the key aspects of OSHA Online Centers, including what they do and what they offer. The online centers are established to help employers establish better workplace safety while ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety rules. Therefore, it’s ideal for both sides, i.e., the workforce and employers.