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Navigating Safety Training: Is OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Right for You?

Written by Staff Writer | Edited by Michael Purser

Workers in hardhats and safety glasses

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets and enforces standards to ensure that workers enjoy safe and healthy workplaces. By law, employers must maintain such an environment.

While it seems like these rules have been in place forever, they were only created when the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) was signed into law in December of 1970, giving the government the authority to create and manage such workplace rules.

Specific occupational safety standards will vary depending on industry and job function, but many employers — and many jobs — require formal education.

The best-known safety programs, OSHA 10 and OSHA 30, teach skills that apply to almost any jobsite. They help workers avoid accidents and injuries and help managers and supervisors create safer workplace environments.

OSHA Outreach Training Program

The Outreach Training Program is a voluntary educational system backed by OSHA and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). It was created to promote safe work environments and educate workers about hazards on the job and their rights.

Completing either curriculum is not required at the federal level. However some states, local jurisdictions or employers may require workers to hold a current card as a condition of employment. Check with your employer or local government for more information about your situation.

Completing one of these programs awards an official card from the DOL but is not a certification. In fact, there is no such thing as “OSHA certified” — although you’ll see it mentioned that way in job ads or called that by some employers. You can complete the coursework you need and earn your 10-hour or 30-hour card, either in person or online, from any OSHA-authorized education provider.

Differences Between OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 Training Courses

OSHA and the DOL offer two essential workplace safety training programs through this Outreach Training system: OSHA 10 and OSHA 30. Each is tailored to meet different professional needs and levels of responsibility.

Understanding the differences between OSHA 10 vs. 30 helps ensure that employees receive the right level of safety training for their roles. While both programs emphasize key safety principles — such as compliance, hazard recognition and workers' rights — the depth and focus of the content vary significantly.

Let’s explore what each course covers and how these programs uniquely contribute to safer, more compliant workplaces.

OSHA 10-Hour Training

The OSHA 10 training education program teaches basic information about keeping workplaces safe and healthy. Designed for entry-level workers in construction and general industry, this course explains workplace hazards, worker rights, employer responsibilities and how to file complaints.

OSHA 10-Hour Construction training is tailored for entry-level construction workers and laborers, introducing essential safety practices specific to high-risk construction environments. It covers key topics such as fall protection, ladder and scaffold safety, electrical hazards and the safe use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

OSHA 10 for construction is especially beneficial for those working in:

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training provides fundamental safety education across a variety of non-construction industries, helping workers understand and mitigate risks associated with enclosed or factory-like environments. It is beneficial for:

  • Health care professionals
  • Factory workers
  • Warehouse staff
  • Manufacturing employees

Whether they work in construction or general industry, this level of education is best for individual professionals who do not have supervisory responsibility or managerial duties. The lessons help workers understand potential hazards in the workplace and how to avoid them.

OSHA 30-Hour Training

By comparison, the 30-hour course is a deeper, more comprehensive curriculum that prepares supervisors and managers to avoid workplace health risks and maintain a healthier workplace for their employees. Coursework includes general worksite accident prevention, avoiding common hazards, employer responsibilities and the rights of workers.

There are different educational programs whether you work in construction or general industry. Courses are designed for:

  • Site managers
  • Supervisors
  • Foremen
  • Safety officers

These professionals need more in-depth education, as they are responsible not only for themselves but everyone in the workplace. They must understand how to identify and mitigate hazards that could cause problems.

Leaders play a critical role in creating culture. By educating themselves on best practices and legal requirements, managers and supervisors can ensure wider compliance with industry standards and governmental regulations among their teams.

This deeper exploration also covers responses to a workplace incident. Managers are typically responsible for responding to and reporting incidents. This may include conducting investigations, determining causes and taking corrective actions.

In addition, supervisors may be called upon to coordinate emergency response. They may also be responsible for helping new workers stay safe and reinforcing the proper use of protective equipment.

Which Educational Program Is Right for You?

When considering which program aligns best with your career goals, it is crucial to weigh the options carefully. Here is a handy reference guide to help you make an informed decision.

Ten-hour course Thirty-hour course
Job Role Entry-level workers Supervisors and managers
Duration Ten hours Thirty hours
Content Basic hazard awareness and compliance In-depth safety management and eliminating workplace risks
Benefits Meets basic safety compliance requirements Provide comprehensive knowledge for leadership roles

Which variant you choose depends on whether you plan to work in construction or another industry. The distinction is based on different standards within the Code of Federal Regulation. General industry regulations are covered in 29 CFR 1910 while construction standards are addressed under 29 CFR 1926.

Construction typically includes construction work, alteration or repairs such as painting or decorating. General industry generally covers jobs not related to construction, agriculture or maritime such as healthcare, warehousing, distribution, retail and manufacturing. If you’re not sure which applies to you, ask your employer.

Benefits and Requirements of OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 Certification

A DOL-issued Outreach Training card can be a big benefit for workers in almost any field. Here are a few of them:

Access to More Jobs

Some jobs require OSHA Outreach Training as a condition of employment. So, unless you have completed education on working in a safe environment, you may not qualify for some jobs. Even if not required, employers often prefer candidates with training. A current card can improve your chances of getting hired or promoted.

Improved Workplace Environment

The National Safety Council tracks preventable workplace deaths and injuries, among other statistics.

You can help create a safer work environment for yourself and your colleagues and reduce those numbers with quality education. Knowledge can significantly reduce the possibility of workplace accidents and injuries.

Compliance with Regulations

Many industries require employees to have specific education on safe workplaces to meet regulatory standards. As an employee, failure to comply with workplace rules can result in termination. As an employer, negligence or willful violations can result in steep fines.

Requirements

The 10 and 30 refer to the number of hours of education you need to complete as part of the curriculum. Most courses will also include a final exam to evaluate your understanding of the material.

When you complete the course, you will get a Certificate of Completion from the trainer which you can put on your resume or show to potential employers. Keep in mind that the certificate isn’t a certification. However, you will receive an official card from the DOL demonstrating your mastery. The card is recognized nationwide, as it has the backing of a major federal institution.

Other Courses to Keep You Safe

Depending on your specific job and industry, you may also benefit from other education to protect yourself and your colleagues and create a safer workplace.

For example, courses are available for those working in healthcare such as:

Construction environments are full of dangers, builders can benefit from:

  • Fall prevention to help minimize one of the industry’s top construction hazards
  • Hazard communication, including education about the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
  • HAZWOPER for working with hazardous materials and mitigating HAZMAT exposure

Workers that operate specific machinery will also benefit from education on:

If you work around electricity, you may also benefit from learning about:

No matter which industry you’re in, expanding your knowledge through ongoing safety education is key to fostering a secure and efficient workplace. You can take specialized courses tailored to your specific job in addition to foundational training like OSHA 10 or 30. Doing so ensures that you’re prepared for the unique hazards you might encounter.

By staying proactive and continually learning, you can help reduce risks, protect your coworkers and contribute to a workplace culture that prioritizes safety above all else.

Get Started and Building Your Career

While you can choose in-person courses, many workers find online education easier to complete than in a classroom setting. You can get your work done on your schedule without having to travel or attend an in-person meeting.

Online courses also allow you to control your schedule and your pace, getting through familiar topics quickly and spending more time on challenging or unfamiliar subjects.

OSHA Education Center provides OSHA-authorized online courses for 10-hour and 30-hour education in conjunction with the University of South Florida.

Our courses are 100% online, available 24/7 and allow you to study wherever and whenever it’s convenient for you. Learn in an interactive format with audio narration and real-life case studies.

Get started today with online training to boost your career.