OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHAlogoOSHA which stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was created by the US Congress with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

OSHA aims to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) was passed to prevent workers from being killed or seriously harmed at work. This law created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards.

It also provides information, training, and assistance to employers and workers. Under the OSH Act, employers have the responsibility to provide a safe workplace.

OSHA offers a wide selection of training courses and educational programs to help broaden worker and employer knowledge on the recognition, avoidance, and prevention of safety and health hazards in their workplaces. OSHA also offers training and educational materials that help businesses train their workers and comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Through the Outreach Training Program, OSHA offers occupational safety and health classes designed for workers and employers.

The following are the OSHA Training for workers:

  • Construction 10- and 30-hour classes
  • General Industry 10- and 30-hour classes
  • Maritime 10- and 30-hour classes
  • Disaster Site Worker classes

Those who would like to practice a profession in Occupational Safety and Health may attend the trainings to comply for their job requirements or simply to broaden their knowledge in HSE. A certification will be awarded to those who will attend the training and to those who will pass the assessment and examinations.

An ordinary worker in engineering and construction industry is encouraged to attend the 10-hour construction classes. If he aspires to become a safety officer, a 30-hour Occupational Safety and Health Training Course in Construction Safety and Health would be good starting point for his career in health and safety.