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Did you know that the “fatal four” are the leading causes of death in the construction industry? These refer to accidents in the form of electrocutions, falls, being caught in between materials, and being struck by an object.
Construction workers are prone to work-related injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 200,000 injuries among construction workers are reported every year.
The high rate of injuries in the construction industry is partially due to poor hazard recognition. For this reason, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates basic safety and health information training for entry-level workers in construction and the general industry.
This blog discusses the steps to obtain your OSHA 10-hour construction certification.
Steps to earn your OSHA 10-hour construction certification
The effect of safety training since the inception of OSHA is undeniable, as is evident in the significant decrease in work-related injuries. To obtain your OSHA 10-hour construction certification, you must complete a 10-hour training program to educate yourself on basic safety and health hazards at construction sites.
Follow these steps to obtain your OSHA certification:
1. Find an authorized training provider:
Research the available authorized OSHA training provider near you. Make sure the provider you choose is reputable and recognized. Also, compare the different training providers. You can do this by checking their course content, cost, training format, and reviews from former participants.
2. Register for the course:
Once you find a reputable OSHA training provider, select the OSHA 10-hour construction course. Register for the class by signing up on the provider’s website. Signing up may require creating an online account and filling out basic information.
After you complete signing up, pay the course fees. Remember that the fees you pay for the course might differ depending on your training provider and the training format you choose. Check to see if your employer covers the cost of training.
3. Prepare for and complete the training:
Review the training material thoroughly. Some providers offer learning material before the session begins. If you choose an online class, prepare your workspace by installing necessary software or updates on your computer, having a stable internet connection, and ensuring your learning environment is free from distractions.
Complete your training by attending all the scheduled sessions. If you choose in-person classes, observe punctuality. For online sessions, log in promptly and complete all learning modules as provided. You can do this by taking notes, asking questions, and participating in discussions. Also, engage with the interactive elements, such as exercises and quizzes.
4. Pass the examination:
Review your course materials and notes before taking the examination. Focus on the main topics and pay more attention to the areas where you feel less confident.
To prepare for the examination, take practice tests. Some training providers offer practice exams to give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the exam format. Utilizing this helps you identify the areas you need to improve. Once you are confident, sit for the examination. Make sure you understand the examination format and manage your exam time effectively.
5. Receive your certification:
After passing your examination, you will get a temporary certificate of training completion. Within a few weeks, you will receive the OSHA card or the official OSHA 10-hour construction completion card.
6. Maintain your certification:
While the OSHA 10-hour construction certification does not expire federally, some employers and states may require you to undergo periodic retraining. It ensures you remain updated on any new safety regulations or changes in your area of work.
Benefits of the OSHA 10-hour construction certification
OSHA plays a crucial role in ensuring workplaces uphold health and safety standards. Some of the benefits of the OSHA 10-hour construction certification include:
1. Enhanced safety awareness:
The OSHA training ensures that employees have a comprehensive understanding of hazards likely to happen at the workplace. With this knowledge, you can embrace the best practices to prevent work-related injuries and accidents.
2. Regulatory compliance:
Another benefit of the OSHA 10-hour construction certification is that it increases your knowledge of OSHA standards and regulations as a worker. Consequently, this reduces your likelihood of violating these regulations and paying the associated fines.
3. Increases job opportunities:
The OSHA 10-hour construction certification gives you more job opportunities. Most employers give priority to candidates who have OSHA training and certification. The certification is considered a proof of commitment towards enhancing workplace safety. It makes you stand out from other candidates in a highly competitive job market.
4. Increased productivity:
Adherence to OSHA standards and regulations is a legal requirement and a moral duty for employees and employers in the construction industry. A safe working environment increases productivity. Employees who apply safety measures at work eliminate the downtime usually caused by accidents and injuries.
Conclusion
Given the nature of their work, construction workers are prone to fatalities at their workplaces. The OSHA 10-hour construction certification emphasizes identifying potential safety issues instead of managing harm.
The OSHA 10-hour training focuses on proactive hazard identification, empowering you to address risks before they lead to accidents. This preventative approach enhances overall safety and reduces the likelihood of costly downtime and legal liabilities. Safety training ultimately contributes to a more efficient and secure work environment.
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