Training is one of the most important elements in an OSHA compliance program. Providing your workers with complete information and instruction as to the processes they are involved in, the equipment they might need to use, the protection available, and potential effects of exposure to chemicals is extremely important to OSHA.
Scope
A best practice is to review each applicable OSHA rule for its employee training and information requirements. OSHA’s training requirements range from general statements such as, “Only trained persons shall operate ...” to detailed outlines of what topics the employer must cover during the training session. Overall, OSHA takes a performance-oriented approach to training in that it’s usually up to the employer to determine how employees will be trained.
Regulatory citations
More than 100 of OSHA’s current rules contain specific training requirements. The following link will give you a complete listing of all the diverse training requirements found in 29 CFR 1910 regulations:
Required General Industry OSHA Training
Key definitions
- Employee: Any person who performs work for an employer.
- Hazard: The potential for harm. A hazard often is associated with a condition or activity that, if left uncontrolled, can result in an injury or illness.
- Training: To develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand workplace hazards and safe procedures.
Summary of requirements
OSHA’s training requirements vary from rule to rule, but there are several common characteristics:
- Training is required for each employee who is exposed to the hazard;
- Initial training is required before the employee is exposed to the hazard;
- Trainer qualifications generally include having adequate knowledge, training, and experience in the topic;
- Training can be provided by classroom instruction, on-the-job instruction, or computer-based programs, but the trainer must be available to readily answer employees’ questions;
- Training content generally must be workplace- and equipment-specific to cover: hazard recognition, steps employees are to take to protect themselves, instructions and practice on how to use equipment and follow procedures, limitations of safe procedures and equipment, how to take care of equipment, what to do in an emergency, and where to get more information;
- If an evaluation is required, it typically involves an observation of the employee performing the learned skill;
- Refresher training can be required on a scheduled basis, as needed when workplace conditions have changed, or if the employee is no longer performing safely; and
- Training records, when required, often must include the worker’s name, the date of training, the topic, and the trainer’s name.
