Safety Instructor Certification

OSHA requires its safety instructors to be certified.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides an "OSHA Outreach Training Program" for individuals interested in becoming OSHA safety instructors. Individuals must complete an instructor-training course through OSHA's education centers.

Types

OSHA provides different safety training requirements for the construction industry and general industry training seminars. Outreach training must be completed in-person at the OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, and classes are between 10 to 30 hours in duration (80 percent of trainers complete the 10-hour training course). OSHA has strict guidelines for both topical training requirements and training materials--trainers must keep their students' files for five years, and must include contact and attendance information.

Construction Industry Certification

Construction industry trainers train construction businesses to learn safe construction practices. Construction trainers must complete the "Trainer Course in OSHA for the Construction Industry" and pass a final examination to receive OSHA certification. To remain current on OSHA's requirements, trainers must attend "Update for Construction Industry Outreach Trainers" every four years.

General Industry Certification

General industry trainers must complete the "Trainer Course in OSHA for the General Industry" and pass a final examination to receive OSHA certification. To remain current on OSHA's regulations, trainers must attend "Update for General Industry Outreach Trainers" every four years.

References

• U.S. Department of Labor OSHA: How to Become an Authorized Trainer
• OSHA: Outreach Training Program Guidelines (Construction Industry Safety and Health)
• OSHA: Outreach Training Program Guidelines (General Industry Safety and Health)