OSHA requires businesses to provide safety training for employees according to their industry's needs.
The Occupational and Safety Heath Administration (OSHA), a federal government agency, sets standards for workplace safety. Since 1970, when the Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed, employers are required to adhere to certain safety regulations. Most companies provide safety training to employees in compliance with these rules on a regular basis. Employees and managers can take 10 or 30 hour OSHA training courses and receive a safety certificate in their industry.
History
President Richard Nixon signed the Occupational and Safety Health Act in 1970. This law set forth rules for safety in the workplace. On April 28, 1971, Secretary of Labor James Hodgson announced the formation of the Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) to oversee job safety in American businesses. The agency introduced mandatory safety training for employees and required safeguards for workers in chemical and industrial jobs.
OSHA now required employers to post Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) informing workers of chemical hazards in the workplace Companies were now required to keep a log of job-related illnesses and injuries. OSHA was instrumental in regulating the use of asbestos in the construction industry in the 1970s. In addition to federal OSHA requirements, 26 states have their own occupational and safety program.
General Industry Training
OSHA training for general industrial and manufacturing jobs consists of basic safety reminders like exit the workplace in an orderly fashion in case of fire or other emergency, fire extinguisher usage and location of first aid kits. Fall prevention, safe placement of ladders, and provisions for walking and working surfaces are covered in CFR Part 1910. In-house company trainers (or outside companies providing OSHA specific courses), school employees in the handling and disposal of hazardous substances and new technology waste.
Maritime Safety Training
The OSHA Standards and Training Regulations guide (29 CFR 1915) outlines a safety program for maritime employees involved in shipyard building and maintenance. Shipyard workers can earn a safety certificate by completing training in prepare paperwork per OSHA guidelines, employee responsibilities and rights and general workplace precautions. Depending on the employee's job description, they may be required to study the proper procedures for painting and cleaning ships and other equipment, handling toxic solvents and flammable substances, protective measures used in welding and cutting during shipbuilding, and other matters pertaining to shipyard construction and repairs.
Construction Safety Training
Many companies provide OSHA sanctioned safety training for the construction industry with 10 or 30 hour courses. The comprehensive 30 hour course covers proper use of hazardous materials, from lead to formaldehyde to ionizing radiation. Safety standards for operating derricks and cranes, arc welders and cutters, woodworkers' tools, explosive devices and blasters, highlighted in OSHA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1926, are included in construction employee training. When and use personal protective equipment, respiratory protection in the workplace and accident prevention round out the topics covered in OSHA's official safety guidelines.
Agricultural Safety Training
OSHA mandates training for farm and agricultural employees, according to CFR Part 1928. It sets standards for use of farm equipment, such as tractors, cotton gins, and roll-over protective structures, including driving rules and proper repair of vehicles. Logging protocol, the set-up and health requirements for temporary labor camps and cadmium identification and safety are also covered, per OSHA general industry standards.
Tags: Occupational Safety, Occupational Safety Health, Safety Health, safety training employees, training employees
