OSHA 10 Hour Training: Beginner's Guide + DOL Card Steps

Starting a new job in the skilled trades is exciting, but it also comes with its own set of risks. The OSHA 10 hour training program is the starting point for many workers to gain this critical knowledge. It’s a foundational safety course from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) designed to teach entry-level workers how to recognize, avoid, and prevent common job site hazards. Understanding these basics isn’t just a good idea, it’s a critical step in building a long and healthy career.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this foundational safety course, from the core concepts it covers to the practical steps for getting your official DOL card.

What Exactly is the OSHA 10 Hour Training Program?

The OSHA 10 hour training course is a program designed to give entry level workers a basic understanding of workplace safety and health hazards. Think of it as Safety 101 for your new career. While OSHA doesn’t federally mandate this training for all workers, many states and employers require it before you can set foot on a job site, especially in construction.

The program’s main goal is to teach you how to recognize, avoid, control, and prevent common job site hazards. It also provides a clear overview of your rights as a worker and your employer’s responsibilities to keep you safe. After completing the course, you receive an official OSHA 10 Hour card from the U.S. Department of Labor, proving you have this foundational knowledge. The program has been a huge success, training nearly 1 million workers every year.

Who is This Training For?

The OSHA 10 hour training is specifically tailored for the entry level worker. This means it’s perfect for new hires, apprentices, or anyone starting a career in an industry like construction or general manufacturing. Statistics show why this focus is so important: employees in their first year on the job account for over one third of all workplace injuries. This training provides a solid safety foundation right from day one, helping to dramatically reduce that risk.

The Foundation of Safety: Understanding Hazards

A huge part of the OSHA 10 hour training revolves around learning to see the workplace through a safety lens. This begins with understanding the life cycle of a hazard.

Hazard Identification

This is the first and most critical step. Hazard identification is the process of finding and recognizing things at work that could potentially cause harm. OSHA considers the failure to identify hazards a root cause of many workplace incidents. It’s a proactive effort to find dangers like unguarded machinery or frayed electrical cords before they hurt someone.

Hazard Avoidance, Control, and Prevention

Once a hazard is identified, what’s next?

• Hazard Avoidance: This is about actively steering clear of known dangers. It could be as simple as maintaining a safe distance from overhead power lines or following established safety procedures like Lockout/Tagout.

• Hazard Control: This involves taking steps to reduce risk from a hazard that can’t be completely eliminated. OSHA uses a “hierarchy of controls,” which prioritizes the most effective solutions, from eliminating the hazard entirely to using personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last resort.

• Hazard Prevention: This concept focuses on proactive measures to stop a hazard from ever occurring. Regular equipment maintenance to prevent failures or training workers on proper lifting techniques are great examples of hazard prevention.

Hazard Communication (HazCom)

Often called the “Right to Know” law, the Hazard Communication standard ensures you are informed about dangerous chemicals you might work with. Employers must label chemicals, provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and train you on how to handle these materials safely.

A closely related term is Hazardous Material (or HazMat), which is any substance that poses a significant risk to health, safety, or property. This can include everything from industrial solvents to flammable gases.

Core Safety Topics in Your Training

Your OSHA 10 hour training will cover a range of specific, critical safety topics that you’re likely to encounter on the job.

Fall Protection

Falls are one of the leading causes of death in construction, making fall protection a top priority. This topic covers the proper use of guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems like harnesses and lanyards. For rooftop and ladder scenarios, see our roofing safety fundamentals for real‑world tips.

Electrical Safety

Contact with electricity is another major risk. In 2019 alone, 166 U.S. workers died from electrical contact. This part of the training covers safe work practices, grounding, and procedures like Lockout/Tagout to de‑energize equipment during maintenance. For practical checklists and LOTO refreshers you can use in the field, visit our technical support for field techs category.

Walking Working Surfaces

This topic is all about preventing slips, trips, and falls on the same level. It includes standards for things like floor conditions, stairways, and ladders to ensure surfaces are safe to walk and work on. Get site‑specific checklists in our property maintenance safety tips.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When hazards can’t be eliminated or engineered out, PPE is your last line of defense. This includes gear like hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and respirators. You’ll learn when PPE is necessary and how to use it correctly. For deeper guidance on selecting and caring for PPE, explore our safety articles.

Machine Guarding

Any machine part, function, or process that could cause injury must be safeguarded. Machine guarding training teaches you to recognize the dangers of moving parts and ensure that proper guards are in place and functioning. See examples and checklists in our mechanical systems training.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker. Good ergonomic practices help prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) like back pain or carpal tunnel syndrome, which cost businesses nearly $17 billion a year in direct costs. This involves things like using proper lifting techniques and having well‑designed workstations. If you’re in facilities, start with our ergonomics tips for apartment maintenance technicians.

Other Important Topics

Your training will also touch on several other key areas:

• Material Handling: The safe lifting, carrying, and moving of materials to prevent strains and other injuries.

• Bloodborne Pathogens: Protecting workers who may be exposed to blood or other infectious materials, covering diseases like HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

• Industrial Hygiene: The science of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace conditions that may cause workers’ injury or illness.

• Fire Protection and Fire Prevention Plan: This includes understanding fire hazards, proper storage of flammable materials, and what to do in case of a fire.

Your Rights and Responsibilities on the Job

A core part of the OSHA 10 hour training is empowering you with knowledge about your rights and your employer’s obligations.

Employer Responsibility

Under OSHA’s General Duty Clause, every employer must provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards. This means they are responsible for following all OSHA standards, providing necessary training, supplying required PPE at no cost to you, and keeping accurate records of injuries and illnesses.

Worker Rights

You have the right to a safe workplace. This includes the right to:

• Receive safety training in a language you understand.

• Be provided with required safety gear.

• Request an OSHA inspection if you believe there are serious hazards.

• Report a work related injury or illness without fear of retaliation.

How to File a Complaint

If you believe your workplace is unsafe and your employer is not addressing the issue, you have the right to file a confidential complaint with OSHA. It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for reporting safety concerns.

Building a Workplace Culture of Safety

True safety goes beyond just following rules. It involves creating a culture where everyone is proactive.

Safety and Health Program

This is a formal program that employers can implement to find and fix workplace hazards before they cause injury or illness. It’s a systematic approach to managing safety and health.

Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

An EAP is a written document that details what workers should do in an emergency like a fire, chemical spill, or natural disaster. It organizes actions in advance so everyone can react quickly and safely.

Exit Route (Means of Egress)

Every workplace must have a clear, unobstructed path for everyone to escape safely during an emergency. OSHA requires most workplaces to have at least two exit routes. These routes must be clearly marked, well lit, and unlocked from the inside.

Getting Your OSHA 10 Card: The Logistics

Ready to get started with your OSHA 10 hour training? Here’s what you need to know.

Finding a Class and Authorized Trainer

OSHA courses are not taught by OSHA staff but by authorized trainers. A key requirement for an authorized OSHA trainer is having at least five years of safety experience and completing a rigorous trainer course at an OSHA Training Institute Education Center. You can find local trainers through OSHA’s online database.

When it comes to trainer selection, always verify that they are currently authorized by OSHA to ensure you receive a legitimate DOL card.

Online and Spanish Language Training

For maximum convenience, many people now choose to complete their OSHA 10 hour training online. Platforms like SkillCat partner with authorized providers to offer the full course online, allowing you to learn at your own pace. This is a great way to get certified without the scheduling conflicts of in person classes.

Additionally, to ensure all workers can understand this vital information, outreach training in Spanish is widely available. Quality training providers often offer their courses in both English and Spanish to make safety accessible to everyone.

What if I Lose My Card?

Losing your OSHA card can happen. You can request a replacement, but you must contact the original trainer or training provider who taught your class. There is usually a small fee and a time limit, typically within 5 years of your original training date, so it’s best to act quickly.

Why OSHA 10 Training is a Smart First Step

Completing your OSHA 10 hour training is more than just checking a box. It equips you with the fundamental knowledge to protect yourself and your coworkers on the job. It shows employers you are serious about safety and gives you the confidence to speak up when you see a hazard.

By investing just a few hours in this training, you’re making a long‑term investment in your own well‑being and career success. Ready to take the next step in your skilled trades journey? Explore flexible and affordable training options that fit your life. With platforms like SkillCat, getting the certifications you need has never been easier. If you’re heading into HVAC or refrigeration, your next stop is EPA 608. See our EPA certification resources.

Frequently Asked Questions about OSHA 10 Hour Training

Is OSHA 10 hour training required by law?

At the federal level, OSHA does not require it for all workers. However, some states (like New York, Massachusetts, and Nevada) and many employers mandate it for certain jobs, particularly in construction.

How long is my OSHA 10 card good for?

Technically, the federal OSHA 10 card does not expire. However, some employers, states, or local jurisdictions may require you to retake the training every 3 to 5 years to stay current on safety standards.

What is the difference between OSHA 10 and OSHA 30?

The OSHA 10 hour training is designed for entry level workers and provides a basic awareness of job site safety. The OSHA 30 hour course is more comprehensive and is intended for supervisors and workers with safety responsibilities.

Can I take the OSHA 10 hour training online?

Yes, you can. OSHA has authorized a select number of providers to offer the 10 hour course online. This is a convenient option that allows you to complete the training at your own pace.

How much does the training cost?

Costs can vary depending on the provider. In person classes might range from $75 to $200. Online courses are often more affordable, with providers like SkillCat offering partner provided OSHA 10 hour training for around $50.