OSHA 10 Spanish: Construction & General Training Guide 2026

Safety on the job is non negotiable, especially in fields like construction and manufacturing. For the millions of Spanish speaking workers who form the backbone of these industries, understanding safety training in their native language is a critical step toward preventing accidents. The OSHA 10 Spanish training program is the solution; it is the Spanish language version of the OSHA 10 Hour Outreach Training Program, an entry level course designed to give workers a foundational awareness of common job site hazards. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from what it covers to how you can get your official Department of Labor card.

Whether you’re a new worker looking to get your OSHA 10 card or an employer aiming to build a safer, bilingual team, this information will help you navigate the essentials of workplace safety.

Key Types of OSHA 10 Spanish Training

The OSHA 10 Hour program provides a foundational awareness of job site hazards. It’s not a certification that makes you a safety expert, but it proves you have completed basic safety training recognized by employers nationwide. The OSHA 10 Spanish course delivers this program entirely in Spanish.

The training is split into two main categories based on the industry.

OSHA 10 Construction Spanish

This is the most common version of the course, tailored for anyone working in construction. It focuses heavily on preventing the most fatal incidents on a job site, known as OSHA’s “Fatal Four” hazards which are falls, electrocutions, struck by object, and caught in or between hazards. Together, these four are responsible for nearly 60% of all construction worker deaths. The curriculum spends significant time on fall protection, as falls alone account for about 33% of construction fatalities.

While the 10 hour training is voluntary at the federal level, many states and individual employers now mandate it before a worker can step onto a construction site.

OSHA 10 General Industry Spanish

If you work outside of construction, agriculture, or maritime industries, this course is for you. General industry covers a huge range of workplaces, including manufacturing plants, warehouses, healthcare facilities, and retail.

The OSHA 10 Spanish for General Industry introduces workers to common hazards in these environments. Topics include machine guarding, handling hazardous chemicals, electrical safety, and preventing slips and trips. It equips Spanish speaking employees in factories, warehouses, and other sectors with the knowledge to work safely around machinery and other potential dangers.

How to Get Your OSHA 10 Spanish Training

Getting started with your training is straightforward, with options that fit different schedules and learning preferences.

Finding an Authorized Online Provider in Spanish

First and most importantly, you must take your course from a provider that is officially authorized by OSHA. Only these providers can issue a legitimate Department of Labor (DOL) OSHA 10 card. OSHA maintains a public list of authorized online providers for Spanish language courses, so you can always verify a company’s status. For more details on vetting providers and what to expect with pricing and DOL cards, see our authorized OSHA 10 online providers and DOL card guide.

Online vs. In Person Training

You can complete your OSHA 10 Spanish training in two ways, online or in a traditional classroom setting. Not sure which is better for you? Compare online vs. classroom OSHA 10 options, costs, and card delivery.

• Online Training: This offers maximum flexibility. You can learn at your own pace from your computer or phone, fitting lessons around your work schedule. It’s a convenient, self guided option perfect for busy individuals.

• In Person Training: This format involves a live, OSHA authorized trainer teaching a group. It allows for direct interaction, hands on demonstrations, and immediate questions and answers, which some learners prefer.

Many modern platforms offer a blended approach. For example, you can get accessible OSHA 10 training in Spanish through partners like SkillCat, which combines the flexibility of online learning with the assurance of an authorized trainer to deliver your official DOL card.

Understanding the OSHA 10 Course Details

A few key details define the structure and outcome of the training program.

Why Is the Course 10 Hours Long?

The name says it all. The program requires a minimum of 10 hours of instructional time. To ensure trainees have enough time to absorb the material, OSHA also mandates that the course be spread over at least two days, with a maximum of 7.5 hours of training per day. See the OSHA 10 requirements and benefits (2025) for a full breakdown.

What Is the DOL OSHA 10 Card?

The DOL OSHA 10 card is the official, wallet sized plastic card you receive after successfully completing the course. It serves as proof that you finished the 10 hour safety awareness program. It is not a license, and according to federal OSHA rules, it does not expire, though some employers or local regulations may require refresher courses every few years. After you finish your course, your authorized trainer processes the request, and the card is typically mailed to you within a couple of weeks. If you need to verify, replace, or renew your OSHA 10 card, follow this step-by-step guide.

Core Safety Topics Covered in OSHA 10 Spanish

The 10 hour curriculum is packed with practical information designed to prevent real world accidents. Here are some of the essential topics you will learn about.

Fall Protection

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. This module covers OSHA’s rules requiring fall protection for anyone working at heights of six feet or more in construction (four feet in general industry). You’ll learn about guardrails, safety nets, and Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) like harnesses and lanyards. With fall protection violations being OSHA’s most cited standard year after year, this topic is a critical focus.

Electrical Safety and Electrocution Hazards

Electrocution is one of the Fatal Four hazards. This section covers how to work safely with and around electricity to prevent shock, burns, and fatalities. You’ll learn about maintaining safe distances from overhead power lines, the importance of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), and why you should never use damaged cords or tools. A core principle is Lockout Tagout (LOTO), a procedure to ensure equipment is completely de energized before service. For more fundamentals and field tips, browse our Electrical training articles.

Struck By Hazards

A struck by hazard involves being hit by a moving object, from a falling tool to a piece of heavy equipment. These incidents are another member of the Fatal Four, with about 75% of struck by fatalities involving heavy equipment like trucks or cranes. You’ll learn the importance of wearing hard hats, using tool tethers, and staying out of the swing radius of machinery.

Caught In or Between Hazards

This hazard involves being crushed, pinched, or trapped between objects. The most dangerous examples are trench collapses and getting caught in moving machinery. A single cubic yard of soil can weigh over 3,000 pounds, making trench cave ins incredibly deadly. This module teaches the importance of trench protection systems and machine guarding.

Scaffold and Ladder Safety

Used improperly, scaffolds and ladders are a major source of falls. A CDC study found that 43% of fatal falls in the last decade involved a ladder. You’ll learn the “three points of contact” rule for climbing, the proper 4 to 1 angle for setting up a ladder, and the requirements for a safely constructed scaffold, including full planking and guardrails.

Excavation and Trenching Safety

Excavation work is so hazardous it gets its own focus. The primary danger is a cave in. OSHA requires protective systems (like shoring or trench boxes) for any trench five feet or deeper. In 2022, at least 39 workers died in trench collapses, more than double the number from the previous year, prompting OSHA to increase enforcement.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE (EPP in Spanish), is your last line of defense. This includes gear like hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and respirators. Employers are required to provide necessary PPE at no cost to workers. Proper eyewear alone could prevent the vast majority of the 2,000 eye injuries that happen each day at U.S. workplaces.

Hazard Communication (HazCom)

Often called the “Right to Know” law, HazCom ensures workers are informed about the chemical hazards they work with. You’ll learn how to read standardized labels with pictograms and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS), which provide detailed information on chemical properties and protective measures.

Machine Guarding

Any machine with moving parts that could cause injury must be safeguarded. Machine guards are physical barriers that prevent you from making contact with blades, gears, or belts. Missing or improperly installed guards are a top 10 OSHA violation every year.

Lockout Tagout (LOTO)

The Lockout Tagout (LOTO) procedure is a life saving practice used during machine maintenance. It involves physically locking the energy source in the off position to prevent accidental startup. OSHA estimates that compliance with LOTO standards prevents about 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year.

Walking Working Surfaces

This topic covers floors, stairs, and other surfaces where you walk or work. Slips, trips, and falls are the second leading cause of nonfatal workplace injuries. You’ll learn about the importance of good housekeeping, cleaning up spills, and guarding floor openings to prevent these common accidents.

Safe Material Handling

This involves moving, lifting, and storing materials safely. Overexertion from lifting is the number one cause of workplace injuries, particularly back injuries. You’ll learn proper lifting techniques and the importance of using equipment like forklifts or dollies for heavy loads.

Who Needs OSHA 10 Spanish and Why?

The OSHA 10 Spanish course is designed for any Spanish speaking worker in construction or general industry. It is particularly beneficial for entry level employees who need a solid foundation in workplace safety. If you’re aiming to enter HVAC specifically, here’s how to get into the HVAC trade step by step.

Completing the training offers a clear benefit for Hispanic workers. It removes language barriers to understanding critical safety information, empowering workers to recognize hazards and know their rights. Holding an OSHA 10 card can also improve job prospects, as many employers prefer or require it for hiring.

Ready to build your skills and get your OSHA 10 card? Explore flexible, accredited trade school programs that fit your schedule and budget.

Resources for Trainers and Students

For those looking to teach or find training materials, there are several resources available.

Spanish OSHA 10 PowerPoint and Training Materials

OSHA provides a wealth of safety publications and resources in Spanish on its website. Authorized outreach trainers typically develop their own training presentations, like a Spanish OSHA 10 PowerPoint, that adhere to OSHA’s required curriculum. These materials often use visuals and simple language to effectively communicate safety concepts.

Becoming an OSHA Outreach Trainer

To become an authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer, you must meet specific industry safety experience requirements and complete a trainer course through an OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center. Once authorized, trainers can conduct 10 hour and 30 hour courses and issue official DOL cards to students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is OSHA 10 Spanish required by law? At the federal level, it is a voluntary program. However, some states (like New York, Nevada, and others) and many employers mandate it for workers on certain job sites, especially in construction.

2. How much does an OSHA 10 Spanish course cost? Prices vary by provider. Online courses are often more affordable. For example, SkillCat partners offer the official OSHA 10 Spanish course and card for around $50, making it an accessible option. For an in-depth breakdown of typical pricing and reputable vendors, see our OSHA 10 costs and providers guide.

3. Does the OSHA 10 card expire? According to federal OSHA, the card does not expire. However, some employers or local city and state regulations may require you to retake the training every three to five years as a refresher.

4. Can I take the OSHA 10 Spanish course on my phone? Yes! Many authorized online providers offer mobile friendly courses, allowing you to complete your training conveniently from your smartphone or tablet.

5. How do I know if a provider is authorized by OSHA? OSHA maintains an official list of authorized online training providers on its website. Always check this list before enrolling to ensure the provider is legitimate and that you will receive a valid DOL card.

6. What is the difference between OSHA 10 and OSHA 30? OSHA 10 is a 10 hour awareness course for entry level workers. OSHA 30 is a more in depth 30 hour course designed for supervisors and workers with safety responsibilities.