What Is the OSHA 10? A 2026 Guide to Training & Card

If you’re starting a new job in construction, manufacturing, or another skilled trade, you’ve probably heard the term “OSHA 10”. You might be wondering, what is the OSHA 10 and why do I need it? Think of it as your foundational guide to workplace safety. It’s a 10 hour training course designed to give you the essential knowledge to spot, avoid, and prevent common job site hazards.

This course is part of the OSHA Outreach Training Program, a nationwide effort to build a stronger safety culture. Completing the training earns you an official Department of Labor (DOL) course completion card, often called an OSHA 10 card. This little card is a big deal, showing employers you have a baseline understanding of how to work safely.

The OSHA Outreach Training Program Explained

The OSHA Outreach Training Program is the parent initiative behind the 10 hour and 30 hour safety courses. Its main goal is to arm workers with knowledge about their rights, their employer’s responsibilities, and how to identify and control workplace hazards.

The program doesn’t teach specific OSHA standards. Instead, it focuses on awareness and prevention. Its purpose is to save lives and prevent injuries by fostering a proactive safety mindset. Since OSHA was created, these kinds of training efforts have had a massive impact. Workplace fatalities in the U.S. have dropped from about 38 deaths per day in 1970 to 15 a day by 2019. While there’s still work to do, this shows that safety education works.

The OSHA 10 course is specifically designed for entry level workers, the people who are new to the job or have no supervisory responsibilities. It’s the perfect introduction to on the job safety, giving you the tools to protect yourself and your coworkers from day one.

Is OSHA 10 Training Actually Required?

This is a common point of confusion. At the federal level, getting your OSHA 10 card is technically voluntary. OSHA itself does not have a rule that requires every worker in the country to complete it. They recommend it as a great safety orientation, but it’s not a universal mandate.

However, that’s not the whole story. The real answer depends on where you work and who you work for.

• State Requirements: Several states have passed their own laws making OSHA 10 training mandatory, especially for construction workers on public projects. States like New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Nevada, and Missouri have such requirements.

• Employer Policies: Many companies and general contractors require all workers on their sites to have an OSHA 10 card as a condition of employment. It’s a simple way for them to ensure everyone has the same basic safety knowledge.

• Union and Project Rules: Unions, apprenticeship programs, and specific project owners (like the Army Corps of Engineers) often mandate OSHA 10 training for members or anyone working on their sites.

So, while it’s not a federal law for everyone, it is a practical requirement for millions of workers. Always check your local laws and your employer’s policies.

OSHA 10 vs. OSHA 30: What’s the Difference?

The primary difference between the OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 courses is the audience and depth of content.

• OSHA 10: This is the 10 hour introductory course for entry level workers. It covers broad hazard awareness, prevention, and worker rights. Think of it as Safety 101.

• OSHA 30: This is a more comprehensive 30 hour course designed for supervisors, foremen, and anyone with safety responsibilities. It dives deeper into the same topics as the 10 hour course and adds modules on managing safety programs, accident investigation, and a wider range of technical subjects.

Both courses result in a DOL completion card, but the 30 hour card signifies a much more advanced level of training. Your role on the job site will determine which one you need.

What is the OSHA 10 Course Like? A Look at Different Industries

OSHA tailors the Outreach training to fit the unique hazards of different work environments. Here’s a breakdown of the most common course types.

For the Construction Industry

The construction version of what is the OSHA 10 is the most common. Given that construction accounted for about 20% of all U.S. worker fatalities in 2019, this course focuses heavily on life threatening hazards.

The “Focus Four” Hazards

A major part of the training is dedicated to the “Focus Four”, the leading causes of death in construction.

1. Falls: The number one killer, causing nearly 40% of construction fatalities. The course covers guardrails, safety harnesses, and proper ladder and scaffold use.

2. Struck By: Incidents where a worker is hit by a falling object, swinging equipment, or vehicle. You can learn more about vehicle and equipment safety.

3. Caught In or Between: Accidents involving trench collapses or getting pulled into moving machinery.

4. Electrocution: Contact with live wires, overhead power lines, or unsafe equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

You’ll learn about the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This includes gear like hard hats, safety glasses, high visibility vests, and steel toed boots. The course stresses that employers must provide necessary PPE and that workers must use it correctly.

Health Hazards

Construction isn’t just about immediate physical dangers. The course also covers long term health hazards, such as exposure to:

• Silica dust from cutting concrete, which can cause lung disease.

• Asbestos found in older buildings.

• Lead from old paint during demolition.

• Noise from heavy machinery, which can cause permanent hearing loss.

For General Industry

This course is for everyone outside of construction, agriculture, or maritime work. It applies to jobs in manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, retail, and more.

Walking Working Surfaces

Slips, trips, and falls are a leading cause of injuries in general industry. This topic covers keeping floors clear, cleaning up spills, and using fall protection like guardrails around elevated platforms. OSHA estimates that its updated standards for walking working surfaces prevent 29 fatalities and over 5,800 injuries each year.

Emergency Action Plans

Every workplace needs a plan for emergencies like fires, chemical spills, or natural disasters. You’ll learn the key parts of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), including evacuation routes, assembly points, and how to report an emergency. This is guidance that property maintenance teams can adapt to their buildings.

Electrical Safety

This module covers the fundamentals of working safely with and around electricity, including using proper cords, avoiding overloaded circuits, and understanding basic Lockout Tagout principles to prevent accidental machine startups.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Similar to construction, you’ll learn about the PPE needed for general industry jobs. This could include safety glasses, chemical resistant gloves, respirators, and hearing protection, depending on the work being done.

Hazard Communication

Often called the “Right to Know” law, the Hazard Communication standard ensures you are informed about the chemicals you work with. You’ll learn how to read container labels and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to handle chemicals safely.

For the Maritime Industry

For those working in shipyards, on marine terminals, or handling cargo, there’s a specialized OSHA 10 Maritime course. It covers unique hazards like fire protection on vessels, crane safety for loading cargo, and risks associated with working over or near water.

The Special Case: Disaster Site Worker Training

This is a unique 16 hour course for emergency responders and recovery workers. It builds on a prerequisite OSHA 10 and covers the specific hazards found at disaster sites, like unstable structures, contaminated air, and the psychological stress of recovery work.

Getting Your OSHA 10 Card: The Logistics

Now that you know what the OSHA 10 is, let’s talk about how to get your card.

Who Can Teach an OSHA 10 Class?

Only an OSHA authorized trainer can teach an official Outreach course. These individuals have completed rigorous train the trainer courses with OSHA and have verified field experience. Always make sure your instructor is authorized to ensure your card is legitimate.

It’s a Completion Card, Not a Certification

This is a key distinction. When you finish the course, you receive a DOL course completion card. You are not “OSHA certified”. The card proves you completed the training. Unlike some certifications, the DOL cards issued today do not expire, although some employers or states may require you to take a refresher course every few years.

How to Find a Legitimate Class (In Person or Online)

You have a couple of options for finding a course. OSHA’s website has a tool to find authorized trainers for in person classes in your area.

For more flexibility, online training is a popular and convenient choice. OSHA maintains a list of authorized online providers to ensure quality and legitimacy. Taking a course from an unlisted provider means your card may not be valid. Modern platforms make it simple to get the training you need from a trusted source. For example, SkillCat offers an affordable and fully authorized OSHA 10 online course that you can complete at your own pace, ensuring you receive a valid DOL card.

What if I Lose My OSHA 10 Card?

It happens. If you lose your card, your first step should be to contact the original trainer or online provider who issued it. They are required to keep records and can order you a replacement, usually for a small fee.

Key Takeaways from OSHA 10 Training

Beyond the specific topics, the training instills three critical concepts.

Understanding Your Rights as a Worker

Under the OSH Act, you have the right to a safe workplace. This includes the right to receive safety training, access information about hazards, and report injuries or concerns without fear of retaliation.

Knowing Employer Responsibilities

Your employer has a legal obligation to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. This means they must identify and fix safety issues through robust quality control processes, provide proper training and PPE, and comply with all OSHA standards.

How to File an OSHA Complaint Safely

If you see a serious hazard that your employer isn’t addressing, you have the right to file a confidential complaint with OSHA. The training walks you through how to do this online or by phone, and OSHA will keep your name private.

A Closer Look at Elective Topics

The OSHA 10 course structure includes required topics and allows the trainer to choose from a list of electives relevant to their audience.

Example Elective: Scaffold Safety

For construction classes, a common elective is scaffold safety. This topic covers how to properly erect, inspect, and use scaffolds to prevent collapses and falls. If you spend time on roofs or elevated edges, see our guide to working at heights and fall protection.

Example Elective: Machine Guarding

In general industry, a machine guarding elective is very useful. It teaches workers how to recognize hazards from moving machine parts and the importance of never removing or bypassing safety guards, which can prevent devastating injuries like amputations.

Getting your OSHA 10 is a critical first step in building a safe and successful career in the skilled trades. It provides the awareness you need to protect yourself and make your job site safer for everyone. If you’re entering HVAC, you’ll also need EPA 608 certification. If you’re ready to get started, you can explore convenient online OSHA 10 training options and earn your card today.

Frequently Asked Questions About What is the OSHA 10

1. What is the main purpose of the OSHA 10 course? The main purpose is to provide entry level workers with a basic awareness of common job site hazards, safety practices, and their rights as employees. It’s designed to promote a culture of safety and prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.

2. Does an OSHA 10 card expire? No. At the federal level, OSHA 10 cards issued by the Department of Labor do not have an expiration date. However, some states, cities, or individual employers may have their own policies that require workers to take refresher training every 3 to 5 years.

3. How long does it take to get an OSHA 10 card after the class? After successfully completing the course and passing the final exam, you will typically receive a temporary printable certificate immediately. The official, durable plastic DOL card is usually mailed and can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks to arrive.

4. Is an online OSHA 10 course legitimate? Yes, as long as it is from an OSHA authorized online provider. OSHA maintains an official list on its website. Courses from these providers are legitimate and will result in the same official DOL card you would get from an in person class.

5. What is the difference between OSHA 10 General Industry and Construction? The two courses are tailored to different work environments. The Construction course focuses on hazards specific to construction sites, like falls, trenching, and cranes (the “Focus Four”). The General Industry course covers safety topics relevant to other workplaces like manufacturing, warehousing, and healthcare, such as machine guarding, hazard communication, and walking working surfaces.

6. How much does an OSHA 10 course typically cost? The cost can vary depending on the provider. In person classes might range from $100 to $200 or more. Online courses are often more affordable. For instance, authorized providers like SkillCat offer the complete online OSHA 10 course and official card for around $50.