Becoming a Certified OSHA Safety Instructor: Steps and Requirements
December 19, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Occupational Safety
How to become a certified OSHA Safety Instructor?Discover the steps and qualifications necessary to become a certified OSHA Safety Instructor. This guide outlines the path to obtaining this certification.
How to become a certified OSHA Safety Instructor?
Becoming a certified OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Safety Instructor involves specific steps and requirements. OSHA does not directly certify individuals as instructors, but it does authorize Outreach Trainers who can provide OSHA Outreach Training Program courses. These courses cover topics such as construction, general industry, and maritime safety.
Here are the general steps to become an authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer:
Meet Eligibility Requirements:
- To become an OSHA Outreach Trainer, you should have expertise in occupational safety and health. OSHA typically requires individuals to have a minimum of five years of occupational safety and health experience in the industry they want to train (construction, general industry, or maritime).
Complete OSHA Standards Course:
- Attend and successfully complete a course on the specific OSHA standards for the industry in which you wish to become a trainer. This course is often referred to as the "Train the Trainer" course.
Complete OSHA Trainer Course:
- Attend and successfully complete the OSHA Trainer Course for the industry you want to train in. This course is typically conducted by an authorized OSHA Training Institute Education Center or an OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center.
Prepare a Presentation:
- As part of the OSHA Trainer Course, you may be required to prepare and deliver a presentation on a specific OSHA topic. This presentation assesses your ability to effectively convey safety information to others.
Submit Application to OSHA:
- After successfully completing the required courses, submit an application to OSHA for consideration as an Outreach Trainer. The application should include proof of completion of the OSHA Trainer Course, the OSHA Standards Course, and relevant work experience.
Receive Authorization:
- If your application is approved, you will receive authorization as an OSHA Outreach Trainer. This authorization is typically valid for a specific period (e.g., four years), after which you may need to renew your authorization.
Conduct Outreach Training:
- As an authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer, you can conduct OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Outreach Training Program courses for workers in your industry. These courses cover essential safety and health topics.
Renew Authorization:
- To maintain your status as an OSHA Outreach Trainer, you will need to renew your authorization when it expires. This may involve completing additional training and meeting renewal requirements.
It's important to note that OSHA Outreach Trainers are authorized to conduct training for workers and not for other trainers. If you are interested in becoming an OSHA Trainer Trainer, you would need to pursue additional qualifications and approvals.
Additionally, the specific requirements and processes may vary, so it's advisable to check with the OSHA Training Institute Education Center or the authorized training provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Keep in mind that OSHA's Outreach Training Program is different from other OSHA training programs, and becoming an authorized trainer requires compliance with OSHA's criteria and standards.
What steps or qualifications are required to become a certified OSHA Safety Instructor?
There are two main pathways to becoming a certified OSHA Safety Instructor:
1. OSHA Outreach Trainer Authorization:
- This program authorizes individuals to deliver basic safety and health courses covering common job-related hazards in various industries. It's an ideal starting point for aspiring instructors and doesn't require specific qualifications.
Steps:
- Experience: Possess at least five years of general industry safety experience. A college degree in occupational safety and health, Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation, or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation can substitute for two years of experience.
- Training: Complete an OSHA Trainer Course in the specific industry you want to teach (construction, general, maritime, etc.).
- Application: Submit an application and required documents to OSHA for review and approval.
- Authorization: Upon approval, receive an authorization card valid for five years.
2. OSHA Authorized Trainer Status:
- This advanced program authorizes individuals to develop and deliver more specific and in-depth courses on various OSHA standards and safety topics.
Steps:
- Qualifications: Meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health or related field.
- Hold a CSP or CIH designation.
- Have at least eight years of professional experience in occupational safety and health, with three years directly related to the specific course you want to develop and teach.
- Training: Complete the OSHA Trainer Course for Authorized Trainers.
- Course Development: Develop a detailed course outline and training materials for your chosen topic, ensuring alignment with relevant OSHA standards and best practices.
- Peer Review: Submit your course materials for peer review by a panel of qualified OSHA-authorized trainers.
- Review and Approval: Submit your peer-reviewed course materials and application to OSHA for final review and approval.
- Authorization: Upon approval, receive an authorization card valid for five years, renewable with ongoing course development and maintenance.
Additional Notes:
- Both programs require ongoing professional development and reauthorization to maintain your instructor status.
- Some states and organizations may have additional requirements or certifications for safety instructors.
Resources:
- OSHA Trainer Information: https://www.osha.gov/training/outreach
- OSHA Outreach Training Program: https://www.osha.gov/training/outreach
I hope this information helps! Feel free to ask if you have any further questions about becoming a certified OSHA Safety Instructor.
