Everything you need to know about OSHA classes and how to avoid becoming a fraud victim

Over the last few years we’ve noticed an increased number of fraudulent activity related to OSHA safety training. Knowing the facts about OSHA programs may help you avoid fraudulent trainers and courses. There exists popular disbelief which we want to clear up right now: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) does not certify construction workers. OSHA is an entity that authorizes third parties (trainers, training centers etc.) to provide 10 and 30 hour OSHA classes. That’s why before signing up for OSHA 10 or 30-hour courses, it is important to check if the training provider was officially approved by OSHA. You can check this on the United States Department of Labor website.

 

OSHA Courses Online

Be very cautious! There is only a small number of online OSHA courses approved by the U.S government and all of them are stated on the US Department of Labor website as well. However, when searching for OSHA 30 online we’ve found dozens of sites offering the course but only 1 out of 10 was an approved OSHA course provider. While frauds may advertise OSHA courses only authorized partners are allowed to issue your course completion card at the end of the training. Please note you’ll get a plastic card confirming the completing of OSHA 10 or 30 courses only in case of taking the offline course, it is only possible to get a paper card in case of an online course. That’s why claims like “Complete OSHA certification online and get your plastic card today!” are most probably false.

 

Do OSHA Courses Guarantee I Will Find a Job?

That’s another false claim we’ve come across on the internet. The course completion alone, even if you were issued a plastic card, even by OSHA approved course provider, still, it does not guarantee you employment. Training providers claiming the contrary are just making false claims intended to mislead you and buy the course.

 

How Do I Avoid Fraudulent Cards? 

Searching for “OSHA training near me”, “OSHA courses” etc? - Don’t forget to check if the trainer is authorized by the US government here (https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/outreach_trainers.html)

Thinking of taking the course online? -  Do the same as above, check the US Department of Labor website.

Looking for courses with guaranteed employment?  - Ask for an explanation of how this works directly from the course provider. Remember: the card itself does not guarantee it.

Does your online course provider claim to issue plastic cards? - OSHA provided an official statement claiming plastic cards are currently unavailable for online courses and are only planned to be issued in the future.

 

If you would like to know more about the OSHA Outreach Training Program 2019 requirements, please view the document here.