OSHA 10 / OSHA 30
OSHA safety training certifications — required on most construction sites and many industrial worksites in the United States.
OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour certifications are safety training courses recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA 10 provides basic safety awareness and is often required for entry-level construction and industrial workers. OSHA 30 is a more comprehensive course typically required for supervisors, site safety officers, and management-track trades workers.
Typical time to job-readiness: ~1 week.
Learning OSHA 10 / OSHA 30
Beginner
Complete the OSHA 10-hour outreach course — available online or in-person through an authorized OSHA trainer. Covers hazard recognition, workers' rights, and employer obligations.
Intermediate
For supervisors or management-track workers, pursue OSHA 30 instead — a 30-hour course covering the same topics in greater depth with more scenario-based content.
Advanced
Safety professionals pursue OSHA 500/510 (trainer courses that authorize you to deliver OSHA 10/30) or professional credentials like CSP (Certified Safety Professional) or ASP.
Key concepts
- OSHA 10 = 10 hours of safety training; OSHA 30 = 30 hours, designed for supervisors
- Hazard recognition — identifying physical, chemical, and ergonomic risks in the workplace
- Workers' rights: the right to a safe workplace, to refuse unsafe work, and to file a complaint
- Employer obligations: provide training, protective equipment, and report serious injuries
- OSHA completion card — wallet-sized card issued after completing the course; not a license
- Industry-specific content: construction standards (1926) vs general industry standards (1910)
Common interview topics
- What is the difference between OSHA 10 and OSHA 30
- What does OSHA require employers to provide to workers
- How would you identify and address a safety hazard on a worksite
- What are workers' rights under OSHA
- What documentation is required after a workplace injury or near-miss