The new age of digital learning is here, and OSHA is rising to meet the moment. Founded under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) was created by Congress to enforce workplace safety standards through training, outreach, education, and assistance. As part of the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA covers most private-sector workers and public employees nationwide.
In response to the pandemic and increasing natural disaster risks, OSHA has adjusted rapidly to support businesses and workers. On May 28, 2020, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Loren E. Sweatt addressed Congress about OSHA's COVID-19 response, which included the rollout of digital training resources such as daily prevention tips, social distancing videos, and online compliance documents.
OSHA Outreach Training Program Overview
Introduced in 1971, the OSHA Outreach Training Program empowers workers to identify hazards, promote safety on the job, and understand their rights. It includes:
- 10-Hour Program: Entry-level training tailored for Construction, General Industry, Maritime, and Disaster Sites.
- 30-Hour Program: More in-depth training for supervisors or workers with higher safety responsibilities.
Classes are available in English, Spanish, Polish, and more. Graduates receive an official OSHA Department of Labor card, an industry-recognized credential required by many employers and OSHA inspectors.
Modernizing OSHA Training for COVID-Era Learning
Traditionally, OSHA training has been in-person, but COVID-19 necessitated a shift. OSHA granted temporary approval to authorized education centers to launch digital versions of their courses.
Today, companies like AP Safety Training Solutions offer industry-standard training such as the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training and the OSHA 30-Hour Training completely online.
Training providers now use digital tools like Zoom, enabling live instructors to lead engaging virtual sessions. Many have also developed their own LMS (Learning Management Systems) for document sharing, discussion boards, and interactive coursework.
Formats range from narrated slide presentations with interactive quizzes to downloadable materials and final exams. Certificates are issued upon completion, giving employees the credentials they need without ever stepping foot in a classroom.
Conclusion
Former U.S. Representative Carl D. Perkins once noted that in just four years, more workers died on the job than in nearly a decade of the Vietnam War. OSHA was born out of a national need to address the staggering rise in workplace injuries and fatalities, especially in high-risk industries like construction.
Over the last 30 years, OSHA has streamlined regulations, cut red tape, and broadened its safety initiatives across multiple industries. Today, in collaboration with the CDC, OSHA continues to lead the way with modern safety guidance that addresses both traditional workplace hazards and new pandemic-era risks.
