Searching for a great job? Most companies are required to meet a number of safety regulations that are in line with state and federal guidelines, and if you’re looking for a perfect job, your OSHA safety training may be the key to signaling employers that you’re the perfect hire.
The benefits of OSHA in the workplace and hiring OSHA-trained employees are enormous for companies, making employees who are OSHA trained incredibly valuable. Why is this so important to employers, and how long does OSHA certification last? Keep reading to learn more about this valuable designation you want to list on your resume!
The Benefits of OSHA in the Workplace for Employers
If you’re a little unfamiliar with the terminology at all, it might first help to explain exactly what OSHA is. It’s essentially part of the U.S. Department of Labor, and its goal is to make sure that every workplace is safe for those who work there.
It does that by both creating the standards and enforcing them, and by offering training and education around those standards. The rules vary by industry and business size, so OSHA essentially sets the various safety training regulations, then develops courses to help employers meet those regulations.
The benefits of hiring trained employees for a given company are enormous. It means they’re able to connect with workers who are aware of the potential risks and hazards, as every session teaches participants how to identify potential risk factors, avoidance techniques, prevention options, and control options in the event that they do happen.
These programs, though, are usually voluntary, so it only makes sense that employees (or potential employees) who have taken the step to obtain training certification look better than candidates who do not.
Keep in mind that there are two different kinds of OSHA training programs. Entry-level workers need a 10-hour OSHA training certification. This program serves as an introduction to most employees. It covers basic safety practices in the workplace and teaches you how to be aware of those hazards and how to prevent them where you can.
Employers want you to have this training because it can help reduce the number of accidents, which ensures they don’t have to worry about those extra costs and claims. It also helps you learn the basic standards of safety in the workplace. Moreover, it ensures the company can remain compliant because you’re aware of the rules, which means that if they’re ever subjected to an OSHA inspection, they’re less likely to get cited for noncompliance.
Senior-level workers, though, need a bit more. They need a 30-hour training program. Most of what is covered in this program are the environmental hazards someone on a job site might face. It helps employees look out for a number of different hazards, but it also goes over the assessment of those hazards, how to build a safety program, and how to develop an emergency action plan.
No matter which training program you have behind you, though, it strengthens how you look on paper. It teaches you how to communicate if there’s an emergency situation on a job site. It helps you better understand fire protection. It also offers you some basic first-aid skills. More than that, though, it ensures you know how to guard machinery and what protective steps to take every time you step onto the job site.
You’ll also learn more about emergency action plans. All of this adds up to one key thing for employers - enhanced productivity and better safety protocols on the job. In settings like construction sites, that’s absolutely essential. Studies have shown that companies with OSHA-certified workers tend to have fewer accidents in the workplace, thus experiencing a real cost saving, and almost every company these days is working to keep an eye on its bottom line.
How Long Does OSHA Certification Last?
If you do choose to become OSHA certified, you’ll get a card to show that you’ve completed your training, and you can then list that on your resume. The courses themselves never expire, so once the training is complete, you can always leave it on your resume. That said, it’s a good idea to retake the training every four to five years, as guidelines and safety equipment change regularly, and it will allow you to update the date you complete the training on a resume so you’re continually an appealing employee to your next job.
Once You Are OSHA Certified…
If you take the time to become OSHA certified, be sure to emphasize it at your next job interview. You can talk more to the hiring manager about the fact that you’ll be a great asset to their company by building a safer, more productive workplace. Given the competitive nature of some positions, that means you have an edge.
Becoming OSHA Certified
Looking for the ideal way to add this skill to your resume? We can help. At Labor for Hire, we offer many services to those seeking work in the construction industry, including OSHA certification. When you work with us, we’ll help you get the training you need so you can show it to the next employer. Ready to learn more about how we can help you connect with your next job and get the training you need so you can add that credential to your resume? Contact us today.
