The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is government regulation compliance. You think, “How can I avoid fines, fulfill minimum training requirements and complete all of the paperwork required for job-related injuries and illnesses?” Since OSHA exists to protect U.S. workers and help employers create and maintain a safe environment, it offers a variety of training materials and resources to help broaden knowledge of workplace hazards.


The Outreach Training Program is one demonstration of OSHA’s effort to keep the workplace safe. OSHA has Training Institute Education Centers and courses that provide information regarding recognition, avoidance, abatement and prevention of safety and health hazards on the job. Train-the-trainer, hazard-specific and standards courses cover these and other topics. Since 2000, OSHA training centers have provided instruction to more than 200,000 trainees, who, in turn, taught millions of workers. Two of the most popular courses are 10- and 30-hour classes for construction and general industry through the OSHA-authorized trainers. Contact information for OSHA’s Training Institute Education Centers can be found at www.osha.gov/dte/edcenters/index.html.


While the outreach programs are meant for authorized trainer use, the material is available to all. For example, OSHA’s “Focus Four” outreach program addresses the most significant hazards that field workers face: falls, electrocutions, struck-by, and caught-on or caught-in-between hazards. Lesson plans include student and instructor guides, PowerPoint presentations and tests. 


Another element of OSHA’s support for employee safety is the number of resources it makes available through its website, including publications, videos and interactive training tools. Publications range from controlling basic electrical hazards to dealing with downed wires to refurbished circuit breakers. 


A wide range of videos is also available. Some can be downloaded from www.osha.gov/video. Others are available on loan by visiting the OSHA Resource Loan Center webpage. For more information on the video loan program, email [email protected] or call OSHA at 847.759.7736.


OSHA’s website is probably the most significant source of help. Through it, users can access all of OSHA’s tools.


Of particular note are OSHA’s eTools illustrated electronic documents. Some of these documents use expert system modules, which are forms that users can fill out to receive reliable advice on how OSHA regulations apply to their work site. They address numerous topics in the electrical and construction industry. The eTool can even help employers assess and improve their safety programs, policies and procedures. 


The website also hosts many materials developed by private organizations that the public can access through the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program. Grant materials include arc flash/blast injury prevention and electrical safety for the tower and wind-generation industries. For more, go to www.osha.gov/dte/sharwood/index.html. 


OSHA recently developed an app to help employers protect their employees. In July 2015, as part of its campaign to prevent heat illness in outdoor workers, OSHA launched its free Heat Safety Tool app in English and Spanish. It works on Apple iOS and Android operating systems. 


Finally, OSHA’s on-site consultation program offers free, confidential advice to small and medium-sized businesses. Employers can contact this program for a wide array of services, ranging from mock inspections to training. These services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. Typically, consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing injury and illness prevention programs. For more, visit www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/consult.html.


OSHA provides links on its website to additional safety and health resources offered by other agencies and nonprofit organizations. They include resources from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Center for Construction Research and Training, and others.


More information regarding any of the programs or resources mentioned above can be found on www.osha.gov or by contacting the agency directly.