OSHA is the acronym for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency that was created in 1970 for the purpose of regulating workplace health and safety. After many complaints about the health hazards and dangerous unsafe conditions found in many work places across the United States, the agency was created to improve unsafe workplace conditions and help workers report hazards at their workplace without fear of reprisal from employers.

A number of companies now offer programs to give workers a basic understanding of occupational health and safety. Later, outreach training programs were formed with the sole purpose of assisting employers in educating their employees to the basic concepts of reporting, reducing and removing health hazards and dangerous conditions that they may be experiencing in the work environment.

In the past few years, over a million students have received OSHA 10 training through a number of programs offered. These programs are set up for a general OSHA 10 training course, which is a 10-hour program. This course was made for entry level employees in the general industry or as a refresher course for older employees to be aware of hazards found in their work.

When the worker has successfully completed the course, that person should know what the acronym stands for and its functions. They should know the rights and responsibilities of the employer and employees under the OSHA Act Part 1910, guidelines for safe passageways, doorways, and floor openings. They understand effective fire prevention and definition of safe egress in emergencies from old or new buildings.

The student of would be able to list the priorities and explain how the inspection process works. They should have a good understanding of general requirements and safety standards according to OSHA guidelines and have a basic knowledge of guidelines for specialized equipment. Particular attention should be concentrated on areas that are exceptionally hazardous. Some general industry workers may receive additional training, if required, for especially hazardous occupations.

When a worker enrolls or is enrolled by their employer to take a course, they have 6 months to complete the OSHA mandated coursework and pass a test for a completion certificate. If the course is not completed in the time frame allowed, the student will have to start the course over from the beginning. All exams included in the coursework mast have a passing grade of 70 to continue on in the course.

In summary, OSHA has set the standard for workplace safety. Receiving specialized training is one way to learn what those standards are.