OSHA's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been working for worker and employer safety for many years and has been able to save many lives. The training and regulations provided by them have benefitted many organizations and employees to work in a safe space without stress.
OSHA safety training courses also offer certificates that can help employees find jobs and promote a safer workplace. OSHA offers two kinds of training certificates including 10-hour and 30-hour training programs. The 30-hour program is more effective as it contains extensive training. The 10-hour-long session is called OSHA 10 and is designed for entry-level employees while OSHA 30 has been designed for managers, advanced-level workers, and supervisors.
It is recommended that workers get OSHA certificates before joining organizations as it has many benefits. Let us explore the OSHA certificate advantages in the article and know why is it important for both employees and employers.
Benefits of OSHA certification
Here are the benefits of OSHA certification.
Enhanced Job Opportunities and Marketability
The job market around the world has become very competitive as people are getting more and more educated and possess a variety of different certificates. In such a competitive world if you possess a certificate that proves that you have training in occupational safety from a renowned institution like OSHA will really increase your chances of getting more jobs.
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS, the need for employees who have specialized in safety will grow to 4% in the coming years. These statistics have emphasized the need to get OSHA safety certificates more than ever before.
Many employees across the world prefer to hire employees who have attained certification from OSHA and know very well about the safety hazards and precautions at the workplace.
This way they do not have to worry about the safety of their employees and they need little to no training in the workplace safety field.
Increased Workplace Safety and Knowledge
There were around 5,486 fatal work injuries reported in the United States in the year 2022, followed by a 5.7% increase from 5,190 in the year 2021. Likewise, many deaths were reported in the past as a result of ignorance of workplace safety protocols.
These figures can be lowered by promoting workplace safety measures in organizations and OSHA is doing this by training the employees and giving them professional certificates in workplace safety.
One of the major Professional advantages of OSHA certification is the enhanced knowledge about workplace safety. Many organizations have to train their employees first in order to get them familiar with the safety concerns and how to report them.
However, if the employees already have the knowledge about the safety protocols of the workplace then they would be a greater asset for the company. Such employees become reliable and trusted in the eyes of the employer and can also educate other colleagues around them.
These certifications are specifically designed and planned in a way that can benefit the participants in learning about advanced safety concerns and protocols in a much better way
The main advantage the participants can get is Improved safety compliance with OSHA certification.
Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements
One of the other major Benefits of OSHA certification is compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Employers nowadays look for workers who show compliance with the rules and regulations set by the heads of the company.
OSHA also recommends implying rules and regulations for the safety of the workplace and the workers and those who already have OSHA certification can comply with those rules in a better way. Not following these set rules can result in heavy fines and even terminations so all the workers must have the proper knowledge about the rules which they can get through the OSHA training programs.
OSHA itself imposes fines on organizations that fail to follow the workplace safety rules that range from $13,653 per violation to $136,532 for a willful violation. That's the reason organizations prefer hiring those who already know the workplace safety rules set by OSHA otherwise they will have to bear the loss of their worker’s inability to comply with the latest safety regulations.
Higher Earning Potential and Career Advancement
Another one of OSHA certification perks is that those who earn these certificates can enjoy high-paying jobs as OSHA also prepares the trainees for managerial positions which can be high paying.
To gain these advanced posts one has to be well versed in the safety needs of a workplace and how they can handle the accidents caused at the workplace. Without the knowledge, there is a high probability of mishaps occurring at the working site which can cause serious legal and reputational troubles for the organization.
Even if you are applying for a lower position if you have the OSHA certification your employer will offer you a higher pay as they need knowledgeable employees who can handle workplace safety well and can save lives. In addition as per reports those who have OSHA certificates are earning more than those who do not possess those certificates which makes it even more important to get your OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certificate.
Moreover, there are jobs that would only hire you if you have OSHA safety certificates and the jobs include
- Warehouse Associate
- HVAC service technician
- Site safety supervisor
- Certified nursing assistant
- Welder
- Construction manager
- Forklift operator
- Rigger
Improved Company Reputation and Trust
Suppose you have to work with a company together on a project would you choose a company whose employers and employees are trained in workplace safety management or the one who does not even follow the workplace safety rules?
Of course, you would choose the first one as you would not want to face any unfortunate event during the course of your project. This shows how OSHA certification benefits organizations in the long run.
As per reports by NCS, 70% of the worker will prefer a company that follows workplace safety rules and cares for the safety of their employees. These statistics show that if the organization follows the OSHA regulations they have the chance to find more employees.
Therefore it is important that the employers get proper certification from OSHA and gain the trust of the worker community around them.
Access to Specialized Training and Resources
OSHA certification programs offer access to specialized training and resources that can be invaluable in maintaining workplace safety. These programs cover various topics, including construction safety, hazardous materials, and ergonomics, providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to address specific safety challenges in your industry.
Additionally, OSHA offers resources such as guidelines, fact sheets, and training materials that can help you stay updated on the latest safety standards and best practices. By utilizing these resources, you can continuously improve your safety protocols and ensure a safer work environment for your employees.
Reduction in Workplace Accidents and Injuries
One of the most significant benefits of OSHA certification is the reduction in workplace accidents and injuries. OSHA training equips employees with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and mitigate potential hazards, leading to a safer work environment.
According to the BLS, employers who implement effective safety programs can reduce workplace injuries and illnesses by 20% to 40%. By training employees in OSHA standards, organizations can create a culture of safety that encourages proactive hazard identification and prevention. This not only protects employees but also reduces costs associated with workplace accidents, such as medical expenses, workers' compensation claims, and lost productivity.
Boost in Employee Morale and Confidence in Safety Practices
Investing in OSHA certification and training can boost employee morale and confidence in safety practices. A study by the NSC found that companies with strong safety cultures have 50% fewer incidents and 48% lower injury-related costs compared to companies with weaker safety cultures.
By prioritizing safety and providing OSHA training, you demonstrate a commitment to your employees' well-being. This fosters a positive work environment where employees feel supported and confident in their ability to perform their tasks safely. Higher morale and confidence in safety practices can lead to increased job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and improved overall performance.
How to get OSHA certificates?
The enrollment procedure for these training programs is easy. Firstly you will decide what kind of training best suits your needs and then you will select any program as per your professional needs. Secondly, you will register yourself in any OSHA Training Institute (OTI) and become a part of their training sessions. Lastly, once you complete the training session you will receive your certification.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are numerous Professional advantages of OSHA certification, including enhanced job opportunities, increased workplace safety, compliance with legal requirements, higher earning potential, improved company reputation, access to specialized training, reduction in workplace accidents, and a boost in employee morale. By investing in OSHA certification, you can significantly improve your career prospects and contribute to a safer, more productive work environment.