Making Sense of Cal/OSHA 10-Hour Certification Requirements

Get the Facts, Bust the Myths

 

 

California’s state health & safety plan is one of 22 state specific plans approved by OSHA. The plan covers both private sector and government workers and is enforced through Cal/OSHA, a Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).  

California employers must adhere to both federal OSHA and Cal/OSHA workplace safety regulations, which is why it is important to understand both.

We've broken down the need-to-know facts and common misconceptions to help you when deciding between the federal OSHA 10-Hour and the state specific Cal/OSHA 10-Hour training – whether buying for yourself as an individual buyer or if you’re buying for a team.  

 

FACT: Cal/OSHA 10-Hour training can be used in place of a Federal OSHA 10

Federal OSHA standards are never more stringent than state rules. Not only that, but Federal OSHA requires state plans to adopt standards that must meet or exceed federal standards.

This means your Cal/OSHA certification is valid anywhere a Federal OSHA is accepted. Different states may have different state-level requirements to follow, but the Cal/OSHA will be acceptable if a Federal OSHA card is required.

To get started in determining training for your workers, you should review the specific Cal/OSHA workplace safety training requirements that apply to your workplace based on the types of work activities your employees are performing and the state where they are physically working.

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) provides several helpful resources for you to reference:

• Cal/OSHA Safety & Health Training and Instruction Requirements 
• How to Find Out What Cal/OSHA Requires
• Important Cal/OSHA Updates 

 

MYTH: You should only get a Cal/OSHA 10 certification if you are in California

That’s not necessarily true.

Here's why some companies choose the Cal/OSHA 10 instead of the Federal OSHA 10:

• You have work or plan to have work in California.
• California regulation is stricter than the Federal regulation, so some contractors decide to follow the California regulations on all projects.
• If your employees need recertification -- it may be worth choosing a Cal/OSHA 10 course, so your workers won't need supplemental training in the future.

 

MYTH: It is hard to schedule Cal/OSHA 10-Hour training

If you're having trouble getting your team in-person training in a timely manner, you may want to consider an online Cal/OSHA 10-Hour Construction course.

Here's some benefits of online training to consider:

• Online training typically costs less.
• Key personnel are not out-of-pocket for a long period of time.
• Online training is easily accessible, self-paced, and available 24/7.

Online safety training ensures that your workers receive the same information, reducing the risk of knowledge gaps.

 

MYTH: All OSHA authorized training is Cal/OSHA authorized

We’re proud to be the only OSHA-authorized online provider of the Cal/OSHA 10-Hour Construction to meet California OSHA regulations.

This certificate-level review of essential workplace safety and health hazards prepares your workers to avoid, prevent, and address on-the-job hazards. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive:

• A certificate of completion confirming a passing score of 70% or higher
• 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) from an accredited IACET provider
• A valid Cal/OSHA 10-Hour Card shipped within two weeks

Online Cal/OSHA 10-Hour training is a proven, simple way for your workers to receive their DOL/OSHA 10-Hour Card.

 

MYTH: You need additional training to meet the Cal/OSHA 10-Hour requirements

With an OSHA-authorized online training provider, an authorized Cal/OSHA 10-Hour course meets California OSHA regulations in one course – no need to purchase or source additional training.

 

MYTH: The Cal/OSHA 10-Hour training only covers the same topics as the federal OSHA 10-Hour training

All of the topics included in the federal OSHA 10-Hour Construction are also in the Cal/OSHA 10-Hour Construction. But Cal/OSHA 10-Hour also includes topics to meet the specific California OSHA guidelines.

Cal/OSHA has the following unique standards that ClickSafety’s course covers:

• Toxic Chemical Handling and Exposure
• Repetitive Motion Injuries
• Heat Exposure
• Noise Exposure
• Injury and Illness Prevention Program

 

FACT: Entertainment workers are now required to get a Cal/OSHA 10

Assembly Bill AB 1775 is a new standard for California workplace safety, requiring employees involved in setting up, tearing down, and the operation of live events at public entertainment venues to have complied with specified training requirements prescribed by of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

All employees involved in setting up, tearing down, or operating a live event at a public entertainment venue must complete Cal/OSHA 10-Hour training or the OSHA 10-Hour training that is applicable to their occupation.

 

FACT: Entertainment Vendors in California are required to verify their employee’s compliance with AB 1775.

California’s entertainment vendors are required to certify their employees have completed the law’s training requirements – which includes an OSHA 10-Hour training. They must verify that all employees and subcontractor’s employees who set up, tear down, and operate live events at public venues have completed the required training and have valid and current certification.

 

It is not always black and white when it comes to following regulations or determining which training is best suited for your company’s needs.

Whether you’re ready to take the course yourself or buy for your team, we have you covered when it comes to OSHA training.