OSHA announced this week that they have introduced new requirements for trainers in their Outreach Training Program. The program, of which the TMC is a member, teaches workers to avoid workplace hazards by understanding and complying with OSHA standards.
From the OSHA trade release:
Formerly known as the “program guidelines,” the new “program requirements” will apply to all Outreach Training Programs, with separate procedures for each specific program. The new requirements include a trainer code of conduct and a Statement of Compliance which requires each trainer to verify that the training they conduct will be in accordance with the Outreach Training Program requirements and procedures. Other program enhancements involve limiting classroom size to a maximum of 40 students, limiting the use of translators to those with safety and health experience, and limiting the amount of time spent on videos during the training. Also, OSHA has imposed limits on outreach training conducted outside of the agency’s jurisdiction, and is allowing military members returning from overseas an additional 90 days from their return date to renew their trainer authorization.
OSHA is also requiring that trainers issue OSHA course completion cards to students within 90 days of class completion. Furthermore, trainers are now required to provide the card directly to the student, allowing students to have proof of training completion to display at any job site and help prevent organizations from withholding the card from a worker. OSHA has also added record requirements, imposed tougher advertising restrictions, and revised the rules for using guest trainers.
Read more about the Outreach Training Program here.
Submitted by Patrick McQueen
Tags: OSHA, Outreach Training Program, TMC
