Excavation and Trench Safety Online Training

Online Safety Training FAQs

What does each online class cover?

Generally speaking, each course covers an overview of the topic, detailed explanation of relevant equipment, safe operating practices, common hazards to avoid, and hazard control measures.

How long is the course?

Trainees go at their own pace, but in general each class (including the exam) takes anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours. We recommend planning for two or more so you don’t end up rushing through the exam.

Are these courses OSHA-aligned?

All Hard Hat Training online courses were designed to adhere to OSHA and ANSI training requirements. But it is important to understand that by OSHA-aligned, we mean it follows best practices and safety principles put forth by OSHA. In an online format, it is not possible to cover every code for every situation or hazard across every industry. For this reason, our safety training solutions are tools to further knowledge and help employers train and/or certify their crew.

However, just because a course or program is OSHA-aligned does not necessarily mean a company will be aligned or avoid citations if OSHA were to audit them. There is much more that goes into collective company alignment with OSHA. For example, workers need to be observed applying what they learned in the classroom in the field. This observation/practical exam should be done by trainers, supervisors, or other designated competent persons. Whether you use our training kits or online courses, we provide guides to help employers do this.

Other steps for ultimate alignment may include but are not limited to addressing with your crew any gaps in the training or additional hazards specific to your work situation; creating, training on, and enforcing written safety programs (also known as plans or procedures); and performing regular inspections and risk assessments.

Are the e-learning classes up-to-date with OSHA standards?

Yes, Hard Hat Training online courses incorporate the latest OSHA standards. As standards change, we make changes to the courses.

Does this course certify or qualify me?

There is a lot of confusion among operators and even companies about what it means to be certified or qualified. Simply put, no, a course does not certify anyone. It is the employer’s responsibility to make sure an employee is properly trained, and it is also his or her responsibility to say when the employee is “qualified” or “competent.” Our online courses and training kits are just a tool to help them in doing so.

According to OSHA, proper training must include a classroom portion, including a written exam, as well as a practical hands-on portion/exam wherein the operator is observed operating the machine. Our courses provide the classroom portion of the training. The safety administrator of the company will have access to a checklist which can be used to observe the trainee on the machine. When done successfully, the administrator signs the bottom of the form. At this point, unless further training is required by your employer, you have done everything required by OSHA to be considered by your employer as “qualified” or “competent.”

If I pass this class and exam, can I take my certification and get a job anywhere?

See “Does this course certify or qualify me?” This will depend on your employer. Remember, it is their responsibility to see that you are trained and if there is ever an accident, it is they who will have to prove to OSHA that they trained you sufficiently. Because of this, while some smaller businesses may simply accept your certificate and a copy of your test, they will often require you to go through their own training program. This is their right to do so. It is their further responsibility to train you in accordance with the job, site, equipment, etc.

How long is the training good for?

The timeframe for how long training remains valid depends on the specific topic and OSHA training guidelines. Heavy machinery operators, for instance, need to recertify every three years, while other training courses may have different renewal periods. The expiration date for each training course will be printed on your certificate of completion for reference so you know when to take the training again.

Will I get a certificate?

Yes, upon successful completion of the course and exam, you will have immediate online access to your certificate of completion. You have the option to download the practical evaluations for your specific course. Although the practical evaluation is not required for you to earn online course completion credit, we strongly recommend completing it under the supervision of your employer to ensure your mastery of the safety training topics.

How many people can use this course? Can I play it for several employees at the same time?

Only one employee can take the course. There are many reasons for this, but most importantly, the course is designed to train one employee per OSHA regulations. Also, there is an online final exam at the end that will be linked to the trainee assigned. OSHA requires proof of training, and if multiple people were to sit in on that one course, they would not get credit for taking it.

Are SCORM/Tin Can options available for use on our own company LMS?

All our online courses are SCORM-compatible and can be easily uploaded to your company’s current SCORM-compliant LMS using our SCORM Cloud dispatch service. We do not offer direct SCORM file access to our courses. If you would like more information about how SCORM dispatch works and whether it would be a good fit for your business needs, please contact our sales team at (888) 360-8764.

Can I become a Hard Hat Training reseller?

We do have reseller options available. Visit Become a Hard Hat Safety Affiliate Partner to learn more.

How do I look up my certificate of completion?

So, you have already purchased a course from us, taken the online training, and passed the certification exam with flying colors. Now what?

Simply print a copy of your course completion certificate for your employer and keep a copy for your records. You can log in to your LMS account anytime to print your certificate after you have completed the training.