What Kind of Jobs Can You Get With an OSHA Certification?

Do I Need Certification?

As stated previously, almost all construction, repair, and general industry laborers are required to obtain OSHA certification. In some states employees are required by law to complete safety training that is specific to the hazards present in their workplace. However, while other states strongly recommend it, it is not required.

There are many benefits that are associated with employees receiving OSHA-authorized certifications. One of the most obvious benefits is the removal of occupational hazards. Safety certification indicates that the employees have an understanding of the potential hazards they work with. Safety training promotes a culture that normalizes safe behavior, in addition to improving safety and making you a more capable employee.

Training is one of the most effective ways to keep workers safe on the job. OSHA believes that training is essential to any safety and health program, and employers are required to meet OSHA’s training and education standards. Your employer will always know whether your job requires a certification. If you are unsure, reach out to a supervisor or manager.

The Difference Between Being OSHA Certified and Having an OSHA-Authorized Certification

Having an OSHA-authorized certificate means that you have a formal certificate of competency that was granted under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. It indicates that you, as an employee, have achieved and fulfilled all of the OSHA qualifications needed for your job. Meaning that you have completed an OSHA-authorized safety training course and have an understanding of the hazards that will be present in your workplace as well as how to eliminate or control them.

The term OSHA certified has a separate meaning. Being OSHA certified means that you have completed an OSHA Outreach Training Program (or equivalent) course. This would include, but is not limited to, any of the following courses:

• OSHA 10-hour general industry
• OSHA 30-hour general industry
• OSHA 10-hour construction
• OSHA 30-hour construction

OSHA Certifications Don’t Exist

It is important to note that OSHA itself does not give out training or certifications. The term “OSHA certification” is general and includes OSHA because the certification is approved or authorized by OSHA through a seperate safety training platform that complies with OSHA Requirements. 

Different Jobs & Their Requirements

Every job will have different requirements you will need to meet in order to secure employment. OSHA requires employers to train their employees to recognize and avoid hazardous workplace conditions. They also must be made aware of the regulations applicable in their work environment. In order to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury. Therefore no matter what kind of career you have, you will always be required to participate in safety training that is job-specific.

Heavy Equipment Operator

A heavy equipment operator handles and drives construction machinery such as bulldozers, forklifts, backhoes, dump trucks, cargo trucks, and hydraulic truck cranes. They use this equipment to help with the construction of structures such as bridges, roads, and buildings.

Requirements

Aside from safety training, OSHA does not have any other requirements in regards to becoming a heavy equipment operator. However they do have requirements when it comes to how you operate your machine after you have been trained and certified. Depending on the equipment you are responsible for operating, there will be specific safety standards you must follow. Some more general heavy equipment standards would include:

• Always follow the determined speed limits
• Stay alert while operating
• Never operate a machine while under the influence
• Always keep a lookout for pedestrians
• No horseplay

It is also common that your employer will have workplace-specific policies and procedures in place that you will be required to adhere to. If you are not aware of any in your workplace, reach out to your employer for clarification.

Safety Responsibilities

As a heavy equipment operator, you will have many responsibilities at your work site. Specific responsibilities will depend on what type of machine you will be operating. Some more general responsibilities would be:

• Operating heavy equipment in alignment with the company's operating safety policies and procedures.
• Providing recommendations for maintaining and improving environmental performance.
• Loading and unloading equipment from vehicles and trailers.
• Ensuring company equipment, material, and work site are maintained, kept clean, and stored in a safe manner.
• Completing required paperwork, reporting, and other documentation.

Heavy Equipment Operator Pay

The median annual salary of a heavy equipment operator is close to $46,990. Which can be broken down into pay of around $22.59 an hour. The most a heavy equipment operator makes a year is around $83,190 on the high end. On the low end, the least you can make a year as a heavy equipment operator is $30,660.

Working With Confined Space

There are three different types of employees who will be working in or around confined spaces. The first type of employee is called a confined space entrant. A confined space entrant is the individual who will be responsible for entering the confined space and performing the necessary tasks.

The second type of employee is called an attendant. An attendant is the person who remains at the confined space entry and monitors the entrant’s status.

The third type of employee would be the entry supervisor. The entry supervisor is a competent person who will ultimately be responsible for the permit and all other confined space activities.

OSHA Requirements & Training

All three types of employees are required to take and complete an OSHA Aligned confined space safety training. Once you have received your confined space certification, your employer will provide you with further training that will be specific to your job and your workplace.

Confined Space Responsibilities

Each type of confined space employee will have their own responsibilities in the work environment. However, they may vary depending on where you work. As stated earlier, confined space supervisors are responsible for authorizing permits and other confined space activities. Some more general responsibilities for a confined space entrant are:

• Alert attendants about the presence of hazards and warning signs
• Wear, store, and use suitable personal protective equipment
• Conduct self-rescue methods in emergency situations
• >Communicate with attendants who are outside the confined space

Some general responsibilities for confined space attendants are:

• Monitor work conditions
• Coordinate resources with confined space workers
• Maintain worker count in the confined space
• Maintain constant communication when workers enter and exit the space
• Allow only qualified and authorized entrants to enter a confined workspace

Confined Space Employee Pay

The average annual pay for a confined space employee, regardless of the job they have, is around $42,228 a year. That breaks down to around $20.30 of hourly pay.

Working With Bloodborne Pathogens

According to the CDC, there are many different types of individuals that could be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. For example, some of the most commonly exposed occupations are:

• Correctional healthcare workers
• Emergency response personnel
• Health care workers
• Maintenance and waste workers
• Tattoo artists

Requirements & Health Training

Employees must complete the training before beginning tasks where they may come into contact with human blood or bodily fluids. When working with bloodborne pathogens, one mistake can expose you to a chronic disease that will last a lifetime. Not only do these individuals know how to watch out for and avoid hazards, they must also be aware of how to handle and eliminate hazards. Some other training requirements that healthcare workers will need to know are:

• Exposure control
• Universal precautions
• PPE
• Housekeeping
• Handling hazardous substance