How Long Does The OSHA 30 Certification Last?

Do you know that OSHA-30 cards have become a standard for many employers in a wide range of industries? A recent survey shows that 2.78 million workers die from occupational accidents and work-related diseases, while 374 million workers suffer from non-fatal occupational accidents.  The OSHA 30 certification is a safety course designed to educate workers and supervisors about workplace safety and health regulations in various industries ranging from construction and general industry to manufacturing. 

If you are planning to pursue OSHA 30-hour training, being aware of its validity period allows you to stay compliant. You might often hear from your employers recommending you repeat your OSHA training once every 3 to 5 years.  Does it mean your OSHA 30 card expires at some point? Scroll down to find out!

What is OSHA 30-Hour Certification?

The OSHA 30 hour card is part of the OSHA Outreach Training Program. The course provides 30 hours of in-depth instruction on various safety topics relevant to specific industries, like construction and general industry. During the training, you will learn to identify and prevent any of the workplace hazards. The most common participants of the training are,

• Superintendents

• Foreman

• Safety Coordinators

• Project Managers

• Safety specialists

There are two main categories of the OSHA 30 certification card. These include:

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Industry Training: 

This is designed for construction workers and supervisors and covers topics such as fall protection, excavation safety, and scaffolding.

• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Training: 

This category is intended for general industry sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and warehousing. It focuses on hazard communication, electrical safety, and ergonomics.

Read More: OSHA 30 Certification Costs by Industry

Read More: Is OSHA 30 Better Than OSHA 10

How Long is the OSHA 30 Certification Valid?

The OSHA 30 construction card, much like its shorter counterpart (the OSHA 10 certification), does not have an official expiration date. Once you complete the course and receive your OSHA 30 card, the certification is technically valid indefinitely. However, just because there is no formal expiration doesn’t mean the certification is valid forever. 

Many employers and industries require refresher training after a certain period, typically every three to five years. This is mainly due to the evolving nature of safety regulations, industry standards, and potential workplace hazards. As technology advances and new safety protocols are introduced, workers must stay updated on the latest safety guidelines to ensure they are adequately prepared to handle new risks in their work environments.

Read More: Can You Retake the OSHA 30 Test if You Fail?

Ways to Maintain and Update your OSHA 30 Card

Acquiring an OSHA 30 safety card is not a one-time process. Instead, OSHA training should be considered as an ongoing process with a continuous learning journey. To ensure you remain up-to-date about the latest safety practices and regulations, you can consider the following options.

Refresher Courses

Attending regular refresher courses will help you reinforce your knowledge and skills, ensuring workplace safety. Some OSHA courses, like HAZWOPER, require annual refresher training to help you stay knowledgeable.

Read More: What is HAZWOPER Training 

Additional Specialized Training

As you progress in your professional life or if you plan to take on a new job role, you should complete additional OSHA training courses. These specialized courses will help you stay current with the latest industry-specific safety standards and best practices.

Staying Informed with Online Resources

Access online resources to stay informed of any changes in OSHA guidelines and regulations. You can subscribe to a newsletter, attend conferences, and engage in industry forums. This will help you learn the latest information and maintain a safe and compliant workforce.

Read More: List Of OSHA Violations

Reasons to Maintain Your OSHA Card

Even though there is no official expiration date, renewing or refreshing your OSHA 30 certification can be a smart career move. There are several important reasons why you should consider enrolling in regular refresher courses. Let us explore some of them below:

Stay Current with Safety Practices

Safety protocols change over time. Technology evolves, new equipment is introduced, and industries discover new ways to reduce risks. Refreshing your OSHA 30 training ensures that you stay informed about the latest regulations, equipment, and safety protocols.

For example, industries like construction frequently experience updates in safety standards due to innovations in tools, materials, and practices. When you renew your OSHA 30 certification, you can be sure that you are operating with the most up-to-date information available.

Advancements in Safety Principles

The field of occupational safety is progressively evolving with new practices and emerging technologies. Refresher courses will expose you to the latest safety innovations, promoting your ability to protect yourself and your colleagues.

Company Requirements

Some companies require their employees to complete refresher courses at regular intervals. You have to attend the refresher course to meet these requirements and ensure the continuity of your employment. In some cases, the clients of the organizations require specific training standards for their partners. It will become a driving force behind your training requirements.

Career Progression

Many employers prefer hiring workers who have up-to-date safety certifications. With continuous renewal of your OSHA 30 training card, you can increase your marketability and appeal to potential employers.

Some job postings might even specify that applicants must have received OSHA training within the past few years, making it inevitable to keep your certification current if you’re looking for new opportunities or promotions.

Personal Safety

Practicing safety regulations periodically will help protect yourself and the individuals around you. Refreshing your knowledge will prevent accidents and unexpected injuries in the workplace, ensuring personal and peer safety.

Legal Liabilities

When there is a workplace accident, having outdated safety practices can result in legal consequences. Therefore, make sure to demonstrate a commitment to ongoing OSHA training and staying current with the latest safety regulations. This will be a valuable defense for you in legal matters.

State or Local Regulations

Some states or local jurisdictions may have their regulations regarding the validity of OSHA certifications. For example, certain cities or states may require workers to retake the course periodically to maintain certification for specific jobs.

Read More: How to Maintain and Renew Your OSHA Certification?

Optimize Your Occupational Safety with the OSHA 30 Card!

OSHA 30 cards don't have an expiration period. Once you have completed the course and received your certification, it will be valid for life. However, the knowledge and skills can become outdated as safety practices and regulations evolve. Therefore, you can re-enroll in the OSHA training once every few years to ensure compliance with the latest standards and protect yourself and your colleagues in your workplace.

So, while your OSHA 30 card may not expire officially, staying current with your safety knowledge will always be a smart choice for your career and well-being.

References:

1. How Often Does OSHA 30 Need To Be Renewed

2. OSHA 30 Expiration: How Long is OSHA 30 Good For?

3. OSHA Outreach Training Program FAQs | OSHA.gov | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

4. Does OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Training Expire? - Safety Consultants USA