As a leading authority on safety and health, OSHA has always ensured that employers provide their workers with the necessary training to stay safe on the job. In recent years, with the rise of the internet and the widespread availability of online learning resources, OSHA has recognized the potential for online safety and health training to play a more significant role in keeping workers safe.
In this article, we will explore the key points that OSHA has made regarding online safety and health training and how it can be an effective tool for promoting workplace safety.
To begin with, OSHA has published various advisory statements or opinions regarding online training:
“OSHA believes that computer-based training programs can be used as part of an effective safety and health training program to satisfy OSHA training requirements, provided that the program is supplemented by the opportunity for trainees to ask questions of a qualified trainer, and provides trainees with sufficient hands-on experience.”
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1994-11-22
Online training can be just as effective as in-person training.
According to OSHA, online safety and health training can be as effective as in-person training as long as it is done correctly. This means that online training should be interactive, engaging, and relevant to the specific needs of the workers being trained.
Online training can be more convenient and cost-effective.
One of the key benefits of online safety and health training is that it can be more convenient and cost-effective for employers. Online training can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection at any time, making it easier for workers to complete the training on their schedule. Additionally, online training is often less expensive to deliver than in-person training, which can be a significant cost-saving measure for employers.
Online training should be supplemented with in-person training as needed.
Although online training can be a helpful means of teaching workers about safety protocols, OSHA advises that it should be paired with in-person instruction. This is especially true for skills and activities which require hands-on experience, such as operating machinery or using tools; these tasks cannot always be adequately taught through virtual learning alone.
Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers are properly trained.
Under OSHA regulations, employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers are properly trained to perform their jobs safely. This includes providing any necessary safety and health training, whether it is delivered online or in person.
OSHA provides a variety of online training resources. To assist employers in meeting their training obligations, OSHA has developed a variety of online training resources. These resources include online training courses, webinars, and other educational materials that can be accessed by employers and workers at no cost. It’s important to note that OSHA invests in and ardently advertises these “web-based” online tools and resources, providing a platform for training:
https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/oshasoft/index.html
OSHA has recognized the power of online safety and health training in achieving workplace security. Allowing for convenience and cost-savings, eLearning can be as effective as traditional classes if done correctly. However, employers should consider supplementing digital courses with onsite programs when needed to ensure that their employees are appropriately educated according to company guidelines. To assist companies in meeting these expectations, OSHA offers a broad selection of web-based instructional materials.
