FAQ Friday: OSHA Online Course Reimbursement
OSHA training is crucial for IATSE workers to have the essential knowledge and skills to prevent workplace accidents and mitigate risks. When in-person classes are not accessible, online OSHA training can serve as a convenient substitute. In this blog, we answer your frequently asked questions regarding OSHA Online Course Reimbursement, equipping you with the necessary information to make an educated choice about your training alternatives.
What is OSHA online training?
OSHA’s preferred training delivery method is through standard, in-person classroom instruction. However, a list of OSHA-authorized online Outreach Training Program providers can be found on OSHA’s website. OSHA encourages interested students to research multiple vendors on the provided list to determine which program best suits their training needs.
Online training is not the same as video conference training. With video conferencing, interactive instruction is delivered live by an OSHA Outreach Trainer to a group of students who can ask questions in real-time. This is how our distance learning OSHA 10-Hour General Industry and Construction with Focus on the Entertainment Industry classes are taught. In contrast, online training is self-paced and completed by individuals at their convenience. Students can expect to receive a response from their trainer within a maximum of 24 hours after submitting their questions. OSHA requires that online courses be completed within six months from the day you start the course.
The IATSE TTF does not offer OSHA training online, so any course you take online will not incorporate examples from the entertainment and exhibition industries.
Can I take an entertainment industry OSHA course online?
No, the IATSE TTF does not offer OSHA training online. In 2001, OSHA began an Online Outreach Training Program to provide online delivery of 10-hour and 30-hour construction and general industry courses. OSHA also implemented an application process for becoming an authorized online training provider, but due to several issues with online training providers, they stopped accepting applications in 2009. Thus, only eight previously authorized online providers currently provide training.
Any course you take online will not incorporate examples from the entertainment and exhibition industries. If you decide to take an online course, you should consider whether a General Industry or Construction class is best for you. Which industry courses you take could be determined or required by your employer, state, city, municipality, or local union. If none of those entities require you to take a specific industry course, take the one that pertains the most to your craft. Those who build sets—like propmakers, carpenters, and painters—may want to consider taking OSHA Construction courses. Those whose craft does not involve construction elements—like camera operators, sound mixers, and makeup artists—may want to consider OSHA General Industry courses. You should always check with your local union first to see what they recommend or require.
How long does OSHA online training take to complete?
OSHA daily student contact hour limits apply to both in-person and online training. Classes are limited to 7.5 hours daily. Therefore, 10-hour classes must take a minimum of two days, and 30-hour classes must take a minimum of four days.
Will I get an OSHA completion card if I take an OSHA training online?
Yes, Outreach Training Program trainers, including online providers, are required to issue student course completion cards directly to the student within 90 days of class completion. Only OSHA-authorized online Outreach training providers may conduct online OSHA Outreach Training Program classes. The best way to ensure the class you’re signing up for is valid is to browse the list on OSHA’s website.
How often is OSHA training required?
Student course completion cards do not have an expiration date, but we suggest taking an OSHA Outreach Training every few years as a safety refresher. Even though OSHA cards do not expire, certain employers, states, cities, municipalities, or local unions may require that you renew your OSHA card after a period of years. You should check with your employer and/or local union for renewal requirements.
Can I be reimbursed for OSHA online training?
Yes! Reimbursement is offered to IATSE workers who do not have access to a live, in-classroom OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 course. You must obtain a 10-hour or 30-hour General Industry Safety and Health or Construction Safety and Health completion card from the approved OSHA-Authorized Online Outreach Training Providers listed on OSHA’s website.
Once you receive your OSHA completion card in the mail, scan or take a photo and attach it along with your official receipt from the OSHA-approved organization that provided training and your completed application. OSHA online training providers often issue completion certificates after course completion, but we need a copy of your OSHA card to issue reimbursement.
Read more about reimbursement and download the application here →
I haven't received my OSHA completion card, but I completed an OSHA online course last week. Can I submit a completion certificate for OSHA Online Course Reimbursement?
Many online vendors fraudulently advertise OSHA training online, but only OSHA-authorized trainers may teach 10- and 30-hour safety courses and issue OSHA student course completion cards. When you submit a copy of your card, this helps us verify you completed the course through an authorized trainer. We’ll also use this information to update your training record in the Training Tracker.