OSHA 10-Hour Construction covers Introduction to OSHA (2 hours), the Focus Four hazards (falls, electrocution, struck-by, caught-in or between), personal protective equipment, and health hazards, plus electives such as scaffolds, ladders, and excavations. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry covers Introduction to OSHA, walking-working surfaces, exit routes and emergency action plans, electrical safety, PPE, and hazard communication, plus electives such as forklifts, machine guarding, and lockout/tagout.
Key takeaways
- Both versions start with a 2-hour Introduction to OSHA covering worker rights and employer duties.
- Construction centers on the Focus Four hazards: falls, electrocution, struck-by, and caught-in or between.
- General Industry centers on walking-working surfaces, emergency plans, electrical, PPE, and hazard communication.
- Trainers pick electives to match the students' work.
- OSHA 30 covers the same core topics in more depth, plus many more.
OSHA 10-Hour Construction topics
OSHA 10 Construction follows the construction standards in 29 CFR 1926. The course outline includes:
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Required | Introduction to OSHA (2 hours): worker rights, employer responsibilities, filing a complaint, inspections |
| Required | OSHA Focus Four hazards (4 hours): falls, electrocution, struck-by, caught-in or between |
| Required | Personal protective and lifesaving equipment |
| Required | Health hazards in construction: noise, silica, lead, chemicals, heat |
| Electives | Chosen by the trainer, such as cranes and rigging, excavations, materials handling, scaffolds, stairways and ladders, tools, or fire protection |
| Optional | Any construction topic that fits the class, or more time on required topics |
Read more about the Focus Four hazards, the heart of the construction course. Ready to train? See OSHA 10 Construction with Zahid.
OSHA 10-Hour General Industry topics
OSHA 10 General Industry follows 29 CFR 1910. The course outline includes:
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Required | Introduction to OSHA (2 hours) |
| Required | Walking and working surfaces, including fall protection |
| Required | Exit routes, emergency action plans, fire prevention plans, and fire protection |
| Required | Electrical safety |
| Required | Personal protective equipment |
| Required | Hazard communication |
| Electives | Such as hazardous materials, materials handling, machine guarding, lockout/tagout, powered industrial trucks, ergonomics, bloodborne pathogens, or safety and health programs |
See OSHA 10 General Industry with Zahid.
How OSHA 30 compares
OSHA 30 covers everything above in more depth and adds a much longer list of topics, along with safety management for supervisors. Read OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30 to choose.
What OSHA 10 doesn't cover
OSHA 10 is an awareness course. It does not qualify anyone to operate a forklift, erect a scaffold, enter a confined space, or serve as a "competent person." Employers must still provide the task- and site-specific training OSHA standards require.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a test at the end of OSHA 10?
OSHA requires trainers to confirm students learned the material. Online courses use quizzes and a final exam; in-person trainers use knowledge checks and participation.
Does OSHA 10 certify me to operate a forklift or scaffold?
No. OSHA 10 teaches hazard recognition. Tasks like forklift operation, scaffold erection, or respirator use require separate, specific training from your employer.
Can the trainer change the topics?
Trainers must teach OSHA's required topics but choose electives and examples. A good trainer tailors those to the crew's actual work.