Introduction to OSHA training is useful for private-sector workers, supervisors, and new hires in both general industry and construction. It gives employees a baseline understanding of their safety rights and gives managers a clear picture of employer duties. It also works well as an orientation before hazard-specific courses.

OSHA gets its authority from the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1), requires employers to keep workplaces free of recognized serious hazards. Section 11(c) protects workers from retaliation, and 29 CFR Part 1904 sets injury and illness recordkeeping rules.

Employers must follow OSHA standards, provide required safety training, and record and report work-related injuries and illnesses. They must also pay for required PPE such as hard hats, safety glasses, and hearing protection, with limited exceptions. Employers must give workers access to their medical and exposure records.

Under OSHA, workers have the right to a safe workplace and to be told about hazards on the job. They can request injury and illness records, file a complaint with OSHA, and take part in inspections. Employers cannot retaliate against workers for using any of these rights.

No, an introduction to OSHA course is not the same as an OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour card. Those cards come only from authorized Outreach Training Program trainers. The 12-minute introduction video, offered in English, Spanish and French, is a short orientation to OSHA's mission, standards, rights, and responsibilities.