Using tools is a core part of the human experience. But worksite equipment mishaps cause hundreds of thousands of serious injuries on construction sites every year.
Reducing these incidents is essential for protecting crews, preserving property and keeping projects running smoothly. Effective education helps prevent accidents that might otherwise lead to serious harm, damage or downtime.
This 75-minute online session explores common risks tied to misusing gear on active job sites. Topics include manual operation, energized implements like drills and saws, abrasive cutting systems and more.
In addition to recognizing potential dangers, lessons walk through upkeep practices, protective gear guidelines, safe handling techniques and strategies to avoid kickback injuries.
Course Benefits
Make your jobsite a safer place with these online learning benefits:
- Specialized Single-Topic Education for a Common Hazard
- From the #1 Trusted OSHA Training Provider
- 100% Online — From Any Device at Your Own Pace
- Instantly Download Your Certificate of Completion
- Focused, Practical Lessons Based on OSHA Standards
About the Comprehensive Online Tool Safety Course
This 100% online program lasts approximately 75 minutes and provides an instantly downloadable Certificate of Completion. Use your certificate to show off your accomplishment, meet job requirements, demonstrate your knowledge to a supervisor or qualify for a better job.
Specialized safety training makes you a safer, more knowledgeable worker. It protects you, your coworkers and your business from workplace injuries, costly fines and potential lawsuits. By focusing on a single topic, this course helps students and supervisors address specific compliance needs for any situation.
Study at your own pace with our FUSION online learning management system (LMS). FUSION is a user-friendly online service that helps students and employers access a large catalog of self-paced courses using any device with an internet connection.
Bulk discounts are available for business owners looking to train teams of any size, from two to 2,000.
Who Should Complete This Course?
From humble claw hammers to high-end angle grinders, any equipment can cause significant injuries when used incorrectly. Construction professionals should have a broad understanding of the risks posed by common implements, whether they use them or simply work near others who do.
Every role on a construction site can benefit, including:
- Carpenters
- Framers
- Mechanics
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Building inspectors
- Masons
- Plasterers
- Window installers
- HVAC technicians
- Carpet installers
- And more
Learning Objectives
By the time you finish all lessons, you will be able to:
- Explain OSHA's basic safety requirements.
- Identify some of the most common tool-related hazards in the construction industry.
- Describe the proper application and safe use of various types of hand, power, abrasive-wheel and woodworking implements plus jacks.
Testing Requirements
This program ends with a 10-question final exam. To pass, you must answer at least 70% of all questions correctly. If you do not pass on the first attempt, you can try again until you succeed. The test does not have a time limit.
Course Outline
Over eight lesson modules, you will learn about a wide variety of common items, the hazards associated with each and best practices for using them.
The full outline is provided below:
- Module 1: Learning Objectives
- Module 2: The Basics of Tool Safety
- Module 3: Hand Tool Safety
- Module 4: Power Tool Safety
- Module 5: Abrasive-Wheel Tools
- Module 6: Woodworking Tools
- Module 7: Jacks
- Module 8: Course Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a hand tool and a power tool?
Manual tools operate through direct human effort or simple mechanics. These include anything you swing, crank or activate using gears or springs without external power.
In contrast, powered devices require an outside energy source. Examples include battery drills, plug-in saws, gas blowers, hydraulic wrenches or air-powered nailers. Regardless of the energy type, these fall into the same category. You can find further definitions in 29 CFR 1926.302.
Ironically, the size of the device doesn't matter.
Which OSHA standards does this curriculum cover?
Different industries are governed by different OSHA standards. Regulations specific to the construction industry are found in 29 CFR 1926. These guidelines apply to workers involved in construction, renovation, demolition and building development.
Lessons are designed to address major use standards found in 1926 Subpart I, including:
- 29 CFR 1926.301 — Hand tools
- 29 CFR 1926.302 — Power tools
- 29 CFR 1926.303 — Abrasive wheels and devices
- 29 CFR 1926.305 — Jacks
- And more
Lesson content is updated to reflect the latest OSHA standards and industry best practices.
Is this certificate valid in my state?
Yes. Since the curriculum adheres to national OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926), it is valid across all U.S. states. These federal guidelines apply everywhere unless a local authority imposes stricter rules.
Check with your employer or local agency to confirm any extra steps required for your role.
How long does it take to finish?
It will take you roughly 75 minutes from start to finish, including a brief assessment. You can finish in one session or take breaks as needed — our FUSION platform keeps track of your progress automatically.
Study when you want and return at any time without losing your place.
When do I receive my certificate?
Your digital Certificate of Completion will be available to download and print as soon as you finish all lessons and pass the exam.
Showing your certificate to your manager or future employers will demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to building a safer workplace.
Can I enroll a group?
Yes. Employers may purchase multiple vouchers, assign them as necessary, track employee progress and make a copy of all certificates.
Our business solutions — including volume discounts — support streamlined workforce development, compliance tracking and recordkeeping.
Related Courses
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction Course
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Course
- Caught-In/Between Hazards in Construction Environments
- Signs, Signals and Barricades
- Health Hazards in Construction Environments
- Struck-By Hazards in Construction Environments
- Managing Workplace Safety and Health