Meet Worksite Safety Standards and Earn Your Credentials
OSHA requires workers to complete proper training before working with all major classes of large machinery. Our online, video-based lessons make it easy to meet federal requirements and advance your career.
Get certified, unlock job opportunities and work safely — all without setting foot in a classroom. Simply choose the type of equipment you want to work with, sign up and start learning.
Excavator
Learn how to operate excavators safely. Topics include everything you need to know to use and stabilize the device while avoiding major hazards. Master OSHA-aligned safety principles and industry best practices for excavation tools.
Skid Steer
All skid steer users must complete safety training before working with these versatile, agile vehicles. Complete this course to avoid common mistakes, follow regulations and work more efficiently behind the controls of any skid steer.
Dump Truck
Dump truck drivers can fulfill credentialing requirements entirely online. This two-hour curriculum covers crucial topics like balancing, maneuvering, common hazards and spotter coordination.
Backhoe
This interactive backhoe primer teaches the core safety knowledge and technical skills needed to effectively use this essential digger. Participants will explore signaling, guidance, stabilization and proper shutdown steps.
Front-End Loader
Handle a loader with confidence! Lessons focus on proactive hazard awareness, detailed inspection procedures, spotter communication and more. Content aligns with OSHA expectations for initial instruction and retraining.
Certification Training Courses FAQs
What counts as large-scale machinery under OSHA guidelines?
The administration doesn't offer a single definition that covers all possible designs and functions. Instead, this catch-all typically includes powerful site vehicles used for digging, hauling, lifting and similar work. Think excavators, loaders and dump trucks — all of which we address in these programs.
Who needs these courses?
Only trained and competent employees may control powered industrial machinery.
U.S. regulations, such as 29 CFR 1926.602, require individuals in these roles to go through a structured education that covers operation, risk prevention, basic care and other vital topics.
Under 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2), employers must also educate team members about job-related dangers they might encounter on their worksite.
Are there any additional requirements?
Aspiring operators must be at least 18 years old. Most employers also require a high school diploma or GED. Other than the training requirements mentioned in the OSHA standards above, there are no formal post-secondary educational standards or official licenses for operating most of these vehicles.
After earning a safety certification, hard work, on-the-job training and experience are necessary to successfully operate heavy machines. If you are interested in further training, you may wish to pursue an apprenticeship, join a union or seek vocational training.
Do I need a driver's license?
Usually no. Most classes of heavy equipment, like backhoes and skid steers, can be used on a worksite without a driver's license.
However, some large vehicles may require a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate on public roads. Any operator of a commercial vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more must hold a CDL Class B in addition to the required safety certification.
Are these programs recognized by OSHA?
OSHA doesn't formally endorse providers, but our material reflects published federal safety practices.
These offerings meet federal hazard awareness and tool use standards employers are expected to follow when educating team members on job-specific functions.
Is this certification valid in my state?
Yes. These safety certificates and wallet-sized cards meet federal safety training requirements and are accepted nationwide. You do not have to repeat your training if you move to a different state or territory.
Your state, local government or employer may have their own laws or heavy equipment training requirements. Contact your manager or local government for more information.
Does this expire?
No. Neither the certificate nor the wallet card have a set expiration date. But that doesn't mean you will never need to refresh your education. After initial certification, you should undergo retraining every three years to stay current with evolving safety expectations.