How Long Are OSHA 30 Cards Good For? Your Questions Answered
Written by Mary Salatino
If you’ve completed an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-Hour Outreach Training Program, you may have questions about federal regulations and OSHA card expiration.
Many employers, unions and state agencies have their own renewal policies regarding safety cards.
Keep reading to learn about OSHA 30 Cards, when you might need to renew your training and possible state or employer-specific policies. Ready to get started?
What Is an OSHA 30 Card?
An OSHA 30 card is an official wallet-sized card issued to people who complete the OSHA 30-Hour Outreach Training Program. This course teaches workplace safety and health hazards to help employees prevent job-related risks.
Want to take your career to the next level while keeping your workplace safe? Training can help keep you achieve that goal. These two courses are fantastic options for obtaining an OSHA card.
OSHA 30-Hour Construction
Are you a construction worker or supervisor? If so, this one’s for you. The program covers topics like fall protection, scaffolding safety and electrical hazards.
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
Is your industry related to manufacturing, health care or warehousing? If so, check out our General Industry OSHA course. This online instruction focuses on hazard communication, machine guarding and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Even though OSHA 30-hour training is not a federal requirement, many unions, employers and state agencies require it as part of the hiring process. Keep your card in a safe place — it is proof of training completion.
Does a 30-Hour Workplace Safety Card Stay Valid Forever?
After finishing an OSHA Outreach Training Program, the authorized training provider will supply you with a wallet-sized card. This card is valid indefinitely.
Despite federal regulations, many industries consider training valid for three to five years. Check with your employer, union or local regulatory agency to see if you need to take a refresher course. This way, you can make sure you're always in line with relevant safety standards.
Who Needs This Training?
Training is recommended if you are a worker or supervisor in an industry with high safety risks. While OSHA does not mandate the training at the federal level, many employers, unions and state agencies require it for specific roles.
Wondering if this affects you? Workers in the following industries often benefit from this safety education:
Construction
This includes supervisors, site managers and individuals involved in large-scale construction projects.
Manufacturing
Employees who operate heavy machinery or work with hazardous materials. Does this apply to you?
Warehousing and logistics
Workers handling inventory, operating forklifts and managing workplace safety.
Interested in additional forklift instruction? We can help find the right PIT instruction course for you.
Oil and gas
Employees that are exposed to hazardous environments, including drilling and pipeline operations.
Health care
Staff working in environments with chemical exposure, bloodborne pathogens or other workplace hazards.
Industry Summary
Within these industries, the roles that commonly require this training are supervisors and foremen, site safety officers, skilled trades workers and project managers. Does this include you?
Even if your job does not require something like this, you might want to consider completing this training. Doing so can enhance your resume, improve job prospects and help you maintain a safe environment.
When Should You Renew Your Training?
Even though renewal isn’t federally mandated, renewing your training may be necessary or beneficial.
- Employer or union requirements: Many organizations require workers to renew their training every three to five years to ensure they stay up to date with the latest safety standards.
- State or local regulations: Some states and municipalities have their own renewal policies. For example, New York City requires workers to refresh their training every five years for certain construction jobs.
- Safety regulation changes: OSHA and other regulatory bodies frequently update workplace safety rules. Renewing your training ensures you understand the most current safety practices.
- Job change or advancement: If you switch jobs, move to a new industry or get promoted to a supervisory role, your employer may require updated training to match the specific hazard possibilities of your new position.
Make Your Renewal Work for You
If you’re going to spend time renewing your training, why not get the most out of it? Think of it as a chance to strengthen your skills, brush up on areas you don’t use every day or learn how newer safety rules apply to your role.
Before you take a refresher course, take a few minutes to reflect on your current position. Are there any safety topics you’d like to feel more confident about? Have you started using different tools, equipment or processes since your last training? Knowing where to direct your focus can help you get more value out of the experience.
You can also ask your employer if they can provide you with specific areas of focus. This shows initiative, right? Your skills can become even more relevant to your day-to-day responsibilities.
Do you understand how safety training renewal can positively affect your life? Consider renewing today.
State and Employer-Specific Requirements
Certain states, cities and employers require training renewal.
Specific State and Local Regulations
- New York City: Construction workers on major job sites must renew their training every five years as part of the city's Site Safety Training (SST) requirements.
- Nevada: Certain workers and supervisors must renew construction safety training to comply with state law.
- Connecticut: Employees on public works projects over $100,000 must provide proof of training. Extra training is required every five years.
Check with your state’s occupational safety agency to determine whether renewal is required in your area.
Employer and Union Policies
Refresher training keeps employees up to date with changing safety standards, new equipment and workplace hazards.
How to Check Your Renewal Requirements
Staying informed about renewal policies helps keep your workplace safe. If you’re unsure whether you need to renew your training, consult:
- Your employer or HR department
- Your union representative
- Your state’s occupational safety agency
Differences Between OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 Expiration
Like OSHA 30 cards, OSHA 10 cards are valid indefinitely, except for specific state and union requirements.
Here’s how OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 training compare in terms of validity:
Feature | OSHA 10 | OSHA 30 |
Purpose | Basic safety training for entry-level workers | Advanced safety training for supervisors and experienced workers |
Intended Audience | General workers | Supervisors, foremen and workers with safety responsibilities |
Expiration | No official expiration, but renewal may be required every three to five years by employers or state agencies | No official expiration, but some industries and states require renewal every three to five years |
Common State Requirements | NYC requires renewal every five years for construction workers | NYC requires renewal every five years for construction workers |
Advance Your Career
Advance your career with safety training! Our OSHA 30-Hour courses are available in English and Spanish for construction and general industry.
Take the steps to make your jobsite safe. Explore training options that protect you. Are you ready to get started?
This is your sign to get an OSHA 30 card! Sign up today and start your safety training journey.