New York City has recently been experiencing an overwhelming increase in construction-related deaths. As a result, city officials are going undercover and arresting workers with false safety training cards.
What is an OSHA Safety Training Card?
An OSHA safety training card refers to the completion card issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to workers who have successfully completed specific OSHA-approved safety training courses. These cards serve as proof of completion for the training and can be used by workers to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of workplace safety standards and practices.
There are different types of OSHA safety training cards, and the specific card a worker receives depends on the type of training completed.
Some of the most common ones include:
- OSHA 10-Hour Card: This card is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed a 10-hour OSHA Outreach Training Program. It is often required or recommended for entry-level workers in construction, general industry, and maritime industries. The training covers safety and health hazards, worker rights, and employer responsibilities.
- OSHA 30-Hour Card: This card is issued to individuals who have completed the 30-hour OSHA Outreach Training Program. It is typically intended for supervisors and workers with safety-related responsibilities and covers a broader range of safety topics in more depth.
- OSHA Hazard Communication (HazCom) Training Card: This card may be given to workers who have completed OSHA Hazard Communication training, which focuses on understanding chemical hazards and the safe handling of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
It’s essential to note that while these cards can benefit workers and employers in demonstrating compliance with safety standards, they do not replace other certifications or qualifications required for specific job roles.
Additionally, OSHA training cards have expiration dates, typically within three to five years of issuance. After the card’s expiration, workers may need to retake the relevant training to maintain a valid certification. Regulations and training requirements may vary depending on the industry, jurisdiction, and specific job responsibilities, so workers and employers must be aware of the applicable OSHA training requirements for their work environment.
Fraudulent OSHA Safety Training Cards
To work on a construction site, a worker must complete safety training by the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). This is meant to decrease the likelihood of job site accidents and deaths. However, there is a growing problem of fraudulent cards. This results in individuals in dangerous construction settings without the proper training to keep themselves and others safe.
So far, there have been over 20 workers found with false OSHA cards at city construction sites. Several others have been found without cards. The Department of Investigation and the Buildings Department began the investigation due to construction fatalities reaching 18 this year, up from 12 last year. It is an ongoing process.
Call Our Personal Injury Lawyers
At Hach & Rose, LLP, our construction accident attorneys believe that safety standards on construction sites should be high. If you were injured on a job site due to a lack of safety regulations, please call (212) 779-0057 today. Our New York lawyers are experienced and dedicated attorneys who want to fight for the compensation our clients deserve.