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703 Introduction to OSH Training
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Online Training

What does OSHA say about online training like this course?

OSHA considers computer-based training inadequate if it does not provide an opportunity for regular student-trainer interaction.

It's important to note that for OSHA to consider online training as adequate, it must provide an opportunity for regular student-trainer interaction (via phone, email, or chat). OSHAcademy training does achieve the intent by providing an opportunity for you to ask questions and receive answers throughout each course.

Not all online training is adequate to meet OSHA requirements for some "how-to" technical topics such as hazardous chemicals handling, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, etc. Online training fails to provide an OSHA-required opportunity to use equipment and practice hazardous procedures. Practice requires a real "hands-on" opportunity using more traditional in-house methods.

For instance, if you complete an online Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) course, you may still need to participate in a hands-on skill demonstration to prove you have gained adequate knowledge and skills to complete a LOTO procedure on specific equipment at your workplace. Likewise, if you completed an online Personal Protective Equipment course, you might have a good idea what PPE is, but you would still need to participate in hands-on practice to prove you have the skills to don/doff, clean, and detect defects in PPE.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-6. What is a primary OSHA criterion for online safety training?