Trainer Qualifications
Instructors should be deemed competent on the basis of the criteria below:
- Previous Documented Experience: This includes job descriptions, performance appraisals, and statements from co-workers or managers to validate the instructor's experience in their area of instruction.
- Successful Completion of a 'Train-the-Trainer' Program: This program should be specific to the topics they will teach, covering best practices in adult training principles and offering opportunities to practice delivering instruction in their subject area.
- Evaluation of Instructional Competence: Conducted by the Training Director. In the absence of a Training Director, the Human Resource Manager or another qualified trainer can evaluate the instructor's training skills.
OSHA 1910.120(e)(5), which sets the expectations for all safety training, requires trainers be qualified to instruct employees on the training's subject matter. Trainers are required to either have satisfactorily completed a relevant training program or possess the necessary academic credentials and instructional experience for the subjects they teach. Additionally, instructors must demonstrate proficient instructional skills and a thorough knowledge of the subject matter. Note: OSHA does not certify or approve individuals as competent safety trainers; this responsibility lies with the employer.
The answer is "Not yet."
Obtaining training certification, whether online or in-person, is merely the initial step in becoming a qualified safety trainer within a company. However, this alone is not sufficient. You are eligible to conduct safety training only after undergoing evaluation, obtaining certification, and receiving authorization from your employer. Additionally, for legal compliance, it's crucial to meet specific criteria that justify your certification as a qualified safety trainer by the company.
To meet the qualifications of certification as a safety trainer in your company, you should:
- have the necessary knowledge, training, and experience, as determined by the employer, in the safety topics being trained;
- complete a "Safety Train-the-Trainer" course of study like our 36-Hour OSH Trainer (Train-the-Trainer) Program;
- demonstrate the ability to develop and present training in a manner and in the language that is understood by employees;
- have your knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) evaluated by an employer-appointed competent and qualified person;
- demonstrate, through evaluation by a competent person, that employees have gained the required KSAs to work in a safe and healthful manner on the job; and
- receive, from the employer, and official written certification as a qualified safety trainer.
The employer should appoint and formally certify you as a qualified safety trainer once you have met their requirements. As a result, you become a certified safety trainer, but the scope of your certification is limited to the company and is not nationally recognized.
Note: If you are interested in nationally recognized certification as a qualified safety professional/trainer, you need to meet certain experience, educational, and exam requirements from a credentialing organization like the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. The BCSP awards the Certified Instruction Trainer (CIT) to those who qualify.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-6. Who should evaluate the instructional competency of a trainer before deeming them qualified?
You forgot to answer the question!