This is a two-hour training component emphasizing workers’ rights. It is required content in every 10- and 30-hour OSHA Construction, General Industry, and Maritime Outreach course. OSHA developed the component in support of the Secretary of Labor’s goal of strengthening the voice of workers on the job.

This component has been updated to incorporate the recent changes to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

OSHA Training Institute: Introduction to OSHA INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Frequently Asked Questions

When does an outreach trainer have to incorporate this module into the 10- and 30-hour outreach classes?

The requirement is effective immediately. OSHA will note the requirement in the next revision of the Outreach Training Program Guidelines scheduled for October 2010.

Do I need any other materials for this required training curriculum? 

For security reasons the tests and answer sheets for this curriculum are not included. Authorized trainers may obtain the test and answer sheets from their authorizing training organization, see OTI Education Center Locations Map.

What flexibility does a trainer have in using these materials?

Trainers must follow the learning objectives and integrate all participatory activities into the training. See page i of the Instructor Guide for a list of the learning objectives. Since the module supports the Secretary of Labor’s goal of enhancing the voice of workers in their workplace it is important to engage the students in the activities and exercises, and particularly in each of the major “Workers Rights” topic discussions. A trainer may use other suitable presentation materials in their training. This would allow a trainer to add work-site photos and company-specific tailoring to the presentation. All 12 Student Handouts must be distributed, although some flexibility is allowed, as follows. Handout #1, trainers may download an updated Fatality/Catastrophe list from the OSHA website. For Handout #12, trainers may develop an alternate scenario for the activity covering filing a complaint (Handout #12a, b or c). Trainers may use their own PowerPoint Slides when conducting this training. However, the focus of the training should be on discussion and interaction, not slides. Some questions, exercises, and handouts are based on whether trainers are teaching a Construction, General Industry or Maritime outreach class. Trainers only need to use the applicable industry portion.

Lesson Objectives

Terminal Objective:

Given OSHA historical events and current information, the student will be able to explain the importance of OSHA in providing a safe and healthful workplace to workers covered by OSHA.

Enabling Objectives:

• Explain why OSHA is important to workers
• Explain worker rights under OSHA
• Discuss employer responsibilities under OSHA
• Discuss the use of OSHA standards
• Explain how OSHA inspections are conducted
• Utilize helpful worker safety and health resources

Source: United States Department of Labor, “Outreach Training Program” https://www.osha.gov website. Accessed August 5, 2014. https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/teachingaids.html

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