What is an OSHA DOL Card?
What is An OSHA DOL Card?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the government agency that ensures employees across diverse industries enjoy a safe and healthy working environment. The OSHA Department of Labor (DOL) card is a notable recognition that signifies an individual's completion of an OSHA-authorized safety training program. This blog aims to shed light on the OSHA DOL card, its significance, how to earn it, and why it's a valuable asset for both employers and employees.
The OSHA DOL Card?
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issues plastic, wallet-sized cards to those who complete the OSHA 10 or 30-hour Outreach Training Program. The OSHA Outreach Training Program aims to enhance workplace safety and health by providing workers with knowledge about hazards, how to avoid OSHA violations and their rights.
Depending on the course you take, the type of card you receive once an OSHA safety course is completed will vary. It is now mandatory in several states, such as New York and Nevada, for construction and general industry professionals, and many employers now make OSHA safety training a job requirement.
Do I Need An OSHA DOL Card?
OSHA DOL cards are meant to demonstrate that a person has finished training on workplace risks and safety measures to prevent injury and death. They do not qualify workers for employment. Because of the significant risk of hazards in the construction industry, employers determine whether or not a DOL card is necessary. Entry-level employees are often required to take an OSHA 10 Construction course. OSHA 10 General Industry training may be necessary for other workplaces that present significant risks, such as manufacturing facilities.
If you must complete OSHA training as part of your work, you will almost certainly be required to carry your DOL card on the job site.
How Can I Get a DOL Card?
You must successfully finish an OSHA 10- or 30-hour course in order to obtain a DOL card. In order to get an official OSHA card, you must first:
- Enroll in an OSHA Outreach course
- Finish your training online or in person
- Pass the final examination
When you pass the online Outreach training evaluation, you will immediately get your certificate of completion. Your official OSHA card will be delivered to you afterward.
What Does an Official OSHA Card Look Like?
All OSHA DOL cards are wallet-sized and plastic. The cards are white with a colored stripe (see more below), with a color that indicates the course you took, industry, and course length (10-hour or 30-hour).
All OSHA cards feature the following information:
- Student name
- Course name
- Trainer name
- Issue date
- Card number
- Name of OTI Education Center that provided the card
On the back of each card is a QR barcode that anyone/employer can scan to verify the card is authentic.
What Do the Different Colors of OSHA Cards Mean?
Each OSHA DOL card is printed on white plastic with a horizontal-colored stripe. This is to help distinguish between different training programs, making it easy to identify which one you completed. Here is what each color signifies:
- Orange is used for OSHA 30-Hour Construction Training
- Yellow is used for OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training
- Dark blue is used for OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Training
- Light blue is used for OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training
- Dark green is used for OSHA 30-Hour Maritime Training
- Light green is used for OSHA 10-Hour Maritime Training
- Light red is used for OSHA 15-Hour Disaster Site Training
- Dark red is used for 7.5-Hour Disaster Site Training
OSHA trainer cards are also given to OSHA-authorized training providers. They have a vertical stripe and a corresponding color depending on the industry:
- Yellow is used for Construction Training
- Blue is used for General Industry Training
How Long Does It Take to Receive an OSHA DOL Card?
After completing the course and a course evaluation, it typically takes 2 to 3 weeks to receive your DOL card. To avoid delays, verify your mailing address in your profile. After passing the final exam, the Customer Care Team sends a course completion to OSHA and mails out the DOL card.
How Can I Tell if an OSHA Card is Valid?
As stated previously, recent OSHA/DOL cards come equipped with a QR code printed on the back. By using your smartphone or camera-enabled device, you can easily scan to verify authenticity. If you have a paper card issued before March 2016, you can verify by contacting the outreach trainer who issued your card.
Do I Receive CEU Credits for Taking OSHA Outreach Courses with AdvanceOnline?
Yes, AdvanceOnline Solutions is an IACET Authorized training provider. The number of CEUs awarded is equal to the length of the course in hours divided by 10. The number of CEUs awarded is published in the course catalog and on the course certificate.
Do OSHA Cards Expire?
No, OSHA cards never expire. However, in various cities and states, workers may be obligated to undergo safety courses periodically. Many employers also require employees to retake OSHA Outreach training or "refresher courses."
These refresher training courses can range from every 1 to 3 years. In addition, if you lose your card, you must retake the course unless you replace it within five years after the initial completion date. If you live in a city or state or work for an employer that requires updated training, you can find the date your DOL card was issued printed on the front of your card.
How Do I Replace or Renew My OSHA Card?
If your OSHA 10 or 30-hour wallet card has been lost or damaged, replacement is possible, but specific conditions apply. Replacement cards are only allowed within five years of completing the course, as providers maintain records for that duration. Each student is entitled to one replacement card per course. Because OSHA does not keep track of classes or students, you will need to contact your original trainer or online provider for replacement requests. Bear in mind that they may charge a fee for this service.
If you can't recall your trainer, check with your employer, review old emails, or explore alternative methods. If you can’t locate your past trainer or online provider, you will have to retake the course to get a new OSHA wallet card.
Start Your Journey With AdvanceOnline
Now that you understand the significance of the OSHA DOL card, your next step is getting one yourself! If you're ready to embark on the journey of safety recognition and enhance your career prospects, consider enrolling in our OSHA 10 or 30-hour online courses for construction or our OSHA 10-hour general industry course. Our comprehensive and convenient training programs are designed to empower you with the knowledge and certification needed to excel in workplace safety. Take the next step towards a safer future, and visit our website to explore and purchase our OSHA courses today!
