OSHA developed guidelines that help identify objectives and set goals for training. While it is not mandatory for companies to follow these guidelines, training programs in health and safety is mandatory. It is preferable for employees to attend mandatory training before beginning work to prevent possible health and safety incidents. Training should cover general safety, health rules, and work procedures. Refresher training must be provided in the event of an accident or near miss.
Trainers should have an understanding of the workplace organization. Appropriate credentials must be provided to verify that the trainer understands OSHA regulations, is competent, and offers prudent safety practices. Safety trainers must remain active in personal professional development and active professionally. Trainers should be matched to employees and get the message across in a manner that facilitates ease of communication.
Trainers should evaluate the knowledge of safety regulations and procedures of employees at the beginning of every session. This evaluation should take place again at the end of the session to determine mastery of the OSHA standards and concepts presented during the training session. This can be done through questionnaires and informal discussion with the students, supervisor observations, and workplace improvements after completion of training. Detailed information of NFPA and ANSI standards must be a part of training and evaluation, according to OSHA.
OSHA requires employers to certify employee training in regulation with OSHA standards. OSHA can ask to see employee documentation records and question employees about training during site inspections. Employers must keep records of all health and safety training. Such records provide evidence of an employer's good faith and compliance with OSHA. Proper training of employees should be viewed by employers as an investment in the company rather than an expense.