Outreach Trainer Guide

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Introduction to OSHA
1 hour presentation – Outreach Trainer Guide

We are OSHA
We can Help

January 2024
 Outreach Trainer Guide
Table of Contents

Outreach Trainer Overview .................................................................................... 3

Outreach Trainer Guidelines ................................................................................... 4

Topic 1: OSHA's Mission ..................................................................................... 5

Topic 2: OSHA Standards....................................................................................... 5

Topic 3: Employer Responsibilities ........................................................................... 6

Topic 4: Workers Rights/Responsibilities .................................................................. 7

Topic 5: Enforcing Standards .................................................................................. 8

Topic 6: Reporting Safety Hazards .......................................................................... 9

Topic 7: Whistleblower Protections ........................................................................ 10

Topic 8: Worker Resources ................................................................................... 11

OPTIONAL Exercise ............................................................................................ 12

Appendix A: Outreach Trainer Reference Copies.......................................... 13

Appendix B: Workers Rights Practice Worksheet.......................................... 25

Appendix C: OPTIONAL Exercise Scenarios ................................................... 27

 Outreach Trainer Guide
Outreach Trainer Overview
OSHA's History
Until 1970, there were no national laws
OSHA’s MESSAGE to WORKERS for safety and health hazards. The U.S.
Congress created OSHA under the
Workers need to trust OSHA to fully and faithfully carry Occupational Safety and Health Act of
out: 1970 (the OSH Act). Congress passed
The mission of OSHA is to save lives, prevent injuries,
and protect the health of America’s workers.
the law and established OSHA.
OSHA was established “to assure so far as OSHA's Mission
possible every working man and woman in the
The mission of OSHA is to save lives,
nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve
our human resources.” prevent injuries, and protect the health of
O S H A “ W e C a n H e l p!” America's workers. The OSH Act states
that workers have the
right to a safe workplace and the employer's responsibility to provide safe and healthy
workplaces.
Outreach Trainer's Role Outreach Trainers
of the "Introduction to OSHA" training need YOUR ROLE as
to review and OSHA Outreach Trainer
understand OSHA's mission statements. They
should know as much about the training Emphasize OSHA’s mission statements
audience as possible to ensure the training meets Know your audience; ensure the
or exceeds their needs. Importantly, the training meets/exceeds the participant’s
Outreach Trainer should emphasize that OSHA needs
was established to protect workers. Establish rapport with audience
Convey message of trusting OSHA to
protect workers

DELIVERING the MESSAGE

Ensure references to OSHA are positive and convey trust that OSHA was established to
protect workers
Streamline minimum 1-hour content presentation to best fit the learner’s needs;
emphasize workers rights provided by OSHA
Present OSHA standards as rules that are enforced on employers not workers
Involve the participants in learning activities

Training Topics [Delivery]

1. OSHA's Mission 5. Enforcing Standards
2. OSHA Standards 6. Reporting Safety Hazards
3. Employer Responsibilities 7. Whistleblower Protection
4. Workers’ Rights/Responsibilities 8. Worker Resources

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Outreach Trainer Guidelines
Introduction
This "Introduction to OSHA" is required in all OSHA Outreach Training Program 10-- and 30-
hour classes for the construction, general, and maritime industries.

Outreach Trainers should possess the following knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding the
importance and value of safety and health training for workers and the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA):
 Knowledge of OSHA background, mission, and current standards
 Skills in training facilitation include applying adult learning principles, conducting
active training sessions, building rapport with the audience, relating to the workers by
using industry-specific terminology, and explaining familiar workplace conditions.
 Attitude that is positive and supportive of OSHA and best work practices for a safe and
healthful workplace

Presenting the Training

These materials are to be used as guidance for facilitating the one-hour presentation. The
presentation should be geared towards the audience. There is enough time [one hour] to present
the pertinent OSHA information and conduct the planned activities; however, depending on the
number of participants, the Outreach Trainer may adjust the delivery strategies accordingly. One
option is to practice each topic or conduct the Optional Exercise at the end of the training. To
assist in planning the presentation, each topic is developed using the Prepare/Present/Practice
format. Outreach Trainers should consider displaying the Job Safety and Health It's a Law!
Poster throughout the training hour.

Materials Training Outreach Trainer

Needed Preparation Reference Copies /
Handouts
 Copies of course materials  Review training In presentation order:
needed, including additional materials provided
references, handouts, and  Make copies of 1. OSHA Poster
worksheets from the materials 2. Employers Must
Appendices A, B, and C needed Provide and Pay for
 One OSHA "Job Safety and  Determine target PPE
Health It's the audience to adjust 3. OSHA "Your Rights as a
Law" poster available online training if needed Whistleblower Fact Sheet"
at: https://www.osha.gov/  Establish a plan to 4. "We Are OSHA We
Publications/poster.html involve participants Can Help" publication
in the learning 5. Workplace Mental Health
experience actively Fact Sheet
 Practice training
techniques to build
rapport with the
audience

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Topic 1: OSHA's Mission
Prepare:
Review for understanding OSHA's mission statement.

Present:
Display/distribute the OSHA Poster [Handout #1, App. A]. The Occupational Safety and Health
Act of 1970 (OSH Act) was passed to prevent workers from being killed or seriously harmed at
work. The law requires employers to provide employees with working conditions free of known
dangers. The Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets
and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards. OSHA also provides information,
training, and assistance to workers and employers.

The mission of OSHA is to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect the health of
America's workers. The OSH Act states that workers have the right to a safe workplace and that
the employer's responsible for providing safe and healthy workplaces.

Practice:
Lead a short discussion by asking participants to state why they think OSHA was created and
what they believe OSHA's mission is, and then share and reiterate the true statements.

Topic 2: OSHA Standards

Prepare:
Review OSHA standards.
If possible, plan OSHA standards content according to the audience's needs

Present:
OSHA standards are rules that describe the methods that employers must use to protect their
employees from hazards. There are OSHA standards for Construction work, Agriculture,
Maritime operations, and General Industry, which are the standards that apply to most
worksites. These standards limit the amount of hazardous chemicals workers can be exposed
to, require using certain safe practices and equipment, and require employers to monitor
hazards and keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses.

Examples of OSHA standards include but are not limited to the list below. In a way that makes
sense to the audience, briefly explain the standard and why OSHA has the standard.

 29 CFR 1910, 1926, and 1928 (OSHA standards are online at www.osha.gov)
o They are in the Code of Federal Regulations. 29 is the book assigned to the
Department of Labor; therefore, the OSHA standards are:
• 1910 is assigned to General Industry
• 1926 is assigned to Construction
• 1915 is assigned to Maritime
o General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) explains that this is used when no specific
OSHA standard applies to the situation.
 Noise (discuss that loud noise causes permanent hearing loss and OSHA limits the
amount of noise in the workplace and has requirements for providing ear plugs/muffs at
no cost, hearing exams, and engineering controls).
 Chemicals
 Protective equipment
 Fall protection
 Guarding of open-sided platform
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 Scaffolding
 Right to know
Practice:
Lead discussion on how OSHA standards protect workers. Consider demonstrating the use of
personal protective equipment and relate this to requirements in OSHA standards.

Topic 3: Employer Responsibilities

Prepare:
Review course materials and OSHA standards.
Make copies of the Employers Must Provide and Pay for PPE [Handout #2, App. A]

Present:
OSHA standards mandate that employers must:
 Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards and comply with OSHA
standards
 Provide training required by OSHA standards
 Keep records of injuries and illnesses
o Set up a reporting system; Provide copies of logs (i.e., OSHA 300) upon request;
Post the annual summary; Report within 8 hours any work-related fatalities and,
within 24 hours, all work-related inpatient hospitalizations, amputations, and
losses of an eye.
 Provide medical exams when OSHA standards require and provide workers access to
their exposure and medical records.
 Not discriminate against workers who exercise their rights under the Act
 Post-OSHA citations and abatement verification notices
 Provide and pay for most Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) [Handout #2]
Practice:
Discuss the requirements listed above that would be appropriate for your audience. Refer to
Employers Must Provide and Pay for PPE handout #2.

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Topic 4: Workers Rights/Responsibilities
Prepare:
Review worker rights/responsibilities provided by OSHA.
Make copies of the Worker's Rights Practice Worksheet to distribute.

Present:
Workers Rights:
Most importantly, the creation of OSHA provided workers with the right to a safe and
Healthful workplace. Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act states: "Each employer shall furnish to each
of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized
hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees."

A safe and healthful workplace means removing hazards and training workers. If a risk cannot be
removed completely, protection (for example, respirators or earplugs) must be provided.

Workers Responsibilities:
Workers should know that OSHA holds employers responsible for workplace safety and health
conditions and does not cite workers for violations. However, Section 5(b) of the OSH Act states
that each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all applicable
rules, regulations, and orders. Therefore, workers are encouraged to follow all appropriate safety
and health rules and wear personal protective equipment while working.

Practice:
Distribute the "Workers' Rights" Practice Worksheet/Crossword Puzzle [App. B]; Allow
students time to complete the puzzle and use the answers below to review finished puzzles
with the class:
Across: 4. Exposure; 6. Injuries; 7. Healthful; 8. Correction; 9. Inspection
Down: 1. Hazardous; 2. Retaliation; 3. Training; 5. OSHA

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Topic 5: Enforcing Standards
Prepare:
Review OSHA inspection data, guidelines, and procedures.

Present:
OSHA enforces standards through inspections. The current budget is small —all together
nationwide (with our State partners), there are only 2,400 inspectors for over 7 million
workplaces. At this rate, it would take about 100 years for us to inspect every workplace once.

Therefore, OSHA targets the most dangerous workplaces: industries with fatalities and serious
injuries (e.g., grain handling in Colorado) and construction (i.e., falls).

The OSHA inspection process consists of an opening conference, a walkthrough, and a closing
conference with the employer. Results can take up to 6 months, after which OSHA may issue
citations. These may include fines and dates by which hazard must be abated.

When an OSHA inspection is conducted in the workplace, workers have the right to have a
worker representative accompany the inspector on the inspection. Workers can talk to the
inspector privately. They may point out hazards, describe injuries, illnesses, or near misses
resulting from those hazards, and describe any concern about a safety or health issue. Workers
also can find out about inspection results and abatement measures and get involved in any
meetings or hearings related to the inspection.
Workers may also object to the date set for the violation to be corrected and be notified if the
employer files a contest.

Practice:
Share examples from personal inspection experiences where you have obtained better working
conditions for workers, or ask experienced students to share a brief scenario.

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Topic 6: Reporting Safety Hazards
Prepare:
Review "Ways to Report Workplace Hazards" and "How OSHA Responds…" tables

Present:
Content to discuss is found in the Ways to Report Workplace Hazards table that follows. In your
presentation, emphasize that the first action to report a safety hazard should be to contact your
team leader, supervisor, manager, safety committee, etc. While anyone who knows about a
workplace safety or health hazard may report unsafe conditions to OSHA, it's a good practice to
try to abate the hazard and prevent further exposure before OSHA needs to be involved. The How
OSHA Responds to a Complaint table provides information on how OSHA responds to how a
complaint is reported.

Practice:
Ask participants general questions on how to report workplace hazards. A trainer can use the How OSHA
Responds to a Complaint table to conduct "Speed Rounds" by quickly asking "If the Complaint is…"
questions as soon as participants state the "Then OSHA will…" answer the previous one. Or ask participants
to share an example when they (or a co-worker) have identified a hazard in their workplace and have them
describe what happened.

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Topic 7: Whistleblower Protections
Prepare:
Provide copies of the OSHA Your Rights as a Whistleblower Fact Sheet [Handout #3, App. A]

Present:
The OSH Act protects workers who complain to their employer, OSHA, or other government
agencies about unsafe or unhealthful working conditions in the workplace or environmental
problems. Workers cannot be transferred, denied a raise, or have their hours.

They were reduced, fired, or punished in any other way because they exercised any right
given to them under the OSHA Act. Help is available from OSHA for whistleblowers.

It is recommended that you announce or post the following:

If you have been punished or discriminated against for using your rights, you must file a
complaint with OSHA within 30 days of the alleged reprisal for most complaints. No
form is required, but you must send a letter or call the OSHA Area Office nearest you to
report the discrimination within 30 days of the alleged discrimination.

Practice:
Time permitting, ask participants if they have any stories to share or questions regarding the
Whistleblower Protections information.

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Topic 8: Worker Resources
Prepare:
Review and gather a list of OSHA and other online resources at www.osha.gov. These
include Fact Sheets, Bookmarks, Publications, etc., as well as other worker safety and health
resources available
Copies for all or a few of We Are OSHA We Can Help [Handout #4, 8-page brochure resized to
2 pages in App. A]

Present:
Many resources are available to workers who want to learn more about safety or health issues
inside and outside their workplace.

Because of the rights provided to workers, they can utilize some inside the workplace sources,
such as Employer or supervisor, co-workers, and union representatives; Safety Data Sheet (SDS);
Labels and warning signs; or Employee orientation manuals or other training materials.

Samples of the outside-of-the-workplace worker safety and health resources are:

 Many at OSHA online at www.osha.gov, such as OSHA Compliance Assistance
Specialists in the area offices.
 NIOSH is OSHA's sister agency. Workers can request that NIOSH conduct Health Hazard
Evaluations (HHEs) of workplaces where workers get sick from an unknown cause or are
exposed to an agent or working condition that OSHA does not regulate.
 Healthcare providers can be a resource on the health effects of toxic substances, proper
medical and first aid treatment, and other health-related issues.
 Workplace Mental Health Fact Sheet

Practice:
Discuss the new OSHA publication We Are OSHA We Can Help [Handout #4, App. A]. This
brochure sums up the basic approach suggested for this initiative. Currently, the publication is
only available in English. Participants may have access to family/friends that could translate if
necessary. In addition to the "We Are OSHA, We Can Help."

www.osha.gov to share:

 We Can Help - Horizontal Wallet Card

OSHA 3387 - 2010 (English: PDF); OSHA 3390 - 2010 (Spanish: PDF); OSHA 3399 -
2010 (Vietnamese: PDF)
 Worker Rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 - Fact Sheet
(English: PDF); USTED TIENE EL DERECHO A UN LUGAR DE TRABAJO
SEGURO. (Spanish: HTML PDF)
 Workers' Rights - Vertical Wallet Card
OSHA 3392 - 2010 (English: PDF); OSHA 3393 - 2010 (Spanish: PDF); OSHA
3400 - 2010 (Vietnamese: PDF)

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OPTIONAL Exercise
The Introduction to OSHA is only planned for 1 hour, and to stay within the timeframe, the option
is to practice each Topic as presented in this guide or to forego the individual Topic practices and
conduct this OPTIONAL Exercise at the end of the course.

The exercise consists of reviewing a scenario and discussing the reporting options with the class;
therefore, the timing of this activity is flexible, and the 1-hour training should be completed, not
added to the training.

Directions
 Select one of the scenarios in Appendix C or present one from your experiences.
 Based on the scenario, ask the audience to discuss how they would follow the Ways to
Report Workplace Hazards to determine the best reporting approach.
o Trainer should emphasize the order of reporting options as presented in the Ways
to Report Workplace Hazards table, which is: Start with Contact Team Leader,
Supervisor, Safety Manager; then Phone, Fax/Mail; or visit an OSHA Office in-
person; and the last option of course is to File a Complaint with OSHA online.
 Read some of the questions listed below that, when answered, provide the information
necessary to report workplace hazards and ask if any additional information is needed.
o Has anyone been injured or made ill due to this problem?
o How many employees work at the site, and how many are exposed to the hazard?
o How and when are workers exposed? On what shifts does the hazard exist?
o What work is performed in unsafe or unhealthful areas?
o What type of equipment is used? Is it in good condition?
o What materials or chemicals are used?
o Have employees been informed or trained regarding hazardous conditions?
o What process or operation is involved? What kinds of work are done nearby?
o How often and for how long do employees work at the task that leads to their exposure?
o How long (to your knowledge) has the condition existed?
o Have any attempts been made to correct the problem? Have there been any "near-
miss" incidents?

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Appendix A: Outreach Trainer References
#1 OSHA Poster
#2 Employers Must Provide and Pay for PPE
#3 Your Rights as a Whistleblower Fact Sheet
#4 We are OSHA. We Can Help
#5 Workplace Mental Health Fact Sheet

All materials are available on OSHA’s Teaching Aids under Handout Training Materials.

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Reference #1

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Reference #2

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Reference #2

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Reference #3

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Reference #3

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Reference #3

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Reference #4

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Reference #4

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Reference #4

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Reference #5

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Reference #5

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Appendix B: Workers Rights Practice Worksheet

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Appendix C: OPTIONAL Exercise Scenarios

Construction Industry Scenario

You are a construction worker for ABC, Inc., 1000 Sweet Road, Anytown, USA,

40001. ABC does non-residential plumbing, heating, and air conditioning work. You

have worked for ABC for three years. You and seven co-workers have been installing

sheet metal ductwork in the lower level of the Anytown Shopping Mall, which is

undergoing renovation, for the past few weeks. The site is located in the northwest

quadrant, in the basement of the anchor store, at 555 Times Drive, in Anytown. One of

your co-workers has been operating a 65-horsepower concrete cutting saw in the same

area. The saw is being run in the propane mode. You and several co-workers get

headaches from the fumes whenever the saw is used, and you have told your supervisor

about the problem. The supervisor said that nothing could be done because the General

Contractor, CAB Management, has control over the site, and this job will be completed

in another month. You did some research and found out that exposure to propane in a

confined, unventilated area can cause headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and

unconsciousness. There is no ventilation or monitoring of the air in the area. After

talking with co-workers, you decide to report the hazards.

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General Industry Scenario

You have worked at Ben Brothers Woodworking for eight years as a janitor. Ben

Brothers is at 88 Wren Street, Anytown, USA, 40001. The company makes and

refinishes office furniture. You usually work the second shift but come in early

sometimes. You and at least 3 of your co-workers have been getting headaches when

you work in the warehouse, and the propane-operated forklift is running. You have

had headaches over the past two months, at least twice a week. The forklift operator

told you there are many problems with the forklift, and it needs to be replaced. You

reported your headaches to your supervisor. She told you to go outside until you felt

better and that there was nothing more she could do. You did some research and found

out that exposure to propane in a confined, unventilated area can cause headaches,

dizziness, difficulty breathing, and unconsciousness. There is no monitoring of the air

in the warehouse. There is no union at the facility. You decide to report the hazards.

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Maritime Industry Scenario

You are a longshoreman who operates a propane-operated forklift truck for ABC, Inc.,

1000 Pier Street, Anytown, USA, 40001. ABC is involved in terminal operations and

warehousing. You have worked for ABC for three years. For the past week, you have

been transporting rolls of coiled steel from a storage area to a different section of the

longshoring terminal due to hurricane damage to another part of the terminal. As a

result, you have been working inside the terminal more than you usually do. The area

you work in is confined and crowded due to extra storage. You have noticed that you

are getting headaches and feeling dizzy. Two other co-workers working with you are

also having the same symptoms. You are concerned that the forklift needs

maintenance and have asked your supervisor to have it checked out, but he looked it

over and said it didn't need service. You and your union representative requested air

monitoring of the area, but your supervisor disagreed. There is limited ventilation in

the area. You did some research and found out that exposure to propane in a confined,

unventilated area can cause headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and

unconsciousness. After talking to your union representative, you decide to report the

hazards.

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