The OSHA 155-Hour General Industry Safety and Health program is a comprehensive training course designed for professionals working across various sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, healthcare, utilities, and more. General industry environments often involve diverse operations with potential hazards that require strong safety management. This program provides learners with the knowledge, skills, and practical understanding of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards to help prevent workplace accidents, ensure regulatory compliance, and create a safer working environment.
Covering 155 hours of structured learning, the course focuses on critical safety areas including hazard identification, risk assessment, personal protective equipment (PPE), machine guarding, electrical safety, ergonomics, chemical handling, fire prevention, emergency response, and safety auditing. Learners gain not only regulatory knowledge but also practical insights into developing and implementing safety programs tailored to their workplace.
One of the key features of this program is its broad industry relevance. Unlike sector-specific courses (such as oil and gas or construction), the OSHA General Industry program is applicable to a wide range of workplaces. Whether dealing with machinery, hazardous materials, electrical systems, or ergonomic challenges, participants learn how to recognize risks and implement preventive measures effectively.
The course is highly suitable for safety officers, supervisors, managers, engineers, HR professionals, and anyone responsible for workplace health and safety compliance. It equips learners with the tools to conduct safety inspections, deliver employee training, and respond effectively to incidents while fostering a proactive safety culture.
By completing this program, participants demonstrate their commitment to occupational safety and compliance, making them valuable assets in today’s workforce. The OSHA 155-Hour General Industry Safety and Health program not only strengthens professional credibility but also contributes to long-term organizational success by reducing workplace risks, enhancing productivity, and protecting employee well-being.
Course Overview
The OSHA 155-Hour General Industry Safety and Health consists of 12 mandatory units which are as follows.
- Introduction to OSHA and General Industry Safety Standards (10 Hours)
- Hazard Communication and Chemical Safety (HAZCOM) (15 Hours)
- Workplace Hazard Identification and Risk Management (15 Hours)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (10 Hours)
- Fire Safety and Emergency Response (10 Hours)
- Electrical Safety and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures (10 Hours)
- Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Prevention (15 Hours)
- Machine Guarding and Equipment Safety (15 Hours)
- Incident Reporting, Investigation, and Root Cause Analysis (15 Hours)
- Workplace Environmental Safety and Hazardous Waste Management (15 Hours)
- Safety Auditing and Compliance Inspections (15 Hours)
- Creating a Safety Culture and Employee Training (10 Hours)
- loyee Training (15 Hours)
Learning Outcomes for OSHA 155-Hour General Industry Safety and Health
Here are the learning outcomes for the OSHA 155-Hour General Industry Safety and Health:
1. Introduction to OSHA and General Industry Safety Standards (10 Hours)
- Understand the role and purpose of OSHA in workplace safety.
- Interpret general industry OSHA regulations and their application.
- Recognize employer and employee responsibilities under OSHA standards.
- Apply OSHA’s General Duty Clause to workplace safety situations.
2. Hazard Communication and Chemical Safety (HAZCOM) (15 Hours)
- Understand the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.
- Interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and labeling requirements.
- Apply safe chemical storage, handling, and usage practices.
- Reduce risks associated with toxic and hazardous substances.
3. Workplace Hazard Identification and Risk Management (15 Hours)
- Identify common workplace hazards across general industries.
- Conduct risk assessments and evaluate hazard severity.
- Apply risk control measures to minimize workplace accidents.
- Develop strategies for proactive hazard prevention.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (10 Hours)
- Recognize different types of PPE and their applications.
- Select appropriate PPE for specific workplace hazards.
- Demonstrate correct usage, maintenance, and storage of PPE.
- Evaluate PPE programs for compliance and effectiveness.
5. Fire Safety and Emergency Response (10 Hours)
- Understand fire prevention measures in general industry.
- Apply fire safety protocols, including extinguisher use and evacuation.
- Develop workplace emergency response and evacuation plans.
- Respond effectively to fire-related emergencies.
6. Electrical Safety and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures (10 Hours)
- Recognize electrical hazards and OSHA electrical standards.
- Apply safe work practices around energized equipment.
- Implement lockout/tagout procedures to control hazardous energy.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy standard.
7. Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Prevention (15 Hours)
- Understand the principles of workplace ergonomics.
- Identify risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
- Apply ergonomic interventions to reduce strain and injury.
- Develop ergonomic programs to enhance worker well-being.
8. Machine Guarding and Equipment Safety (15 Hours)
- Recognize machine hazards such as pinch points and rotating parts.
- Apply OSHA’s machine guarding requirements.
- Evaluate equipment safety and implement proper guarding measures.
- Prevent accidents through safe equipment operation practices.
9. Incident Reporting, Investigation, and Root Cause Analysis (15 Hours)
- Apply OSHA’s incident reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
- Conduct thorough incident investigations.
- Perform root cause analysis to identify underlying safety issues.
- Recommend corrective and preventive measures.
10. Workplace Environmental Safety and Hazardous Waste Management (15 Hours)
- Understand OSHA and EPA requirements for environmental safety.
- Identify workplace environmental hazards, including noise, air, and waste.
- Apply safe hazardous waste handling and disposal methods.
- Develop workplace environmental protection strategies.
11. Safety Auditing and Compliance Inspections (15 Hours)
- Conduct internal safety audits and inspections effectively.
- Identify areas of non-compliance with OSHA standards.
- Develop corrective action plans for compliance.
- Enhance workplace safety through continuous auditing.
12. Creating a Safety Culture and Employee Training (10 Hours)
- Understand the importance of a positive safety culture.
- Develop effective employee safety training programs.
- Foster employee engagement and accountability in safety.
- Lead initiatives that encourage long-term workplace safety practices.
Course Benefits of OSHA 155-Hour General Industry Safety and Health
Here are the key benefits of the OSHA 155-Hour General Industry Safety and Health:
- Comprehensive Knowledge of OSHA Standards – Gain a strong understanding of general industry OSHA regulations and compliance requirements.
- Improved Workplace Safety Skills – Learn practical methods to identify, assess, and control workplace hazards.
- Career Advancement Opportunities – Enhance qualifications for safety roles such as Safety Officer, HSE Coordinator, or Compliance Specialist.
- Increased Employability – OSHA certification is widely recognized and valued by employers in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, healthcare, and other general industries.
- Enhanced Risk Management – Equip yourself with the ability to reduce workplace accidents, incidents, and costly downtime.
- Confidence in Safety Leadership – Develop skills to lead safety initiatives, audits, and employee training programs.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance – Ensure workplaces meet federal OSHA requirements, avoiding penalties and fines.
- Practical Problem-Solving Skills – Apply incident investigation and root cause analysis techniques to prevent recurrence of hazards.
- Contribution to a Safety Culture – Play an active role in fostering a safe, productive, and sustainable work environment.
- Pathway to Advanced Certifications – Build a strong foundation for further professional certifications like NEBOSH, IOSH, or ISO 45001.
Here are the future progression opportunities after completing the OSHA 155-Hour General Industry Safety and Health:
- Career Pathways
- Safety Officer / HSE Officer in manufacturing, logistics, or healthcare.
- Compliance Specialist or Safety Coordinator ensuring OSHA compliance.
- Risk Management Professional in general industry operations.
- Safety Trainer or Auditor within organizations.
- Advanced Certifications & Training
- Progress to higher-level OSHA certifications (e.g., OSHA 510/511 or OSHA Outreach Trainer).
- Pursue NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) for global recognition.
- Obtain IOSH Managing Safely or ISO 45001 Lead Auditor certification.
- Specialize in fields like Fire Safety, Ergonomics, or Hazardous Waste Management.
- Educational Progression
- Build a foundation for advanced diplomas in Occupational Health and Safety.
- Progress toward Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, or Industrial Engineering.
- Professional Growth
- Qualify for supervisory and managerial HSE positions.
- Enhance credibility as a safety leader within organizations.
- Open opportunities to work internationally, as OSHA standards are widely recognized.
