OSHA 30-Hour Construction
The OSHA 30-Hour Construction course is the benchmark safety certification for site supervisors, foremen, and safety directors in the US.
The Fatal Four Breakdown
According to BLS data, the "Fatal Four" account for over 60% of construction fatalities. Your exam will test heavily on these 29 CFR 1926 standards.
| Hazard Category | OSHA Standard | Key Compliance Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Falls | Subpart M (1926.501) | Fall protection required at 6 feet or greater. |
| Struck-By | Subpart G & O | High-visibility apparel; restricted zones around heavy equipment. |
| Electrocution | Subpart K (1926.400) | Minimum 10-foot clearance from power lines up to 50kV. |
| Caught-In/Between | Subpart P (1926.651) | Excavations 5+ feet deep require protective systems (shoring/trenching). |
Common Mistakes on the Exam
- Confusing OSHA 10 and 30: OSHA 30 requires detailed knowledge of employer responsibilities and competent person definitions, not just basic hazard recognition.
- Trenching Angles: Memorize the soil types. Type C soil (most common) requires a slope of 1.5H:1V (34 degrees).
Scaffold Load Capacity Tool
OSHA requires scaffolds to support their own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load. Use this tool to verify compliance.
Required Capacity (4x Live + Dead)
FAQ
Does OSHA 30 expire?
Federally, OSHA does not mandate expiration. However, many states (like NY and NV) or specific employers require renewal every 3 to 5 years.