OSHA Training Courses

We at The Training Toolbox believe that EHS training should be enjoyable as well as informative. We are dedicated to providing training that’s relevant, to-the-point, engaging and entertaining.

Each training topic is presented in plain English with no technical "mumbo-jumbo."

Our training products have been designed for adult learners using proven instructional design protocol. All programs can be readily customized to meet your company’s or facility’s training needs.

• Key features of the computer-based training programs include: Colorful and informative graphics, photos, illustrations, animations or video clips on every screen;
• Voiceover throughout the program;
• On-screen text in a bullet format to highlight key points;
• Frequent interactions, including case studies and exercises, that allow students to apply their newly acquired knowledge to job-related scenarios
• 10-15 question quizzes to verify comprehension and reinforce key learning objectives; and
• An integrated database that captures training records, including test scores, date and time of training, and length of time to complete each course

Key benefits of this computer-based EHS training include:

• Safer work environment
• Reduced training cost
• Increased worker productivity
• Fewer accidents and incidents
• Reduce worker’s compensation costs

This computer-based training is a proven commodity having been successful deployed at all North American operations of a Fortune 500 manufacturing company. Over a 5 year period, this training was used by nearly 7000 employees to address EHS training requirements. During that period, the feedback from both employees and management was very positive. Employees liked the training because it was interactive, entertaining, easy to use and understand, self-paced and helped them to work more safely.

A survey of users indicated that they overwhelmingly preferred the computer-based training to classroom training on the same subject. Management endorsed this training approach because employees were able to complete the training in approximately _ the time of classroom training on the same subjects and much of the training could be conducted on shift rather than on overtime. It is estimated the savings due to reduced overtime costs alone amounted to over $500,000 per year.

This training system was also cited as being a contributing factor to the company achieving a nearly 70% reduction in Lost Work Day (LWD) cases over the 5-year period.

A summary of computer-based training programs either available currently or being produced is included in Table 1.

About Us The Training Toolbox, Inc. was founded in 2002 by a husband and wife team, Jim and Annette Ericson. Jim Ericson has over 25 years of experience in the environmental, health and safety fields having worked for consulting firms, mining and energy companies, the military, defense contractors, and large manufacturing operations. For the 12 years prior to founding TTb, he was a member of the corporate EHS group for a Fortune 500 international manufacturing firm where he was directly responsible for the following: Developing and implementing EHS training throughout the corporation; Preparing of corporate EHS policies, procedures and guidance; and Coordination of the corporate EHS audit program.

Mr. Ericson has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of North Carolina and a B.S. from Colorado State University in Biological Sciences and Education.

Ms. Annette Ericson is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years experience. She has extensive experience in:

• operating room procedures,
• public health assessments,
• auditing,
• personnel management and staffing, and
• computer-based training programming and graphics.

Lift Truck Safety

Lift trucks are powerful machines that help us move heavy materials quickly and efficiently. The size, speed, and power of a lift truck also make them dangerous. Lift truck accidents are second only to highway vehicle accidents as the leading cause of fatalities in industry.

Classroom training and a driver performance evaluation is required by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for all operators of lift trucks and motorized hand trucks. This entertaining and informative, 40-minute course satisfies the general classroom portion of the OSHA lift truck operator training program (29 CFR 1910.178(l)).

Employers must certify at least once every three years that each operator has received the requisite training and is competent to operate a lift truck.

This training program uses animations, interactions, and sound effects to dramatize the potential hazards associated with lift truck operations; to illustrate the unique handling characteristics of lift trucks; and to demonstrate safe driving, loading and unloading techniques.

The course also addresses the importance of regular inspection and maintenance of lift trucks and safe work practices for refueling or recharging these vehicles.

Preventing Heat Stress

Did you know that 2002 was the second warmest year on record. The ten warmest years have all occurred since 1987, nine since 1990.

The combination of heat, humidity and physical activity can lead to serious injuries and illnesses, even death. In the 20 year period from 1979 ­1999, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. Each year, we hear or read about athletes at the high school, college, and even professional levels succumbing to heat stress.

In a work environment, the hazards of high temperature are compounded by manufacturing processes that generate heat, increase humidity and/or involve strenuous physical activities.

This fast-paced, 20-minute training program covers how the body copes with hot environments; how to assess the hazards; the types and severity of heat stress; and how to prevent or reduce them. The training stresses the importance of gradually acclimating to a hot environment, drinking plenty of fluids and protecting yourself from overexposure or overexertion when temperature and/or humidity are high.

During the course, students are asked a series of questions, called "Hot Topics" to test their knowledge on heat stress prevention, symptoms and treatment. The training also uses cartoon images to help illustrate key points and add a little levity to a potentially very serious subject.

In many cases, this training will help to reinforce what you already know about coping with heat stress, but it may also dispel a few misconceptions you and others may have on the subject! This entertaining and informative program is essential for anyone who works, plays or lives in a hot environment.

Asbestos Awareness

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used for its strength, friction characteristics, thermal and sound insulation properties. It has been used to manufacture over 3,600 commercial products.

Asbestos only poses a health risk when its fibers become airborne. An accumulation of asbestos fibers in the lungs can cause a number of serious and sometimes fatal diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Asbestos is no longer used as a building material in the U.S. but was used extensively in buildings and homes built prior to 1980.

Asbestos Awareness training is required for all workers who assist in the clean up and disposal of asbestos-containing materials, maintain asbestos-containing flooring, or work in areas where asbestos-containing materials are present. Additional training is required for employees who remove or repair asbestos-containing materials, or supervise the clean up and disposal of asbestos-related work.

This informative, 25-minute training program describes the different types of asbestos; includes examples of where it was used and how it can be identified; lists the hazards of asbestos exposure and the symptoms of asbestos-related diseases; and identifies the personal protective equipment and safe work practices to minimize asbestos exposure.

The training emphasized that by following safe work practices, employees can work safely around asbestos-containing materials.

Bloodborne Pathogen Training for Health Care Providers

There are numerous pathogens that can be transmitted by contacting the blood or body fluids of an infected individual. The objective of the Bloodborne Pathogens training is to provide health care workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to act quickly, effectively and safely in the event of a possible bloodborne exposure incident.

The most hazardous of the bloodborne pathogens are the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). For each of these pathogens, the training describes how the disease is transmitted, the approximate number of individuals contracting the disease, the symptoms, preventive measures and treatment.

The majority of occupational transmission of bloodborne pathogens to health care workers is the result of needle sticks and cuts with contaminated sharps. This thought provoking training cites health care statistics and describes actual exposure scenarios to help illustrate the nature and extent of this problem.

It focuses on the engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment available to minimize the potential for needle sticks, cuts, and other means of bloodborne pathogen exposure.

Bloodborne Pathogen Training for Industry

There are numerous pathogens that can be transmitted by contacting the blood or body fluids of an infected individual. This Bloodborne Pathogens training is designed for first aid responders and personnel involved in emergency response, clean-up and decontamination activities.

This engaging, 20-minute course addresses how to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens; how to react in emergency situations involving bloodborne pathogens; how to properly decontaminate a site; and what to do if a worker is exposed. This training will also cover proper labeling of potentially infectious materials and proper disposal of sharps and other potentially infectious waste.

The most hazardous of the bloodborne pathogens are the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). For each of these pathogens, the training describes how the disease is transmitted, the approximate number of individuals contracting the disease, the symptoms, preventive measures and treatment.

The training emphasizes that to reduce the risk of exposure, response personnel must always treat all blood and other body fluids as if it were infected with bloodborne pathogens; wear the appropriate personal protective equipment,; and follow safe work practices.

Confined Space

Entering and working in confined spaces is a high-risk job. It is crucial that all employees involved in a confined space entry understand the potential hazards and rigidly adhering to safe work practices and entry procedures.

This interactive, 30-minute training program addresses the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training requirements for confined space entry. (29 CFR 1910.146) This confined space training is designed for:

• Individuals who supervise confined space entry;
• Employees who enter a confined space; and
• Attendants who assist with the entry.

The program makes extensive use of graphics, illustrations, photos and animations to help the student to clearly understand the physical and atmospheric hazards posed by confined spaces; the special equipment necessary for confined space entry; the symptoms of exposure to hazardous atmospheres, and the air monitoring and ventilation requirements in confined spaces. This training also covers:

• Who is authorized to enter,
• How to safely enter and evacuate a confined space,
• When entrants must exit a space and when entry is prohibited, and
• How to respond to a confined space emergency.

Because more than 60% of confined space fatalities occur among would-be rescuers; the training emphasizes the importance of having a well-designed and properly executed rescue plan.

DOT General Awareness

"HazMat" is shortened version of "hazardous material". The Department of Transportation (DOT) controls the transport of "HazMat". In a broad sense, "HazMat" is anything that is capable of posing a risk to health and safety when transported.

All "HazMat" employees must receive DOT General Awareness, Safety, and Function- specific training at least every 3 years. You are a "HazMat" employee if you handle small containers or bulk shipments of hazardous materials, or your job includes offering, accepting or transporting hazardous materials. This program addresses the General Awareness portion of these DOT training requirements (49 CFR 172.704).

This engaging, 40-minute training program using animations, sound effects, colorful graphics and video clips to help "HazMat" workers identify the various classes of hazardous materials; recognize the characteristics and hazards of each class; locate the sources of information to determine handling, storage and shipping requirements; and characterize the marking, labeling, packaging and shipping requirements.

The training stresses the importance of taking extra precautions when handling hazardous materials, such as wearing the appropriate protective equipment, knowing emergency response procedures, and not handling HazMat if the packaging is damaged or labels or markings are missing.

Environmental Compliance Overview

This training is a general overview of environmental compliance requirements for an industrial facility. It focuses on what employees can do to ensure that they protect the environment and comply with all applicable environmental regulations.

This training program includes a summary of air, water and waste regulations and common permit conditions; describes proper handling, storage and disposal of chemicals; identifies methods of minimizing contamination of stormwater and preventing and controlling spills; lists techniques for waste reduction and pollution prevention; and includes management methods for special wastes such as used oil and filters, batteries, and fluorescent lamps.

This training is appropriate for all employees who work in production, maintenance and materials handling. Although not required by regulation, many companies provide environmental overview training to employees on an annual basis. This training also addresses the general training requirements for stormwater pollution prevention (40 CFR 122.26) and spill prevention, control and countermeasures (SPCC) (40 CFR 112.7(f)).

The training emphasizes why protecting our environment and operating in compliance with all applicable environmental regulations is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing, as well. It cites examples of how projects undertaken to protect the environment can also save the company money. The training also stresses the importance of each employee doing his or her part by conserving resources, recycling, and properly managing wastes

Ergonomics for Materials Handlers

Material handling is part of the job in virtually every industry. Much of it is done with the help of motorized machinery, such as forklifts, conveyor belts, and cranes, but a surprising amount is done manually. Unless employees are thoroughly trained in proper lifting technique, back injuries and muscle strains are likely to occur. Back injuries are among the most frequent, and most costly, occupational injuries.

This training is intended for all employees who manually lift and transfer materials, products, or supplies as part of their normal job routine.

This engaging, 20-minute course makes extensive use of video, photos and graphics to illustrate proper way to lift and carry heavy objects and the potential consequences of failing to do so. The course also stresses the importance of using mechanical aids, such as hand trucks and carts, dollies, and wheelbarrows.

The course also stresses the importance of recognizing that some loads, because of their size and/or shape as well as weight, may be a job for two or more people. It points out that, in these circumstances, getting help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.

Fire Extinguisher - Portable

Federal regulations require that employers who provide portable fire extinguishers in the workplace also provide training on their use. Used properly, portable fire extinguishers can save lives and property by putting out a small fire in the workplace or containing one until the fire department arrives.

This fast-paced, 20-minute training is designed for all employees who are expected or anticipated to use fire extinguishers. The training covers the hazards of fighting fires, how to properly operate the fire extinguishers available, and what procedures to follow in alerting others to the fire emergency. The training covers the four major types of fires, the appropriate fire extinguishers to use for each type, and the potential consequences of using the wrong extinguisher.

The training identifies when it is safe to use a fire extinguisher, but more importantly, it describes conditions under which it is unsafe to fight a fire.

Finally, the training describes the four-step procedure for using a fire extinguisher, using the PASS mnemonic: Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.

Fire Safety Refresher - English and Spanish

Workplace fires and explosions kill 200 and injure more than 5,000 workers each year. Fires cause more than 4 billion dollars in property loss annually. The number one cause of fires in the workplace is damaged, defective or improperly used electrical equipment.

This fast-paced, 25-minute training program address the training requirements for Fire Prevention (29 CFR 1910.38(b)(4)) as well as the classroom portion of the Fire Extinguisher training (29 CFR 1910.157(g)).

The course outlines the methods of preventing fires in the workplace and key information that employees must know in order to protect themselves in the event of a fire emergency. This training also covers the general principles of fire extinguisher selection and use and the hazards of fire fighting.

This training is appropriate for all employees, especially those who are expected to use fire extinguishers in their work area to put out small fires.

The training emphasizes the importance of good housekeeping and proper storage of flammable materials in reducing fire hazards. It also addresses the special hazards associated with refueling, welding and other hot work. The training helps employees identify when it is safe to fight a fire and when to evacuate and leave the firefighting to the experts.

Hazard Communication (Worker Right-To-Know)

Hazardous chemicals are found throughout most facilities - on the production floor, and in maintenance shops and in process laboratories. Offices areas may also contain hazardous chemicals. The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires training for all employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal conditions or in emergency situations (29 CFR 1910.1200).

This entertaining and informative, 35-minute training program provides an overview of the hazard communication standard. It covers an employee’s rights under the standard; where to find information on chemical hazards; how to read and understand labels and materials safety data sheets (MSDS); as well as how to respond to chemical-related emergencies. It also includes examples of the types of information to be found on labels and MSDSs and exercises where students use this information to determine how to use the hazardous chemical safely.

This course demonstrates how employees can protect themselves from hazardous chemicals by using engineering and administrative controls, wearing personal protective equipment, and knowing the signs and symptoms of overexposure. It stresses the importance of reading the label and MSDS before using a hazardous chemical and, points out that if they have questions, to ask before they act.

Hazardous Chemicals, Materials and Waste Refresher

When a certain hazardous chemical, say isopropyl alcohol, is being shipped to a facility, it is considered to be a hazardous material and is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Once in the facility, this same chemical falls under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard because it is considered by OSHA to be a hazardous chemical. Once it has been used for its intended purpose and is slated for disposal, it becomes subject to the U.S. EPA regulations as a hazardous wastes. And, finally, when this waste is shipped off-site, the DOT regulations kick in because the spent chemical is, once again, a hazardous material.

The training required by these three different regulatory agencies for hazardous materials, chemicals and wastes can be very confusing and redundant. A common complaint that is heard is, "didn’t we talk about that it the DOT training, or in the HazCom training?" And, to a large extent, they’re right!

Rather than having three separate training classes, it is far more logical (and efficient!) to combine these training requirements into a single class that tracks chemicals through their life cycle and identifies the regulatory requirements that apply during each phase.

This refresher training is intended for all existing employees who handle, manage, process, transport and dispose of hazardous chemicals.

Hazardous Energy Refresher

There are numerous forms of hazardous energy present in an industrial environment - electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic and others. Each of these forms of energy poses significant hazards if uncontrolled. Lockout/tagout procedures have been developed to control each type of hazardous energy.

Electrical energy is probably the most prevalent and one of the most dangerous forms of hazardous energy in an industrial settings. OSHA requires that all workers who service or maintain equipment be trained in both electrical safety and lockout/tagout procedures.

As you might expect, there is significant overlap in the training content for these two regulations. For refresher training purposes, it is logical to address these requirements in a single training course.

By integrating these two training subjects, workers better understand the interrelationship between the two regulations and allows them to satisfy these training requirements in a more efficient manner.

This fast-paced, 25-minute training uses case studies to help workers apply their knowledge regarding control of hazardous energy to real life situations and to reinforce key points made in the training.

Lockout/Tagout Procedures

Various forms of energy, including electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and others, run everything from our telephones to large manufacturing equipment. Each of these forms of energy, however, pose significant hazards if uncontrolled. Serious injuries and deaths may result if a machine starts up, or releases energy, while someone is working on it. Lockout/tagout procedures have been developed to prevent this from happening. This hard-hitting, 30-minute training program is intended for all authorized employees and contractors who service or maintain equipment, or supervise those who do. It address the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for lockout/tagout training in 29 CFR 1910.1479(c)(7).

This training lists examples of various types of hazardous energy found in the workplace and identifies why and when lockout/tagout is required. It also lists and describes each required step in the lockout/tagout process, as well as provision for group lockout, tag-only conditions, and other special situations.

The program stresses the importance of achieving the zero energy state­ a condition in which EVERY energy source has been neutralized or locked out, and where all stored energy in a machine has been released, or controlled. Then, and only then, is it safe to perform maintenance, adjustments or repairs on the machine.

Office Safety

You may be thinking, "No one ever gets hurt in the office, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case. Office workers in the U.S. sustain an estimated 76,000 fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, and contusions (bruises) each year.

Falls account for the greatest number of office injuries, although repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome are on the increase. For these reasons, office workers need to be aware of the potential hazards in the office environment and know how to keep their work area safe.

This training, designed for all office employees, covers the hazards in the office environment, common office-related illnesses and injuries and how to prevent them. It also discusses how to respond in an emergency situation.

The training emphasizes the importance of good office ergonomics in reducing fatigue and injury. It also points out the benefits of taking breaks and stretching whenever an employee begins to feel tired or stiff. Following this training, office employees will understand the importance of safe work practices and good housekeeping in maintaining a safe office environment. Personal Protective Equipment ­ English and Spanish (29 CFR 1910.32-1910.38)

Personal protective equipment or PPE includes all clothing and other work accessories designed to create a barrier against workplace hazards. This fast-paced 30-minute training program addresses the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training requirements for personal protective equipment. (29 CFR 1910.32-1910.38)

This training is required for all personnel who perform tasks or enter areas where personal protective equipment or clothing is needed. This program identifies:

• When personal protective equipment is necessary;
• What type is necessary;
• How to properly put on, take off, adjust, and wear PPE;
• The limitations of PPE, and
• The proper care, useful life, and disposal of PPE.

The training addresses selection, fit, inspection and maintenance of each of the following types of personal protective equipment: Eye and face protection

• Head protection
• Foot protection
• Hand protection
• Protective clothing
• Hearing and respiratory protection

This program emphasizes that PPE is only effective if it is properly maintained and worn. It also stresses the importance of wearing PPE at home and during recreational activities as well as on the job.

Preventing Hearing Loss

Work-related hearing loss is one of the most common occupational diseases in the United States. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 30 million Americans are exposed to hazardous noise at work, resulting in permanent hearing loss for about 10 million workers.

This thought-provoking training program addresses what employers and employees must do to minimize work-related hearing loss.

This training is required annually for all workers exposed to 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) noise levels of 85 decibels (dB) or above. (29 CFR 1910.95(k))

The training graphically illustrates the hazards of excess noise and why employees must wear hearing protectors whenever they are exposed to excessive noise. It identifies various types of hearing protectors available, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as how to select, fit and care for this equipment.

The training also address the purpose of and procedures for hearing (audiometric) testing and describes the other key elements of a company’s hearing conservation program.

This training emphasizes that noise-induced hearing loss usually occurs gradually and may go unnoticed for years. By the time an individual realizes it, it's too late. The program stresses that it is equally important for workers to protect their hearing at home and during recreational activities as it is on the job.

Respirtory Protection

There are certain jobs where employees may be exposed to hazardous airborne contaminants. When engineering or administrative controls are not feasible or do not reduce the exposure to safe levels, an approved respirator must be worn.

This training program is intended for all employees who use or have the potential to use a respirator. This training addresses the classroom training portion of the annual OSHA respiratory protection training requirements. (29 CFR 1910.134(k))

This informative, 25-minute course covers why respirators may be necessary; steps to be taken prior to wearing a respirator; how to put on, use, maintain, and store a respirator; and the limitations and capabilities of various respirators. This training also addresses why respirators are necessary, where respirators must be worn and the general requirements of the respiratory protection standard.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Falls are one of the leading cause of accidental death on the job and are the number one cause of accidental deaths at home. This training program talks about how to identify and reduce or eliminate slip and trip hazards in the workplace. It stresses the importance of good housekeeping in preventing slips, trips, and falls.

This training also addresses the special hazards of stairs, and the safe way to use ladders and scaffolding.

This training is applicable to all employees who work in production, maintenance and warehouse operations.

One of the key point made by this training program is that although the workplace is filled with potential slip, trip, and fall hazards, employees can avoid these hazards by taking their time and following a few simple safety rules.

Traveler's Safety

Traveling to and from the job site may be the most hazardous part of the job for most employees. These hazards can be controlled, however, by following a few important safety precautions.

This training applies to all employees who travel as part of their jobs.

The entertaining and informative 30-minute training covers safety consideration during each key phase of a business trip, including travel preparation; at the airport and in the air; driving to and from the site; and at the hotel and job site.

The training emphasizes the importance of upfront planning and allowing adequate time to avoid the stress, anxiety, and safety hazards associated with rushing to get to your destination.

Working Safely with Electricity

Electricity is so commonplace, that we often take it for granted. It is, however, a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires and explosions.

This focused, 30-minute training course is intended for employees and contractors who work on exposed energized parts and addresses the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for electrical safety training in 29 CFR 1910.331(a)(1-4).

This training uses schematic diagrams, illustrations, and animations to help students to better understand:

• The basic principles of electricity;
• The dangers posed by electricity and the factors that affect the severity of electrical shock
• Special hazards of overhead power lines, and
• How to work safely with electricity, electrical wiring, tools and equipment
• Tasks you leave to the experts, and
• How to deal with electrical emergencies.

The training emphasizes the very real hazard posed by low-voltage electrical equipment such as that found in common household appliances and accessories to help student understand why it is essential to de-energize ALL electrical circuits and unplug ALL equipment before working on them.