A question was posed to me in an email from a client:

QUESTION
Do you know what the requirements are to get an OSHA 500 course?

ANSWER
The OSHA 500 (Construction) and also the OSHA 501 (General Industry) are OSHA Trainer Courses that makes you an OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer like me. An “OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer” is able to conduct the OSHA 10-hour and OSHA 30-hour trainings. The 500 and 501 courses are only offered through an OTIEC’s (OSHA Training Institute and Education Centers) in the various regions throughout the country. OSHA breaks the country up into 10 Regions. See the breakdown on OSHA’s website. Some regions have multiple OTIEC’s. In Region 1 (New England), there only is one OTIEC and they are AWESOME!  If you’re looking to become an Outreach Trainer, give them a call at 800-449-OSHA (6742) or see their webpage on How to Become an Authorized Outreach Trainer.  The people in that office in New England truly are fantastic.  Each of them knows me personally and will help you if you have questions about becoming an Outreach Trainer.

So in summary, only Outreach Trainers in good standing are able to offer and conduct the OSHA 10’s and 30’s in Construction and General Industry. And the 500 and 501 courses are part of the preparation to become an Outreach Trainer.

If you have a question such as this, post it here in the comments and I will answer it right away if possible. Here is a recent answer to a question I received about training on eye protection.

I’ll write soon,

-Steve

Spanish OSHA Guy!