OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training: Requirements & Cost (2026)
Complete guide to OSHA 10 General Industry training. Who needs it, what it covers, costs, and how it differs from the construction version
The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training covers workplace hazards in manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, and other non-construction settings. It’s the counterpart to the OSHA 10 Construction course, built around different hazards.
If you work in a factory, warehouse, distribution center, hospital, or any workplace that isn’t a construction site, this is the version you need.
Who Needs the OSHA 10 General Industry Card?
The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry course is designed for entry-level workers in non-construction industries. That includes:
- Manufacturing and assembly line workers
- Warehouse and distribution center employees
- Healthcare workers
- Food processing plant workers
- Retail workers in warehouse-style environments
- Maintenance and janitorial staff
- Laboratory workers
- Any entry-level position in a general industry setting
OSHA doesn’t mandate this training for all workers. It’s a voluntary program. But many employers require it as a condition of employment, and some states include it in their workplace safety requirements.
Unlike the construction version, fewer states have specific legal mandates for OSHA 10 General Industry. But employer requirements are common, especially at large manufacturing and warehousing operations.
What Does the Training Cover?
The General Industry version covers hazards found in manufacturing, warehousing, and other non-construction workplaces. The curriculum follows 29 CFR 1910 standards:
Required topics:
- Introduction to OSHA. Worker rights, employer responsibilities, how to file a complaint
- Walking and working surfaces. Slips, trips, and falls in non-construction settings
- Exit routes, emergency action plans, and fire prevention
- Electrical safety. Recognizing electrical hazards in general industry
- Personal protective equipment (PPE). Selection and use
Common elective topics:
- Hazard communication (GHS). Chemical labeling and Safety Data Sheets
- Machine guarding. Protecting workers from moving parts
- Lockout/tagout. Controlling hazardous energy during maintenance
- Materials handling. Safe lifting, powered industrial trucks
- Bloodborne pathogens. Required in healthcare settings
- Ergonomics. Preventing repetitive motion injuries
- Industrial hygiene. Exposure to chemicals, noise, and other hazards
The specific elective topics depend on the trainer. Some providers let you customize the course for your industry.
How to Get Certified
The process is identical to OSHA 10 Construction:
Step 1: Choose your format. Online or in-person. Both produce the same DOL card.
Step 2: Complete 10 hours of training. Online courses are self-paced. In-person classes typically run 2 days.
Step 3: Pass the final assessment. Most providers include quizzes and a final exam. The bar is low. This is training, not a professional exam.
Step 4: Receive your DOL card. You’ll get a temporary certificate immediately and a DOL wallet card within 2-8 weeks.
Make sure your provider is authorized through OSHA’s Outreach Training Program. Is online OSHA training legitimate? Yes, but only from authorized providers.
Cost Breakdown
Online: $25 to $89. Identical pricing to the construction version.
In-person: $150 to $300. Varies by location and provider.
The DOL card is the same regardless of price or format. Many employers cover the cost.
Construction vs. General Industry: Which Do You Need?
This is a common source of confusion. The answer is simple: match the card to your work environment.
| If You Work In… | You Need… |
|---|---|
| Construction sites | OSHA 10 Construction |
| Manufacturing plants | OSHA 10 General Industry |
| Warehouses | OSHA 10 General Industry |
| Healthcare facilities | OSHA 10 General Industry |
| Food processing | OSHA 10 General Industry |
| Both settings | Both cards |
The standards are different. Construction follows 29 CFR 1926. General Industry follows 29 CFR 1910. The hazards overlap in places (electrical, PPE, fall protection), but the specific requirements and applications differ.
If you’re not sure which to get, ask your employer. They’ll know which standard applies to your workplace.
Career Impact
OSHA 10 General Industry is a baseline credential for non-construction safety. It shows employers you understand fundamental workplace hazards and OSHA requirements.
For career advancement, consider:
- OSHA 30 General Industry for supervisory roles
- Forklift certification if you operate powered industrial trucks
- Professional certifications (ASP, CSP) for dedicated safety careers
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the OSHA 10 General Industry card expire? No. The DOL card doesn’t have an expiration date. OSHA recommends refresher training every 4-5 years. Some employers require it.
Can I use my General Industry card on a construction site? No. Construction sites require the OSHA 10 Construction version. The General Industry card covers different standards and hazards.
Is OSHA 10 General Industry available online? Yes. It’s fully available online through authorized providers. The DOL card is identical to in-person training.
What’s the difference between OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 General Industry? OSHA 10 is for entry-level workers. OSHA 30 General Industry is for supervisors and managers. OSHA 30 covers everything in OSHA 10 plus management-specific topics.