Worker's occupational safety and health training and education program (WOSHTEP)
Background and purpose
California has an exciting opportunity, once again, to serve as a national leader in worker protection and injury and illness prevention. Labor Code section 6354.7 includes a provision for the establishment and funding of a worker health and safety training and education fund (WOSHEF) that is administered by the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation (CHSWC).
This program is designed to train California workers to be worker occupational safety and health (WOSH) specialists who will take leadership roles in promoting health and safety in their workplaces.
Program structure
A standardized worker occupational health and safety training and education program (WOSHTEP) has been developed. The curriculum includes core modules addressing topics relevant to workers in a variety of California workplaces, as well as a series of supplemental modules covering specific industries and hazards. Priority will be given to training workers who have significant health and safety responsibilities, such as those serving on a committee or as a designated safety representative, and/or those who are able to train other workers. This training program will be offered throughout California by a trained network of providers including community colleges.
WOSH specialist certification and skills
In order to be certified as a WOSH specialist, a participant will need to take 20-24 hours of training: six core modules (14-16 hours) and a minimum of three supplemental modules (6-8 hours). Descriptions of the core modules plus a list of possible supplemental topics are listed below. A WOSH specialist who successfully completes this training will be able to:
- Understand the importance and key elements of a successful
injury and illness prevention program in the workplace.
- Identify a full range of potential hazards on the
job and uncover root causes of injury and illness.
- Evaluate possible control measures for common hazards.
- Explain the legal requirements for maintaining a safe
and healthy workplace and support an employer's compliance efforts.
- Participate actively in injury and illness prevention
efforts and problem-solving in the workplace.
- Serve as a health and safety resource for others,
including co-workers, joint labor-management committees, unions, and employers.
- Contribute to reduction of workers' compensation costs through promotion of prevention and early return to work.
Core modules
- Module 1: Promoting effective safety programs
- Module 2: Identifying hazards in the workplace
- Module 3: Controlling hazards in the workplace
- Module 4: Health and safety rights and responsibilities
- Module 5: Workers' compensation and return-to-work
programs
- Module 6: Taking action
Supplemental modules
Each supplemental module is two hours or more in length. Completion of the core curriculum and a minimum of three supplemental modules are required for certification.
- Bloodborne pathogens
- Chemical hazards and hazard communication
- Communicating effectively about workplace health and
safety
- How adults learn best: Sharing health and safety information in the workplace
- Preventing musculoskeletal disorders: Introduction to ergonomics
- Joint labor-management health and safety committees
Supplemental modules that are being considered for future development include:
- Noise/hearing conservation
- Workplace stress
- Violence prevention
- Fall prevention
- Traffic safety
Contact
Please contact Selma Meyerowitz at smeyerowitz@dir.ca.gov or (510) 622-3959 if you would like further information about the WOSHTEP program.