"Safety Training for Life!"
If you have been thinking about trying one of the new computer based training programs for HAZWOPER, you may want to reconsider. On September 11, 2003 the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) issued a document stating that they will no longer be accepting HAZWOPER Training Certificates that were obtained through the use of packaged on line training programs. They issued this statement after considerable discussions with the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Michigan OSHA.
Did you know that (OSHA) does not approve of these types of programs? They have written numerous interpretation letters on this matter. To find out what OSHA's stance really is, please read the following interpretation letters.
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=21635
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=21612
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=24985
OSHA's stance on web-based training has been clear from the beginning. In OSHA's view, self-paced, interactive computer-based training can serve as a valuable training tool in the context of an overall training program. However, use of computer-based training by itself would not be sufficient to meet the intent of most of OSHA's training requirements, in particular those of HAZWOPER. Our position on this matter is essentially the same as our policy on the use of training videos, since the two approaches have similar shortcomings. OSHA urges employers to be wary of relying solely on generic, "packaged" training programs in meeting their training requirements. For example, training under HAZWOPER includes site-specific elements and should also, to some degree, be tailored to workers' assigned duties.
There are training providers on the Internet offering on line HAZWOPER programs that claim OSHA has approved this type of training. After reading the above letters it would seem that this training clearly falls short of the mark established in the OSHA standard 29CFR 1910.120 (e), (3). The ultimate message in the OSHA letters is buyer beware. If an employee is hurt on the job, who will be ultimately responsible, the employer or the on line training provider? The employer! Avoid potential legal actions against your company. Don't fall for the on-line training trap.
Although computers have enhanced the quality of our lives, there are some things they just can't replace. Hands on training is one of these things. HAZWOPER Training is a serious matter. At Metro Occupational Trainers, we will never offer these generic packaged programs. We are committed to provide our customers with the best safety training possible. Our training programs are tailored as much as possible to meet the needs of the individual student. The computer can't possibly replace this one on one relationship.
We are pleased to see that OHSA, Michigan OSHA and the Michigan DEQ have taken a positive stance on this issue.
METRO Is A Member Of The Occupational Training Group
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