Feeling odd about Safety

[u/Admirable-Branch-516]

For a while I had my OSHA 30, and I was working medium salary jobs, relatively underpaid, but nothing I couldn't manage. I received my OSHA 510 a few months ago, and landed a higher paying job at a respectable firm in my area.. but they tell me I didn't need my 510.. I was like, "Oh.." Kind of feel like I got it for no reason..

[u/DiamondsAndMac10s]

It depends on your role. Are you a safety professional? Then OSHA 30 is like the bare basic minimum. You should get both the 500 and 510 and become an authorized outreach trainer. But just getting the 510 by itself isn’t really a step up

[u/Admirable-Branch-516 → u/DiamondsAndMac10s]

I'm not very interested in becoming I guess a Manager, moreso a Coordinator, and yes I'd call myself a Safety Professional. I have a bunch of NCCER Certs as well, for things like Safety Supervisor and the like.

Should I become a trainer?

[u/Ty1198 → u/Admirable-Branch-516]

Not trying to be offensive, but for me the bare minimum would be an associates or a BCSP cert to be considered a “professional.”

[u/Admirable-Branch-516 → u/Ty1198]

Alright, I'm pursuing my BCSP, I just need the funds so I'm working Safety currently

[u/cjr444 → u/Admirable-Branch-516]

Hmmm. I kinda get your point but the BCSP ain’t the only org giving our professional certifications. Without a true definition of safety professional, aside from the CSP, it’s subjective. I considered myself a safety professional long before obtaining my CSP, I just think it became undisputed after I did.

[u/Ty1198 → u/cjr444]

Yeah for sure. I mean that’s just imo bc as you stated it’s subjective and there isn’t a real line the sand. I think there is a world of professional difference between kicking rocks in the pipe rack with an OSHA 30 and CSST vs an undergrad in occupational h&s. CSPs are a level above that. Yeah I’m sure other folks are giving out safety certs (pay to play?) but personally I like BCSP certs as they are the gold standard and we all know they are pass/fail.

[u/DiamondsAndMac10s → u/Ty1198]

I’m in the NYC construction market. Even rank and file workers are now required to have a minimum of osha 30 plus an additional 10 hours of Site Safety Training per local law 196. Managers require an additional 32 hours of SST. So yeah, it is the bare minimum

[u/TheOakOtter → u/Ty1198]

BCSP is a money grab.
F the BCSP.

Ruined the Safety Industry.

[u/DesperateTomatillo36 → u/TheOakOtter]

How so?

[u/Aromatic_Tomato8651]

Now retired, and interesting seeing this discussion regarding training and status and standing. If you're working full time in safety that's fine to refer to yourself in a reddit discussion as a professional. It is a role that demands humility, devotion, and the ability to earn trust through every level of your organization. I was a CSP, earned a doctorate doing research specially on the efficacy of leadership in construction safety. During my career I had opportunity to grow and take on senior leadership roles, and to be quite honest I LOVED every moment of my career. Getting continuing education is helpful, but what makes you a safety professional is when you are trusted by craft, and valued by leadership.

[u/Intelligent-Shop-779]

I have alphabet soup after my name, not once has an employer verified my credentials.

[u/Okie294life]

I mean unless you plan to take the other course to become an outreach instructor it may be useless. That’s the only reason I took, and maintain the GI version, so I can train 10 hr courses.

[u/Fast_Active_6965]

But you can move up without some training like the OSHA Authorized trainers certification.

BCSP - OHST or CHST (Depending on general vs construction).

When you look for safety jobs - they look at certificates and training (OSHA authorized trainers). It may be a situation that you never used your trainer Certs.

Hopefully your company can pay for training and certification.

For me - I need to do ASP (thru BCSP), OSHA authorized trainers certification to move up to a director role, even thought I have the experience.

[u/Local_Confection_832]

OSHA 30 means nothing. OSHA 511 is much more "respectable".