OSHA requests input on ‘consortium’ model for online training

Washington — OSHA is seeking public comment as it considers a new online delivery model for its Outreach Training Program.

The outreach program provides instruction on prevention, recognition and abatement of hazards in the construction, general and maritime industries. According to a Request for Information published in the Oct. 8 Federal Register, OSHA initially would limit the use of the new model, known as Online Outreach Training Program Consortiums Model, to its 10- and 30-hour courses for the three industries.

Consortiums would consist of three or four collaborators, OSHA states in an Oct. 7 press release. Those with three collaborators would be composed of the agency, an OSHA Training Institute Education Center and an online provider. Consortiums with four collaborators would include “a stakeholder organization that is interested in developing and offering online outreach training to only their members (e.g., labor unions, associations or employers).” Each member of a consortium would have specific responsibilities.

In the RFI, OSHA lists a number of concerns with its existing online program, including inconsistent training quality, insufficient monitoring and oversight, and public confusion. The agency is asking for comment and information on several aspects of the proposed model, including:

• Modifying the current online delivery model for outreach training
• The scope of online offerings
• Offerings in other languages
• Roles and responsibilities of consortium members
• Requirements of a consortium agreement
• Validating online training content and curriculum
• Ensuring program management and strengthening oversight

“OSHA will use the information collected to assess whether the new model would address issues associated with the existing online model,” the release states.

Comments on the RFI are due Dec. 9.