What Health and Safety Training is Mandatory: 20 Most Important

Every employee has the right to return home safely at the end of the workday—but that doesn’t happen by chance. Behind every accident-free workplace is a solid foundation of mandatory health and safety training. Whether you’re working in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, or even an office setting, the risks are real—and often underestimated. From chemical exposure to fall hazards, machine-related injuries to electrical accidents, untrained staff are just one mistake away from a preventable disaster.

As a Health and Safety Consultant, I have seen the costly consequences of skipping essential training and the transformative power it has when done right. This article walks you through the most important mandatory training programs every workplace should implement—not just to meet regulations, but to protect lives and build a stronger safety culture.

Mandatory Health and Safety Training

1. Hazard Communication Training (HazCom, chemical safety)

Why it’s mandatory:
Under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), employers must educate workers on workplace chemicals, SDS/GHS labeling, and safe handling.

What it covers:

• Identifying hazardous chemicals in your workspace

• Reading and interpreting SDS and GHS labels

• Safe storage, handling, emergency responses, and PPE basics

Practical insights:
When I worked at a manufacturing plant, even well‑marked containers didn’t prevent mix-ups. During a daily toolbox talk, I taught staff a quick “reading checklist”: product name, hazard icons, PPE requirements—cut handling errors by 90%.

Key benefits:

• Fosters safe chemical handling choices

• Reduces spill and exposure risks

• Provides legally defensible training documentation

2. Bloodborne Pathogens Training

OSHA Reg Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1030

Why it matters:
Workers exposed to blood or bodily fluids must understand how to avoid diseases like hepatitis or HIV.

Core content:

• Pathogen types, transmission, and universal precautions

• Proper disposal of sharps and biohazards

• PPE use and biohazard cleanup procedures

Tip from the field:
In a clinic setting, we instituted annual refresher sessions and quick quizzes after a needle exposure, keeping awareness top of mind. Documenting quiz results helped during audits.

Benefits rundown:

• Safeguards against occupational infections

• Ensures compliance with safety regs

• Encourages safe lab/medical work practices

3. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Training (Energy Control)

OSHA Standard: 29 CFR 1910.147

Purpose:
To prevent accidental activation of machinery during maintenance by controlling all energy sources.

Training includes:

• Recognizing energy types (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic)

• Steps to isolate and lock/tag energy

• Communication and verification processes

True-story lesson:
At a paper mill, a team member was injured when a press released stored energy. Post-incident, full crew training was rolled out and shadowed. We even simulated “near-misses”—training without actual risk.

Outcomes:

• Dramatically fewer lockout incidents

• A safer maintenance culture

• Full OSHA compliance for servicing machinery

4. Confined Space Entry Training

OSHA Reg: 29 CFR 1910.146

Why it’s critical:
Confined spaces—like tanks or sewers—can contain toxic atmospheres or trapped energy, making them deadly without proper measures.

Training essentials:

• Defining confined and permitted spaces

• Hazard detection techniques

• Rescue procedures, roles, and emergency planning

Consultant insight:
I once found a team using an empty storage bin for extended work, without permits or rescue gear. After issuing a stop-work order, I facilitated a scenario “crawl-through” to stress planning and teamwork.

Benefits:

• Reduced entrapment risks

• Improved rescue readiness

• Fewer OSHA violations

5. Fall Protection Training (Working at Heights)

Construction relevant: CFR 1926 Subpart M

Why it matters:
Fall incidents are the top cause of death in construction, making protection training non-negotiable.

Training modules:

• Risk assessment and hazard identification

• Harnesses, lanyards, anchors, guardrails

• Inspection protocols and emergency planning

Field note:
On a commercial site, we discovered worn harnesses unfit for service. We immediately held a safety “gear fair” to replace bad equipment, followed by hands-on refresher training.

Value here:

• Major drop in fall-related injuries

• Boosted PPE maintenance culture

• OSHA-aligned documentation

6. Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices

OSHA regs: 29 CFR 1910.331-335

Objective:
Prevent electrocutions and shocks in workplaces where live equipment is involved.

Training content:

• Live electrical hazard identification

• Safe procedures (e.g., voltage testing)

• Use of insulated tools and PPE; LOTO overlap

Pro tip:
We use infrared cameras to inspect live circuits without contact, coupled with monthly refreshers. It’s hands-on and promotes safe habits.

Why it matters:

• Prevents fatal electrical incidents

• Reinforces safe behaviors on energized work

• Demonstrates a safety commitment to staff and regulators

7. Fire Prevention & Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Training

Citations: 29 CFR 1910.38, 1926.35, 1910.3

Purpose:
Ensure employees know what to do if a fire breaks out and how to respond safely.

Training covers:

• Alarm signals and evacuation routes

• Fire extinguisher operation basics

• Roles in EAP: evacuation leaders, muster points

Real-life application:
I once led a surprise fire drill—only 40% evacuated in 5 minutes. We analyzed exit blockages, revised procedures, and lifted the evacuation rate to 98%.

Outcomes:

• Faster, smoother emergency response

• Heightened alertness to fire hazards

• Clear legal compliance

8. First Aid and CPR Training

OSHA Requirement: 29 CFR 1910.151

Why it matters:
Every workplace needs designated responders with life-saving skills.

Training content:

• CPR basics, bleeding control, shock response

• AED use and securing responders

• Specific trauma training in high-risk settings

My experience:
A team I trained used AED and CPR to save a co-worker’s life on-site. Their confidence paid off when it mattered most, and renewed company-wide appreciation for first aid drills.

Perks:

• Increased chance of survival in emergencies

• Empowers employees to act

• Supports legal safety mandates

9. Hearing Conservation Training

OSHA Reg: 29 CFR 1910.95 when noise ≥85 dBA

Focus:
Protects hearing in noisy environments through education and controls.

Training modules:

• Identifying hazardous noise

• Using earplugs/muffs correctly

• Understanding audiometric testing

Case study:
In a workshop with loud CNC machines, we educated staff on proper wear and instituted semi-annual hearing tests. Within a year, the company avoided noise-induced compensation claims.

Benefits:

• Prevents irreversible hearing loss

• Encourages PPE usage

• Demonstrates a proactive safety stance

10. Respiratory Protection Training

OSHA Section: 29 CFR 1910.134 (not in search but known)

Aim:
Protect employees from airborne contaminants like dust, fumes, and pathogens.

Training includes:

• Respirator types, fit-testing, seal checks

• Maintenance, cleaning, storage

• Health surveillance and selection criteria

On-the-ground tip:
We install annual fit-testing days. One employee had an improper fit—correcting it improved comfort and compliance dramatically.

Why it counts:

• Mitigates respiratory disease risk

• Ensures proper use of respirators

• Meets regulatory requirements

11. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training

OSHA References: 29 CFR 1910.132, 1910.134

Why it’s mandatory:
PPE is the last defense—employees must know when and how to use it properly.

Training elements:

• Recognizing when PPE is needed

• Correct use of gloves, glasses, and helmets

• Cleaning, inspection, and safe disposal

Field reality:
One plant switched PPE every six months but never trained staff, leading to misuse. A single afternoon workshop corrected this, dramatically improving compliance.

Benefits:

• Reduces PPE-related accidents

• Promotes equipment longevity

• Strengthens safety culture

12. Machine Guarding Training

OSHA Regulations: 29 CFR 1910 Subpart O

Purpose:
Prevent injuries from moving machine parts via adequate guards and awareness.

Training covers:

• Identifying pinch and shear points

• Understanding types of guards

• Safe interaction and lockout coordination

Consultant note:
In a workshop, guards were missing, and the staff didn’t realize it. We reinstated them and held sessions illustrating hidden hazards, significantly increasing guard compliance.

Advantages:

• Minimizes cut, crush, and amputation injuries

• Reinforces hazard awareness

• Demonstrates active hazard control

13. Trenching and Excavation Safety Training

OSHA Standard: 29 CFR 1926.651/652

Why it’s crucial:
Cave-ins kill more construction workers than any other excavation hazard.

Training modules:

• Soil classification, sloping, shoring, and benching

• Protective systems and safe entry/exit

• Daily inspection routines

Lesson learned:
A crew almost ignored soil changes due to rain. After retraining, they re-evaluated the soil and added shoring, narrowly preventing collapse during work.

Key gains:

• Prevents cave-ins and trench collapses

• Promotes hazard awareness before work

• Saves lives—and fines

14. Emergency Response & Evacuation Training

Under OSHA: Covered under EAP, fire safety, and other regs.

Purpose:
Ensure workers know what to do in a fire, chemical spill, or weather incident.

Training includes:

• Activation of alarms, exits, routes, and muster points

• Rescue roles for key personnel

• Drills tailored to workplace scenarios

Experience-based tip:
We conduct unannounced drills, showing that panic and complacency are common. Discussing results afterward builds ownership and highlights weak points.

Impact:

• Faster, calmer evacuations

• Preparedness for multiple scenarios

• Demonstrates a safety-invested culture

15. Ergonomics & Manual Handling Training

Not always legally mandated, but strongly recommended

Why it’s vital:
Ergonomic injuries are costly—up to $50B/year in the U.S.

Training content:

• Correct lifting posture

• Workstation and repetitive motion analysis

• Stretching and movement breaks

Practical adoption:
At a call center, we restructured workstations and trained staff on posture. Musculoskeletal complaints dropped by 60% in three months.

Benefits:

• Cuts billable injury claims

• Boosts productivity and morale

• Creates a culture of preventive care

16. Heat Stress & Environmental Safety

Importance:
Extreme heat causes dehydration, fainting, and heat stroke—especially in outdoor roles.

Essential training:

• Recognize symptoms of heat-related illness

• Hydration, acclimatization, and rest breaks pre-emptively

• Adjust PPE and work schedules seasonally

Real-world insight:
In Nigeria’s rainy season, workers still wore PPE in the heat. We adjusted schedules to mornings, enforced breaks, and reduced incidents by 75%.

Value-added:

• Prevents serious health conditions

• Cost-effective scheduling

• Shows worker care—morale boost

17. Workplace Violence & Harassment Prevention

Legal requirement: In many regions (CA, CT, NY)

Training covers:

• Recognizing threats, de-escalation tactics

• Reporting procedures and support systems

• Bystander roles and ethics

Consultant note:
A retail client faced internal harassment cases. Group role-play sessions turned abstract policies into real scenarios. Reports soared—so did trust.

Benefits:

• Promotes a respectful workplace culture

• Reduces absenteeism and turnover

• Meets rising legal scrutiny

18. COVID‑19 and Infectious Disease Preparedness

While the specific OSHA ETS has expired, public health standards still require awareness.

Training includes:

• Transmission routes, symptom awareness

• Masking, sanitation, vaccination basics

• Isolation protocols during outbreaks

On-the-ground example:
During a flu outbreak, refresher sessions kept hygiene top of mind. Influenza cases dropped nearly 40% in the season.

Why it’s smart:

• Protects health during pandemics

• Prevents productivity drag

• Supports public health compliance

19. Site-Specific Orientation Training

Also called: workplace induction, new hire safety orientation

Purpose:
Every site has its hazards—make sure new employees know them.

Training should cover:

• Emergency exits, safety equipment location

• Known hazards and mitigation strategies

• How to report hazards and incident procedures

Experience insight:
On day one, we conduct a “walk and talk” orientation instead of desk training. Engagement is higher, recall improves, and near misses decline.

Bottom line:

• Teaches site-specific awareness

• Reduces early-stage incidents

• Sets the tone for ongoing safety

20. Supervisor and Leadership Safety Training

Also known as: OHS management training, safety leadership

Reference: Canada Federally-Regulated Workplaces

Why it matters:
Leaders need skills not just to manage work, but also to manage safety culture.

Training includes:

• Legal responsibility for safety programs and reporting

• How to coach and mentor for safety compliance

• Safety auditing and investigation training

Real case:
A supervisor without safety training let PPE rules slide. After completing a leadership safety course, he introduced shift‑end hazard hunts, and compliance improved 50%.

Impact:

• Shifts safety from compliance to leadership

• Encourages accountability

• Demonstrates organization commitment

Bonus: Ongoing Refresher Training and Recordkeeping

Every training must be:

• Delivered at hire, before the task, and periodically refreshed (annually or as needed).

• Documented properly for compliance and audits.

Conclusion: A Safer, Smarter Workplace

Let’s recap:

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How long should each training run?
  A: Depends—HazCom is ~1 hour, LOTO more like 4–6 hours, confined space a half‑day with hands‑on. Refresher annual or as changes occur.

• Q: Can training be online?
  A: Yes—so long as it covers practical components (shadowing, drills). OSHA accepts online + in‑person combo.

• Q: Who delivers the training?
  A: Certified instructors, internal safety officers, or accredited external specialists, with hands-on expertise.

Final Expert Tips

1. Mix formats: Combine classroom, e‑learning, hands-on practice, and quizzes.

2. Use real examples: Include near‑misses from your workplace for relatability.

3. Track and revisit: Maintain records; use weak spots as drill topics.

4. Engage leadership: Safety starts from the top.

With these 20 mandatory health and safety trainings, you are not only checking regulatory boxes—you are building a resilient, empowered workforce. Each module contributes to a culture that values prevention and continuous improvement.

For help tailoring training to your industry or implementing these programs on-site, reach out—I’m here to help foster safer systems, protect people, and drive productivity.

Stay safe—and keep training!

Related Posts

10 Top Health and Safety Training Providers in Nigeria and Overseas

50 Top Health and Safety Training Institutes For You

10 Basic Health and Safety Training Online in Maryland

13 Preventive Health and Safety Training for Childcare Providers Online

The Importance Of Ongoing Health And Safety Training For Flight Attendants