Understanding OSHA, Safety Certifications

Many people have a rough idea of the mission and purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and safety certification organizations like BCSP, but what may not be as apparent is what distinguishes the two organizations. Below are what make BCSP and OSHA special, and links to helpful resources from both organizations.

OSHA is a government entity, part of the United States Department of Labor, and it exists to ensure safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards while also providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. In short, OSHA protects the rights of workers and supplies stakeholders with guidelines and resources to strengthen their safety programs.

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) is a not-for-profit organization that develops leaders in safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) practice through globally accredited certifications. BCSP certifications are achieved through experience requirements and examinations and maintained through recertification requirements. Those holding certification demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills to identify workplace hazards and ways to prevent workplace injuries and incidents. We are creating leaders in safety that will advance the safety profession all over the globe!

OSHA provides education and trainings designed to provide basic safety awareness and guidelines for all employees. BCSP provides 10 globally accredited certifications and designations designed to give current or future SH&E professionals an advanced knowledge of safety practices and prevention, as well as a  leg-up in earning potential. BCSP also provides discounts and benefits for  military service members,  students, and  organizations.

Representing and advocating for safety professionalism, BCSP also offers programs and products such as the Credential Holder Directory, academic database, STS/STSC Sponsorship Program, BCSP Foundation, and more. Visit bcsp.org to learn more!The organizations are distinct, but our end goal is the same. BCSP and OSHA formed a partnership in 2018 in an effort to best protect workers’ safety and health. BCSP continually works with OSHA to engage safety and health professionals with outreach initiatives like the Safe + Sound Campaign (August 10-16, 2020) and the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. Together, we spread awareness and education that prevent workplace injuries and ensure that every worker goes home safely at the end of each day.

Did You Know?

The OSHA 30 training may qualify you for BCSP certification! One of the requirements to sit for the Safety Trained Supervisor (STS) and Safety Trained Supervisor Construction (STSC) is 30 hours of safety, health, and environmental training. The OSHA 30 training satisfies this! Visit the STS and STSC pages under the Credentials tab to learn more.

BCSP/OSHA Facts and Stats

BCSP	OSHA
Not for profit—independently operated	Government entity—Department of Labor
Globally accredited SH&E certifications and designations	Enforces safety standards w/training, outreach, education, assistance
Advancing safety globally	U.S.-based
Benefits for military members/veterans	File a complaint
Improves safety in the workplace	Report a fatality or injury