Osha Training in Puerto Rico

There is no official certification required to teach most OSHA training classes in Puerto Rico. However, you must make certain that on site OSHA 10 or 30-hour training classes are conducted by a trainer who is officially authorized to conduct these OSHA courses. The trainer must first complete a series of OSHA trainer classes provided by one of the OSHA Education centers located around the country. You can confirm their status as a currently authorized OSHA Outreach trainer by asking to look at their credentials proving they completed the following trainer courses.

Construction industry trainers must successfully complete the OSHA 510 course, followed by the OSHA 500 course. This qualifies the trainer to conduct OSHA 10-hour construction training in Puerto Rico and anywhere else in the USA and territories for a four-year period. The trainer is also authorized to conduct OSHA 30-hour construction training in Puerto Rico and elsewhere. To maintain their status as an authorized OSHA Outreach trainer for construction, they must complete the OSHA 502 trainer update course every four years.

General industry trainers must successfully complete the OSHA 511 course, followed by the OSHA 501 course. This qualifies the trainer to conduct OSHA 10-hour general industry training in Puerto Rico and anywhere else in the USA and territories for a four-year period. The trainer is also authorized to conduct OSHA 30-hour general industry training in Puerto Rico and elsewhere. To maintain their status as an authorized OSHA Outreach trainer for general industry, they must complete the OSHA 503 trainer update course every four years.

Be assured that our trainers who conduct on-site OSHA training classes in PR are authorized OSHA Outreach trainers. Classes can be conducted in English or in Spanish.

Online OSHA 10 and 30-hour Training Courses Accepted in Puerto Rico

There are also OSHA-authorized online 10 and 30-hour training courses available for construction and general industry. However, you must pay close attention, as only those course providers that are specifically authorized to provide these courses can issue trainees the official DOL / OSHA 10 or 30-hour wallet cards. There are plenty of imitators out there who use deceptive fine print and “too good to be true” pricing to sell you a course that is not OSHA authorized. You can rest assured that the 10 and 30-hour online OSHA training courses offered in English and in Spanish on our website are authorized by OSHA, and are accepted in Puerto Rico as well as all other states and US territories.

Regulation of Workplace Safety & Health in PR

Who regulates worker safety and OSHA training in Puerto Rico? The Puerto Rico Occupational Safety and Health Administration (PR OSHA), operates an OSHA-approved State Plan OSHA program. The PR-OSHA program initiated operations in 1978. The PR OSHA Program has adopted verbatim all Federal OSHA standards and regulations applicable to public and private sector employment, with minor revisions to the Record-keeping Rule. In addition, PR OSHA has enacted a regulation to address workplace violence situations, specifically implementing procedures for handling incidents of domestic violence in the workplace.

All standards and regulations adopted by PR OSHA, including Record-keeping Rule and the proposed “Protocol for Handling Domestic Violence in the Workplace” can be obtained at the PR-OSHA website.

Links to federal OSHA training requirements for construction and general industry are available below on this page.

Special Safety Training Considerations for Puerto Rico

Many workers in PR face unique environmental and occupational hazards that require specialized safety training to prevent serious injuries and illnesses. Heat Illness Prevention Training is essential for anyone working in high temperatures or humid conditions, where prolonged exposure can lead to heat stress and even life-threatening heat stroke. Whether on construction sites, roadwork or landscaping crews, in commercial kitchens, attics, or buildings without adequate ventilation, workers must recognize the early signs of heat-related illness and know how to stay hydrated, take proper rest breaks, and respond to emergencies. This training equips them with the knowledge needed to help them work safely in extreme heat.

And wkers in industries such as oil and gas, wastewater management, and agriculture must be aware of the dangers of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), a highly toxic gas commonly found in drilling sites, refineries, chemical plants, manure pits, grain elevators, sewers, and underground utility spaces. Without proper precautions, exposure can quickly become fatal. H2S Awareness Training helps ensure workers can identify H2S hazards, understand the importance of gas detection equipment, and follow emergency procedures to stay safe in high-risk environments.

Jurisdiction

The Puerto Rico State Plan applies to all public and private sector employers in the State, with the exception of federal agencies, maritime employers such as shipyards, marine terminals, and long-shoring; military facilities; and the U.S. Postal Service.

Puerto Rico OSHA Information

The Bureau of Inspection, with its Central Office in Hato Rey, is responsible for maintaining an effective enforcement program in the Commonwealth. PR OSHA has Safety and Health Specialists in six (6) Area Offices to conduct inspections at private and public sector workplaces:

The Federal OSHA Emergency Hotline telephone number is 1-800-321-OSHA.