October brings new opportunities to strengthen workplace safety skills, maintain certificates, and prepare for what is next in the safety profession. Our October 2026 OSHA safety training opportunities include courses for supervisors, safety professionals, managers, and other professionals who want to expand their knowledge.
This month’s update also highlights Human and Organizational Performance, an upcoming artificial intelligence seminar, professional safety certificates, OSHA Outreach training, and on-demand learning opportunities.
Several OSHA courses are available this October.
OSHA #3085: Principles of Scaffolding
- Instructor: Dave Taylor
- Date: October 13-15
- Location: Pleasanton, CA
Who should attend? Foremen, site managers, team leads, and anyone working around scaffolding who needs to recognize hazards and support safe scaffold use. This course is not intended for scaffold erectors seeking hands-on qualification.
Why it matters: Gain the knowledge to spot scaffold hazards before they cause a fall, injury, or costly jobsite disruption.
OSHA #7500: Introduction to Safety and Health Management
- Instructor: Jo Ann Hurtado
- Date: October 15
- Location: Zoom
Who should attend? New or developing safety coordinators, supervisors, managers, and committee members who are building or improving a safety and health program.
Why it matters: Build a practical foundation for creating a stronger and more organized safety and health program. The course can help participants prevent injuries, clarify responsibilities, and support OSHA compliance.
OSHA #2055: Cranes in Construction
- Instructor: Ike Riser
- Date: October 28-30
- Location: Pleasanton, CA
Who should attend? Construction supervisors, safety staff, and workers around cranes, not including crane operators.
Why it matters: Learn how to anticipate on-site crane-related risks, recognize conditions that can lead to serious accidents, and take steps to prevent injuries, property damage, and costly jobsite disruptions.
Seats are limited, so don’t miss the opportunity to join and secure continuing education units.
OTC #330: Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) – From Principles to Practice
October 27-29 is the final 2026 session of HOP.
Led by instructor Sahika Vatan, the course provides practical insights for building a resilient organization. Participants can learn more about why people behave the way they do, how to move beyond root-cause thinking toward systems-based investigation, and how to build an integrated HOP plan.
Who should attend? Safety professionals, supervisors, operations managers, and organizational leaders who want to improve how their teams learn from incidents and manage work safely.
Why it matters: HOP encourages organizations to move beyond blame and surface-level root causes. Instead, it examines the conditions that shape how work is actually performed. This approach can help organizations prevent repeat incidents and build practical, lasting improvements.
Why Human and Organizational Performance Matters
Errors don’t “just happen.” Even professionals and workplaces that do everything by the book can experience repeated incidents.
In response, many organizations are turning to Human and Organizational Performance to mitigate risks and address incidents. Rules, procedures, and compliance remain important. However, they may not explain why incidents recur, why employees find workarounds, or why corrective actions fail to stick.
HOP offers another perspective. It examines the conditions that shape how work happens, rather than looking only at how work was designed to happen.
Learn more from Sahika Vatan’s article on Human and Organizational Performance.
Understanding AI: Practical Applications and the Future of Safety
The OSHA Training Institute Education Center and the American Society of Safety Professionals San Francisco Chapter are hosting an artificial intelligence seminar featuring presentations and a panel discussion.
- Date: October 21, 2026
- Time: 7:30-10:00 a.m.
- Location: 5860 Owens Dr, Pleasanton, CA 94588
AI Seminar Learning Objectives
Participants will have an opportunity to:
- Understand the fundamentals of artificial intelligence.
- Learn how AI is currently used in workplace safety.
- Identify opportunities and limitations associated with AI tools.
- Gain practical ideas they can apply immediately.
Advance Your Career with an OSHA Professional Certificate
Are you looking to grow your career and increase your marketability? Earning a professional safety certificate could be an important next step.
A professional certificate can help you highlight your expertise and demonstrate your commitment to staying current with industry trends. Explore the available certificate options to determine which one may fit your career goals.
Becoming an Authorized OSHA Trainer
OSHA Outreach trainers deliver valuable classes while helping professionals make their organizations safer, more efficient, and ultimately more profitable. Instructors can also expand their knowledge of the safety profession and grow their professional networks.
Considering whether becoming an OSHA trainer is right for you? Here are five reasons highlighted in this month’s update:
- Create safer workplaces.
- Reduce accidents.
- Help professionals improve in their jobs.
- Enhance businesses’ growth and reputation.
- Increase your career marketability.
Learn about the steps required to become a trainer and determine whether this opportunity is right for you.
Take Safety Courses on Your Schedule
Can’t attend a scheduled class? On-demand courses offer another way to continue your safety education.
You can take popular training courses and earn continuing education units at a time and pace that fit your schedule. Available offerings include OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour courses.
October Safety and Health Observances
Take October OSHA safety training in conjunction with several important safety, health, and industry observances:
- October: Manufacturing Month
- October: National Protect Your Hearing Month
- October 2: Manufacturing Day
- October 4-10: Fire Prevention Week
Continue Your Safety Education
Whether you are developing a safety and health program, preparing for construction hazards, exploring new technology, or advancing your safety career, October offers several opportunities to continue learning.
Explore additional courses and training opportunities from the OSHA Training Institute Education Center.