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WVU Extension transitions OSHA courses to videoconferencing platform

Instructor conducting OSHA training using videoconferencing

During a time when safety and health is at the forefront of our nation, it is more important than ever that West Virginia University Extension Service Safety and Health Extension’s National Resource Center OSHA Training Institute Education Center continue to offer education and training programs for industry professionals and students.

With the health, safety and well-being of students, instructors and staff in mind, the National Resource Center OTIEC has transitioned their course platform to videoconferencing through Zoom. The videoconferencing format has been approved by the OSHA directorate of training and education to continue through Dec. 30, 2020.

“Our faculty and program support have adjusted well to the new delivery platform, and student feedback has been extremely positive,” Brandon C. Takacs, former WVU Extension Specialist and past National Resource Center OTIEC director said. “Most of the students’ prior experiences have been in-person classes, so they also are seeing the benefits of delivering courses in this new format.”

As one of 26 OTIECs nationally, WVU’s National Resource Center ranks near the top of all OTIECs with students directly and indirectly trained on an annual basis. The center has trained 116 students to date since the videoconferencing platform was launched on June 2.

The series of OTIEC courses includes OSHA Standards for General Industry and Construction, OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer Update Courses for General Industry and Construction, as well as OSHA Recordkeeping, Incident Investigation, Safety and Health Management, and Evacuation and Emergency Planning.

A full list of the available courses and requirements can be found on WVU Extension Service Safety and Health Extension’s website under videoconferencing courses. Enrollment for OTIEC videoconference courses are limited to individuals in OSHA Region III, which is Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Courses are limited to 20 students and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Prospective students may email OSHAOutreach@mail.wvu.edu with any questions about eligibility, payment and registration.

For more information about WVU Extension Service, visit  extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. 

-WVU-

lw/7/10/20

CONTACT: Lindsay Wiles
Communications Specialist,  Sr.
WVU Extension Service
304-293-9490; lindsay.wiles@mail.wvu.edu