OSHA Categories

• OSHA sets categories based on the exposure level to a hazard while performing routine job tasks. Category 1 employees are all exposed to a specific hazard as a regular part of their job. Category 2 contains employees who are occasionally exposed to a hazard. Category 3 employees have no occupational exposure to a hazard.
  
  

Training

• Category 1 employees must receive training at no cost to themselves before they are exposed to the hazard. This training may be part of their educational credentials. For example, nurses and dental assistants train in how to handle potentially infectious materials in school.
  
  

Laws

• If the job is hazardous, the employer must provide protective equipment.cut fall protection image by Christopher Niemann from Fotolia.com
  
  Category 1 employees can access the employer's exposure control plan written to minimize their exposure to the hazard. Employees can choose to use their own personal protective equipment like ear plugs or hard hats. However, the employer must ensure they use all protective equipment appropriately. Furthermore, the employer must provide all Category 1 employees who require respirators an OSHA-approved unit free of charge.