Wood dust looks harmless but it can scar lungs, irritate skin and eyes, and fuel fires or explosions. Use these tips to keep the air clean, equipment running, and your workers walking out the door healthy.
Esta información también está disponible en español.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month — a time to face a difficult truth: Construction workers die by suicide at a rate about four times higher than the general population. No one should have to struggle alone.
Why are construction workers at risk? The job is tough on both body and mind. Long hours, physical demands, job uncertainty, and a culture that says "tough it out" can take a serious toll. Add financial worries and time away from family, and the stress can feel overwhelming.
This year's Construction Suicide Prevention Week, September 14–18, encourages employers and workers to make mental health a workplace safety priority. As part of the nationwide effort, construction companies across the country will participate in a one-minute stand-down and moment of silence on September 14 to honor lives lost and renew their commitment to prevention.
You are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
Watch out for each other. Creating a workplace where people can talk about mental health saves lives. If you notice someone struggling, reach out, listen, and help connect them with support. Breaking the silence could save a life.
Fall is the perfect time to strengthen your workplace safety knowledge and prepare for the year ahead. DWC's OSHA-authorized 10-Hour Construction, 10-Hour General Industry, and 30-Hour Construction courses help Texas workers and supervisors recognize hazards, prevent injuries, and meet OSHA training requirements.
Key details
- OSHA-10 Construction: Free.
- OSHA-10 General Industry and OSHA-30 Construction: $30 per person.
- Classes offered in English and Spanish.
- In-person and Zoom (online) options available.
- Photo ID and advanced registration required.
- Official OSHA class completion card provided within six to eight weeks after successful course completion.
Which OSHA course is right for you?
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OSHA Construction courses are designed for workers involved in construction, renovation, and related trades.
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OSHA General Industry courses are intended for workers in facilities such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, health care facilities, offices, utilities, and similar workplaces.
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10-Hour courses provide introductory safety and hazard-recognition training for workers.
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30-Hour courses offer more in-depth training for supervisors, foremen, lead workers, and others with safety responsibilities.
Fall classes are filling quickly. Register early by clicking on a date below to reserve your seat.
Upcoming September-October classes
OSHA-10 Construction — Free
English:
Spanish:
OSHA-30 Construction — $30
English:
OSHA-10 General Industry — $30
English:
Spanish:
 See the full 2026 training calendar here.
Build your skills. Strengthen your safety culture.
Help every worker go home safe.
Take a deeper dive into today's most important workplace hazards. These free one-hour webinars take a closer look at common workplace hazards and safety challenges. Each session focuses on a specific topic to help you identify risks, improve compliance, and build a stronger safety program. Each webinar is offered twice on its scheduled date. To enroll, click on the time that works best for you.
Upcoming webinars:
Hazard Communication Program | September 17
Learn how to build a Hazard Communication Program that helps employees recognize chemical hazards and work safely.
Safety Program Development, Evaluation, and Improvement (Continual Improvement) | October 26
Learn how to evaluate safety program performance and use incident trends and employee feedback to improve results.
Machine Guarding Program Development | October 29
Learn how to identify machine hazards, select appropriate guards, and protect workers from moving parts.
See the full list of 2026-2027 Safety Program Builder webinars here.
All webinars are free and presented live on Zoom, but registration is required. For more information on safety training classes and webinars, visit www.txsafetyatwork.com or call 512-804-4610.
Do you know what to do if a coworker collapses or someone starts choking? DWC's CPR, AED, and First Aid classes can give your team the skills to act fast when every second counts.
These hands-on courses teach you how to spot a life-threatening emergency, perform CPR, use an AED, and give basic first aid until help arrives.
Why take this training?
- American Heart Association–certified training, recognized nationwide.
- Real-world practice with hands-on response scenarios.
- Experienced instructors with occupational safety expertise.
- Classes offered in English and Spanish (based on availability).
Class details:
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Length: 5 hours, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Cost: $35 per person.
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Certification: Participants receive an official American Heart Association eCard.
Upcoming fall classes:
Advance registration is required. Class size is limited to eight. To enroll, click on a class date in the schedule below:
English:
Spanish:
Visit our CPR, AED, First Aid website for a full list of 2026-2027 classes, or call 512-804-4610 for questions or registration assistance.
Looking for easy ways to support your safety program? Watch this short video to learn how DWC’s free workplace safety resources can help with training, toolbox talks, and everyday hazard awareness.
Explore a wide range of publications, videos, and materials — available in English and Spanish — at www.txsafetyatwork.com and start building a safer workplace today.
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