Good question! It’s really not that difficult, but there are some barriers. The easiest way to take a step toward a career in safety in the U.S. is to take an OSHA outreach course. Depending on the training provider you go with, the price tends to be around $80.00 for the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certificate ($90.00 for the 10-Hour Construction certificate). If you have a little more money to throw at it, you could go for the 30-Hour certificate ($190.00 for either the General Industry or Construction). Some OSHA Outreach Training Institute Education Centers also have free classes on specific topics. Check out https://www.osha.gov/otiec to look for training centers near you or online training providers.
It is also worth talking to your managers and human resources folks about getting training paid for by your company or getting reimbursed. Many employers are keen to get safety training logged for employees, because it helps their insurance rates. Express interest in becoming a safety officer or safety liaison. Ask if there is a health and safety committee and volunteer to join as an employee representative. Not every employer will have options available, but most will have something.
Include any safety certificates you earn, as well as any non-certificate classes, on your resume. If you spend time on a safety committee or as a safety officer, include that on the resume, too. At each step, keep exploring other options for training. If you enjoy teaching others, offer to take train-the-trainer classes. Whether it’s heavy equipment operator trainer certificates or first aid trainer certificates, these things showing up on your resume will set you apart from other candidates. Getting a foot in the door gets you that much closer to getting your ass in the door.