OSHA 155-Hour Construction Safety and Health

Study Units

Learning Outcomes

1. Introduction to OSHA and Construction Safety Standards (10 Hours)

• Understand the role and history of OSHA in enforcing workplace safety standards.
• Identify key OSHA regulations related to construction safety, including general duty clauses and specific construction standards.
• Understand the responsibilities of employers and employees under OSHA guidelines.
• Apply OSHA safety standards to various construction tasks and identify the consequences of non-compliance.

2. Fall Protection and Scaffold Safety (15 Hours)

• Recognize common fall hazards in construction environments and understand OSHA’s fall protection requirements.
• Implement fall protection systems, such as guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems.
• Understand scaffold safety regulations, including safe construction, inspection, and use of scaffolds.
• Apply correct procedures for scaffold assembly, access, and disassembly to prevent injuries.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (10 Hours)

• Identify different types of PPE and understand when and why they are necessary (e.g., hard hats, eye protection, hearing protection).
• Ensure proper fit and maintenance of PPE to maximize protection.
• Understand the limitations of PPE and recognize when additional protection is required.
• Educate workers on PPE usage, ensuring they are well-informed on the importance of using PPE at all times.

4. Excavation and Trenching Safety (15 Hours)

• Identify excavation and trenching hazards, including cave-ins, hazardous atmospheres, and falling objects.
• Implement protective systems such as shoring, sloping, and trench boxes to prevent injuries.
• Understand the soil analysis process to classify and assess the stability of soil in excavation areas.
• Follow safety measures for entry and exit in trenches and excavations, ensuring proper equipment use and hazard mitigation.

5. Machine Guarding and Equipment Safety (15 Hours)

• Recognize the dangers associated with machinery and heavy equipment on construction sites.
• Implement machine guarding systems to protect workers from moving parts, pinch points, and sharp edges.
• Ensure proper lockout/tagout procedures are followed to control hazardous energy during maintenance and repairs.
• Understand equipment safety regulations, including inspection, maintenance, and operation protocols.

6. Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Prevention (15 Hours)

• Understand the causes of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and how they are related to repetitive tasks, heavy lifting, and poor posture.
• Apply ergonomic principles to reduce strain and injury, such as proper lifting techniques and workstation design.
• Implement MSD prevention programs, including employee training and job rotation to reduce strain on workers.
• Monitor and assess workplace ergonomics to ensure a healthy work environment and minimize injury risks.

7. Incident Reporting, Investigation, and Root Cause Analysis (15 Hours)

• Understand the importance of accurate incident reporting and follow OSHA’s procedures for documenting workplace accidents and injuries.
• Conduct thorough investigations to determine the root causes of accidents, focusing on identifying contributing factors.
• Apply corrective actions based on the findings of incident investigations to prevent recurrence.
• Establish a reporting culture within the workplace, ensuring employees feel comfortable reporting near misses and hazards.

8. Emergency Response and Fire Safety (15 Hours)

• Develop emergency response plans that include evacuation procedures, medical assistance, and disaster response strategies.
• Understand fire safety protocols, including fire prevention, proper use of fire extinguishers, and safe evacuation procedures.
• Ensure emergency drills are conducted regularly to prepare workers for various emergency scenarios.
• Monitor hazardous materials to mitigate the risk of fires and explosions on construction sites.

9. Workplace Environmental Safety and Hazardous Waste Management (15 Hours)

• Identify environmental hazards on construction sites, including exposure to toxic substances and pollutants.
• Implement safe disposal procedures for hazardous materials, such as asbestos, lead, and other construction waste.
• Follow OSHA regulations for hazardous waste management to ensure environmental compliance and worker safety.
• Educate workers on environmental impact and the importance of minimizing construction-related pollution.

10. Safety Auditing and Compliance Inspections (15 Hours)

• Conduct regular safety audits to assess the effectiveness of safety programs and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Perform compliance inspections to identify potential hazards and non-compliance with safety standards.
• Develop corrective action plans to address issues uncovered during audits and inspections.
• Review and evaluate safety records, incident reports, and training documentation to ensure overall compliance.

11. Creating a Safety Culture and Employee Training (15 Hours)

• Understand the importance of a safety culture in reducing accidents and creating a positive work environment.
• Develop and implement employee safety training programs, ensuring all workers are well-versed in safety protocols.
• Promote open communication between workers and management regarding safety concerns, encouraging worker involvement in safety initiatives.
• Foster leadership commitment to safety, ensuring that management supports and actively participates in maintaining a safe work environment.

By the end of the OSHA 155-Hour Construction Safety and Health Course, participants will be equipped with the essential skills to create a safe work environment in construction settings. They will gain a thorough understanding of OSHA regulations, hazard identification and control, emergency procedures, and effective safety practices. The course ensures that workers, supervisors, and safety professionals are prepared to meet the challenges of maintaining safety and compliance on construction sites, ultimately reducing accidents and promoting a culture of safety.

The OSHA 155-Hour Construction Safety and Health Course offers numerous advantages for construction workers, supervisors, safety managers, and organizations. Below are the key benefits:

1. Enhanced Workplace Safety

This course equips participants with comprehensive knowledge of construction safety regulations and best practices, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries on job sites. By understanding and applying OSHA standards, workers and managers contribute to creating a safer environment for all.

2. In-Depth Knowledge of OSHA Regulations

Participants gain a detailed understanding of OSHA regulations specific to the construction industry. They learn to interpret and implement safety standards, ensuring that projects comply with legal requirements and avoid costly fines or legal issues.

3. Improved Risk Management

The course covers hazard identification and risk management techniques, enabling workers and supervisors to identify potential hazards and implement strategies to mitigate or eliminate them before they result in accidents. This proactive approach enhances site safety and minimizes downtime.

4. Certification and Career Advancement

Upon completion, participants receive an OSHA-approved certificate, which is recognized by employers and industry professionals worldwide. This certification not only boosts individual credibility but also enhances career prospects, opening up opportunities for promotions and job advancement.

5. Increased Competence in Emergency Response

The course includes comprehensive training on emergency response procedures, fire safety, and first aid protocols. This ensures that workers are prepared to act quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency, reducing the potential impact of accidents.

6. Prevention of Occupational Diseases

Through topics like ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention, this course helps reduce long-term health risks related to repetitive tasks, lifting, and awkward postures. By teaching preventive measures, it contributes to the long-term well-being of workers.

7. Cost Savings for Employers

By investing in the OSHA 155-Hour Construction Safety and Health Course for their workforce, employers can reduce costs related to workplace injuries, insurance premiums, legal claims, and downtime. Ensuring that workers are trained and aware of safety standards leads to fewer accidents and improved productivity.

8. Hands-On Practical Skills

The course emphasizes practical skills for assessing hazards, conducting safety audits, using PPE, and implementing safety measures on construction sites. This hands-on experience ensures that participants can apply what they have learned directly to real-world situations.

9. A Stronger Safety Culture

The course promotes the development of a strong safety culture within organizations. With a focus on leadership commitment and employee engagement, participants learn how to foster a safety-conscious work environment where all team members are invested in minimizing risks and preventing accidents.

10. Ability to Conduct Safety Audits and Inspections

Participants will acquire the skills to perform safety audits and compliance inspections, allowing them to monitor and evaluate construction sites for OSHA compliance. This ability helps organizations identify potential safety violations and address them before they escalate.

11. Global Recognition

The certification from an OSHA-approved course is globally recognized. Workers with this certification are highly sought after, as it demonstrates a commitment to safety and industry standards, making it an asset in construction projects worldwide.

12. Comprehensive Coverage of Key Safety Areas

The course covers a broad range of essential safety topics, including fall protection, machine guarding, electrical safety, fire safety, and environmental protection. Participants gain a well-rounded understanding of construction safety, equipping them to handle diverse challenges on job sites.

The OSHA 155-Hour Construction Safety and Health Course provides essential training that benefits both individuals and organizations. From reducing workplace accidents and ensuring OSHA compliance to fostering a culture of safety and improving career prospects, this course is an invaluable investment for anyone involved in the construction industry.