By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Identify and evaluate common workplace fall hazards.
Explain the components, inspection, and maintenance requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) and Personal Fall Restraint Systems.
Detail fall protection training requirements as per OSHA and USACE standards.
Describe the challenges and planning required for rescue at height, including ANSI Z359.2 requirements.
Discuss the elements of an effective, site-specific fall protection program.
Fulfill the duties of a Competent Person as defined by OSHA and USACE, including the authority to stop work and implement corrective actions.
Achieve a minimum score of 80% on the final course assessment.
Course Outline/Modules
Day 1 – Foundations of Fall Protection
Module 1 – Introduction: Importance of fall protection, statistics on workplace falls, and course overview.
Module 2 – Introduction to Competent Person & OSHA Subpart M: OSHA’s definition of a "Competent Person" and their roles and responsibilities.
Module 3 – Definitions: Key fall protection terminology and a comparison of OSHA vs ANSI definitions.
Day 2 – USACE EM 385-1-1 Section 21 Fall Protection
Module 4 – Duty to Have Fall Protection: Employer responsibilities and fall protection trigger heights (OSHA Construction 6 ft, General Industry 4 ft).
Module 5 – Safety Net Systems: Design requirements, installation, and inspection protocols.
Module 6 – Personal Fall Arrest Systems (29 CFR 1926.502(d)): Harnesses, lanyards, anchors, connectors, and limits on free fall distance and deceleration.
Day 3 – Advanced Fall Protection & Rescue
Module 7 – Controlled Access Zones (29 CFR 1926.502(g)): When CAZs are used and requirements for monitoring.
Module 8 – Safety Monitoring Systems (29 CFR 1926.502(h)): Monitor roles, responsibilities, and limitations.
Module 9 – Fall Protection Plans: Site-specific requirements and alternative measures when conventional fall protection is not feasible.
Module 10 – Fall Protection Training: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.503 requirements, documentation, and retraining triggers.
Module 11 – Fall Protection Equipment: Detailed inspection protocols, maintenance, and criteria for removal from service.
Module 12 – Rescue at Height: Challenges of suspension trauma, self-rescue vs assisted rescue, and ANSI Z359.2 planning requirements.
This course is ideal for professionals responsible for workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and fall protection management, including:
Safety Professionals and Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Practitioners
Certified Safety Officers and Safety Coordinators
Safety Supervisors and Safety Managers
Compliance Officers and Regulatory Compliance Specialists
Construction Site Supervisors and Project Managers
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Managers and EHS Professionals
Risk Managers and Risk Assessment Professionals
Quality Assurance and Compliance Managers
Government Safety Inspectors and Regulatory Enforcement Personnel
Personnel working on USACE projects or sites governed by EM 385-1-1
Anyone seeking to strengthen their knowledge of fall protection and the competent person role.
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