Fall Protection for Construction Workers

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction, and almost every one is preventable. This course takes you from the basics of why falls happen to the details of choosing, setting up, inspecting and using fall protection, and how to rescue someone who has fallen. It is written for workers, foremen and new supervisors, with real numbers from the OSHA rules, worked examples and checklists you can use on the job.

What you’ll learn

• Explain why falls happen and the OSHA heights and situations that require fall protection
• Choose between guardrails, covers, nets, warning lines and personal fall arrest for a given job
• Fit, inspect and use a full-body harness, lanyard or self-retracting lifeline correctly
• Pick a strong anchor point and work out the fall clearance you need before you tie off
• Set up and climb ladders safely, and use scaffolds, aerial lifts and scissor lifts with the right protection
• Protect workers on roofs, leading edges, openings and around excavations
• Plan for prompt rescue and recognize the danger of suspension trauma
• Run a pre-job fall hazard check and speak up when protection is missing

Who it’s for

Construction workers, apprentices, foremen and new supervisors; safety committee members; anyone who works at height or leads people who do. No experience needed.

Course outline

Module 1: Why Falls Happen and What the Rules Require 3 lessons · quiz

The facts about falls, the legal rules that apply to you, and the order of thinking that keeps people safe.

• Why falls kill 9 min Free preview
• The rules: OSHA fall protection requirements 12 min
• The hierarchy: eliminate, prevent, then arrest 11 min

Module 2: Guardrails, Covers and Other Passive Protection 3 lessons · quiz

Systems that protect everyone all the time, without anyone having to clip in.

• Guardrail systems 12 min
• Covers and holes 10 min
• Safety nets, warning lines and monitors 11 min

Module 3: Personal Fall Arrest Systems 3 lessons · quiz

How a fall arrest system works, how to choose a strong anchor, and how to make sure you will not hit the ground when it catches you.

• Anatomy of a personal fall arrest system 13 min
• Choosing anchors and connectors 12 min
• Fall clearance and swing falls 13 min

Module 4: Harnesses, Lanyards and Lifelines 3 lessons · quiz

Fitting a harness so it works, inspecting your gear, and choosing and using the right connector.

• Choosing and fitting a harness 12 min
• Inspecting your equipment 11 min
• Lanyards, SRLs and lifelines 13 min

Module 5: Ladders and Stairways 3 lessons · quiz

Ladders cause a huge share of fall injuries. Choose, inspect, set up and climb them the right way.

• Choosing and inspecting a ladder 11 min
• Setting up and climbing safely 13 min
• Common ladder mistakes and real cases 10 min

Module 6: Scaffolds, Aerial Lifts and Scissor Lifts 3 lessons · quiz

Working platforms put you at height. Know the protection each one needs.

• Scaffold fall protection 13 min
• Aerial lifts and scissor lifts 12 min
• Suspended scaffolds and other platforms 10 min

Module 7: Roofs, Leading Edges and Openings 3 lessons · quiz

Special situations that account for many fatal falls, and the protection options for each.

• Roof work 13 min
• Leading edges, formwork and steel erection 12 min
• Openings, excavations and other special cases 11 min

Module 8: Rescue, Training and Building a Fall-Safe Jobsite 3 lessons · quiz

Stopping the fall is only half the job. Plan the rescue, train the crew and make fall protection part of every day.

• Rescue and suspension trauma 13 min
• Training and the competent person 11 min
• Putting it all together: a fall-safe jobsite 12 min

What’s included

• 24 lessons you can read at your own pace, on a phone or a computer
• A short quiz after every module, with the correct answer shown for any you miss
• A final exam of 25 questions (pass at 80% or higher)
• A numbered certificate of completion with a QR code anyone can scan to verify it
• Your progress saved to your account, with access that doesn’t expire

Questions

Can an employer check my certificate? Yes. Each certificate has a number and a QR code that opens a public verification page on this site.

Can I get a refund? Yes, within 7 days of purchase if you have completed less than 25% of the course and haven’t earned its certificate. Email support@toddallynmedia.com. Details are in section 13 of the Terms of Use. Payment is handled by PayPal; we never see your card details.

What do I need? A free account and any phone, tablet or computer. Questions or problems? Email support@toddallynmedia.com.