Fall Protection Training Requirements
Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. OSHA does not let employers simply hand out a harness. Anyone who may be exposed to a fall hazard must be trained to recognize it and to use the protection that goes with it.
- Construction
- Employers
- New Workers
Who must be trained
In construction, the training rule (29 CFR 1926.503) applies to each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. The employer must have a qualified person provide the training, and it must be in a language and vocabulary the worker understands.
What the training covers
- The nature of fall hazards in the work area, such as edges, holes, ladders and scaffolds.
- How to erect, maintain, disassemble and inspect the fall protection systems the worker will use.
- How to use and operate guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, safety nets, warning lines and other systems.
- The role of each employee in a safety monitoring system, if one is used.
- Limits on mechanical equipment used on roofs and the correct way to handle materials there.
- The rules in the standard that apply to the job.
Ladders and scaffolds have their own training rules. See Scaffold Basics and Ladder Basics.
When retraining is required
The employer must retrain a worker when there is reason to believe the worker no longer has the understanding or skill needed. Examples OSHA lists:
- Changes at the worksite make earlier training out of date.
- Changes in the types of fall protection systems or equipment make earlier training out of date.
- The worker's behavior shows they have not kept the knowledge or skill needed, for example not tying off or using gear wrongly.
Records
The employer must prepare a written certification that training was given. It should show the worker's name, the date of training and the signature of the trainer or employer. Keep the latest certification on file. If you lose your own record, ask the employer; a new card from an outside course does not replace the employer's duty to train for the specific site.
Competent and qualified persons
- A competent person can identify existing and predictable hazards and has the authority to correct them.
- A qualified person has a degree, certificate or professional standing, or enough knowledge, training and experience to solve problems on the subject.
Training checklist
- I know the fall hazards on this job and where they are
- I was shown how to put on, adjust and inspect my harness
- I know the anchor points and how to tie off
- I know the rescue plan and who to call
- My training record is on file with my employer
Standards & references
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