Construction Safety Training: Key Considerations and Popular Courses

Construction work is unique and requires special attention to safety, given that construction workers face a 70% higher risk of work-related injury compared to other industries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As a safety professional in the construction industry, you play a critical role in designing and delivering effective safety training to reduce these risks.

In this article, we'll explore some key tips for improving construction safety training and provide you with a list of popular construction worksite safety training courses. We'll also discuss the importance of integrating safety training into your overall safety management program and the compliance requirements outlined by OSHA.

Vector Solutions are safety, safety training, and workplace performance improvement experts. Check out how our solutions can help your organization:  

• Learning Management Systems
• Online Safety Training Courses 
• Safety Management Software Software 
• Mobile Risk Communication Platform 
• More Workplace Performance-Improvement Solutions 

Download our Safety Training Guide 

Key Tips for Improved Construction Safety Training:

• Conduct job hazard analyses, inspections, gather workers' safety observations, and review incident records and data to identify hazards specific to each worksite.
• Stay up-to-date with changes and prepare for non-routine emergencies.
• Be familiar with common construction safety and health hazards, including OSHA's Fatal Four (Falls, Struck-by-object, Electrocutions, and Caught-in/between) and AIHA's Focus Four (Manual material handling, Noise, Air contaminants, and High temperatures).
• Consult OSHA's construction safety management program document for a comprehensive list of common hazards.

Integrating Safety Training into Your Overall Safety Management Program

Effective safety training should not be isolated but instead, form a crucial part of a comprehensive safety management program. OSHA's safety management in construction document and ANSI/ASSP Z10 standard can guide you in creating an integrated safety program.

Blended Learning for Safety Training

Diversifying training experiences has been proven to improve learning outcomes. Consider using a blended learning approach that combines multiple delivery formats such as classroom, online, virtual reality, microlearning, and a community of practice.

Incorporating online safety training options into your program can be beneficial, in addition to in-person training. Some options to consider are:

• Online safety and health courses
• Live virtual learning
• A learning management system to manage your safety training
• Mobile learning applications
• Microlearning for ongoing performance support and spaced learning

Hundreds of AEC firms rely on Vector Solutions' online construction safety training courses, which cover topics such as the proper use of tools, protective equipment, material handling, and recognition of common job site hazards.

Here are some recent courses added to the HSE Premium Library to meet OSHA's standards:

• Caught-In and Caught-Between Hazards - Construction Worksite Safety
• Confined Spaces in Construction - Construction Worksite Safety
• Excavation in Construction - Construction Worksite Safety
• Hand and Power Tools - Construction Worksite Safety
• Health Hazards in Construction - Construction Worksite Safety
• Material Handling in Construction - Construction Worksite Safety
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Construction Worksite Safety
• Scaffolds and Mobile Elevated Work Platforms - Construction Worksite Safety
• Silica in Construction - Construction Worksite Safety
• Stairways and Ladders In Construction - Construction Worksite Safety

OSHA's Safety Training Requirements

Complying with OSHA regulations is essential for safety professionals. OSHA mandates employers to follow specific safety training requirements to promote the safety and health of workers. Visit OSHA's Compliance Guidance on Training webpage and review OSHA 2254 for specific training requirements outlined by OSHA.

Ensuring Safe Construction Sites

By following the key tips and incorporating popular construction worksite safety training courses, you can improve the effectiveness of your safety training program and promote a safer working environment for construction workers.

Download our Construction Safety Training Guide for more information.