Providing your construction team with the appropriate training courses to ensure success can be challenging. The right training in the construction sector can set you up for increased safety, productivity and project quality. But what training courses does your team need to meet modern expectations and remain compliant?
This guide will show you which courses to focus on to keep up with legal requirements and the various industry roles associated with them. By combining priorities in safety training and development, you’ll build a skilled team, a safer worksite and increased trust to complete a satisfactory job.
Why Safety Training Courses in Construction Are Important
Improper training on a construction project can lead to accidents, poor equipment use and even fatalities. Failure to comply with safety measures can also result in significant financial penalties. In some cases, it can even lead to legal prosecution.
Being properly qualified in the construction industry is a regulatory requirement. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards in construction can be difficult to get your head around. However, getting yourself or your team the right training can teach the skills needed to work safely and to the highest standards.
Other reasons construction safety training courses should be a priority include:
- Increased efficiency as skilled workers
- Fewer errors and rework projects
- Improved business reputation
- Increased employee retention
- Increased team morale
Choosing the Right Safety Courses
It’s important to choose courses that meet OSHA safety requirements for construction and improve your team’s safety awareness. Here are some of the most vital training courses to stay compliant and safety-conscious.
Forklift and Industrial Truck Safety
Any industry that involves forklift operation requires comprehensive safety training. Training should include learning about load handling, parking procedures, and the ability to maneuver forklifts or other industrial trucks in restricted spaces. Maintenance and safety checks are another essential part of your safety course.
OSHA requires all forklift operators to complete a training course, so choose a course that aligns with OSHA industrial truck regulations to ensure you get the best possible training.
Scaffolding Courses
Scaffolding safety requirements are critical in many key industries, but especially in construction. Proper use protects employees, clients and projects from physical and reputational issues. As the demand for scaffolding increases due to the convenience and efficiency it can bring to the workplace, so do the potential risks of accidents and non-adherence to safety requirements.
An authorized user or inspector scaffolding safety course should include training in the safe operation, inspection and stability practices of scaffolding to adhere to the necessary OSHA requirements. This training will help you or your team members understand the regulations regarding scaffold use and erection.
Silica in Construction Courses
Exposure to silica is extremely dangerous, especially in workplace areas where it can become airborne and inhaled. OSHA requires clear preventive measures and protocols to reduce workers’ exposure to silica particles.
Since many construction materials, like bricks, tiles, and concrete, generate silica dust, gaining the necessary skills to assess exposure signs is essential. Safety courses for silica in the workplace can help companies establish the best safety habits and recognize the responsibilities of both employer and employee.
Fall Protection Courses
Workers in the construction industry need training on fall protection and prevention. This training usually includes an online course that covers safety harness measures, proper use of equipment and what to do in the event of a fall on a construction site.
The course should also include shared knowledge on ladder and other high structure inspection measures and examples of fall control.
Asbestos Awareness Courses
Comprehensive asbestos awareness training is vital due to the health threats asbestos presents to construction site workers. While asbestos is no longer on the market, many older buildings still have it, and its removal can lead to significant health issues without proper safety measures.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101 requires asbestos awareness certification, so it’s important to understand it well. Quality awareness courses will include response procedures and recognition techniques for spotting asbestos locations and planning to reduce exposure risks.
What Hazmat Training Is Required on a Construction Site?
Required hazmat training on a construction site depends on many factors. Researching courses that cover OSHA standard compliance is a good starting point for construction businesses. Then, analyze your business’s specific requirements to remain compliant.
For example, hazmat training requirements for construction safety managers may differ from general employee training. They may require awareness, safety and regulatory compliance training covering material handling, storage and emergency procedure protocols.
- Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER): Construction projects that involve cleaning up waste materials at recognized waste sites require this training for workers. OSHA requires 40 hours of classroom training for general site workers, 24 hours of training for occasional site workers and an 8-hour refresher course once per year.
- Department of Transportation (DOT) HAZMAT: This training focuses on handling and packing hazardous materials and shipping requirements. OSHA’s workplace safety standards apply to construction sites containing waste. This training may be necessary for construction safety managers who sign DOT documentation.
- Hazardous waste training: Construction projects that involve working with or around hazardous waste or packaging and loading it may require training that complies with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. It’s the kind of hazmat training that construction supervisors need to sign manifests for the removal of waste on construction sites.
How to Choose the Right Hazmat Course for Construction Crews
When choosing hazmat courses for your construction crews, ask yourself the following questions:
- Which specific industries are you specializing in or looking to get into?
- What common hazards do you know exist in these industries?
- When did you or your team last have training in safety requirements?
- Have you searched for training companies that adhere to DOT and OSHA standards?
- Have you taken the time to find a reputable training company with proven results of success?
Construction Safety Courses With Hazmat School
The Hazmat School provides online hazardous waste, hazardous materials, and safety training that fully complies with all OSHA, DOT and EPA requirements. We offer training certificates to over 20,000 students yearly to improve knowledge, increase safety, and develop skills while reducing on-site risks.
Contact us to find out which course is the best value for money and for your organization’s needs and compliance goals.
Manages Hazmat School’s E-Learning courses and blog. Kirstie has extensive experience in the online training and education industry. Kirstie has worked with courses that offer a variety of safety and environmental certifications that satisfy OSHA, EPA and DOT requirements.
