This material is for training purposes only.
Fall Hazard Awareness for the
Construction Industry
Course Description
Overview
The goal of this course is to provide small construction employers and
employees with information on recognizing potential fall hazards at their work
sites and suggest ways to avoid, minimize, control or prevent these hazards
whenever possible. The course focuses on falls to a lower level not falls to the
same level resulting from slips and trips.
Intended Audience
The target audience is the small construction employer, business owner, or
manager who would like to obtain information about fall hazards found in the
workplace. The training is also suitable for employees and employee
representatives.
Reasons for Development
In 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics data showed that 36 percent of the 1,224
construction workers fatalities were attributed to falls. Each year falls consistently
account for many fatalities in the construction industry and are a major concern in
other industries. Studies have shown that the use of guardrail systems, fall arrest
systems, safety nets, covers, and restraint and positioning device systems can
prevent many deaths and injuries from falls.
This course is designed to assist you in identifying, evaluating, preventing and
protecting your employees from the harmful results of exposure to fall hazards at
your construction work sites.
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Ideal Setting or Conditions for Workshop Presentation
The ideal setting for this course is a classroom or other area where students
have space to break into groups.
Media and/or Teaching Methods
Fall Hazard Awareness for the Construction Industry has been set up as a
facilitated, interactive training session. Participants are given small “chunks” of
information, and then are able to test their understanding of the subject matter
via participant activities. Participants receive a course manual and complete the
Fall Hazard Awareness
Course Description
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This material is for training purposes only.
activities provided, primarily in group sessions. The course is designed to
promote an active learning environment.
Workshop Materials
Participants
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Trainer/Facilitator
1 course manual for each
participant
1 copy of the participant
PowerPoint presentation for
each participant
1 Course Evaluation form for
each participant (OSHA 49)
1 pencil for each participant
1 hi-liter for each participant
1 flip chart and markers for each
group
1 certificate of completion for
each participant (optional)
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1 Instructor Guide
Instructor’s PowerPoint
presentation *
References and Additional
Information
Laptop or computer
Media viewing screen for
projector
LCD projector
Flip chart and markers
Various types of personal fall
arrest equipment for
demonstration/pass around
Internet access for participants
*Note: Instructor’s PowerPoint
presentation includes additional
information that is not included in
participant’s version.
Ideal Class Size
The ideal class size for this workshop is 20 to 25 students. This provides a good
student-to-instructor ratio, and allows the class to break into small groups, as
needed.
Prerequisites
None
Instructor/Trainer Qualifications
The ideal candidate is someone who has experience in the construction industry
particularly addressing fall hazards. This experience may include previous
Fall Hazard Awareness
Course Description
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This material is for training purposes only.
industry experience, subject matter teaching experience, conducting
presentations on the subject at safety and health conferences and seminars, and
certification through professional associations.
Terminal Learning Objectives
At the end of the training, the participants will be able to:
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Identify factors that contribute to common fall hazards.
Explain how to analyze work areas for fall hazards.
Discuss hierarchy of controls for fall hazards.
Describe OSHA regulations and resources addressing fall protection.
Outline
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Objectives
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Introduction
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Identifying Fall Hazards
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Scaffolds
Ladders
Roofs
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Analyzing Fall Hazards
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Preventing Fall Hazards
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OSHA Resources Addressing Falls
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Summary and Closing
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Appendices
Fall Hazard Awareness
Course Description
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This material is for training purposes only.
Target Lesson
and Objectives
Time Allotted
Content
Introduction
30 Min
 Welcome
 Objectives
 Group formation
Identifying Fall
Hazards
60 Min
The following topics are
covered:
 Scaffolds
 Ladders
 Roofs
Analyzing Fall Hazards
60 Min
Preventing Fall
Hazards
60 Min
OSHA Resources
60 Min
Fall Hazard Awareness
Course Description
The following is covered:
 Analyzing fall hazards
The following is covered:
 Preventing hazards
The following is covered:
 OSHA resources
on the on the
Internet
Learner Participation
Divide into groups
Ice breaker Group Exercise
 Discuss existing
knowledge of fall
hazards
Group Exercise: Identifying Fall
Hazards
 Group Exercise: have
groups look at slides
and identify the hazard
shown
Group Exercise: Analyzing
Work Areas
 Group Exercise: have
groups look at the
slides. Have them
discuss could exposure
to these hazards been
prevented by analyzing
the work area.
Group Exercise: Preventing Fall
Hazards
 Demonstration of
various fall protection
equipment
 Case Studies – have
groups discuss and
analyze the case study
using the eight step
approach to fall
protection
Demonstration of OSHA
resources on OSHA’s website
Questions and answers
4
This material is for training purposes only.
Summary and Closing
30 Min
The following is covered:
 Review
objectives
 Evaluations
 Certificates
(optional)
Questions/answers
Total content time is 5 hours. Time for breaks and lunch not included in this breakdown.
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Course Description
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This material is for training purposes only.
Workshop/Instructor Evaluation
Participants should complete a course evaluation form at the end of the course.
OSHA Form 49 should be used.
Resources
See the Appendices to the course for other helpful information. Instructors may
wish to review prior to the course.
Acknowledgements
Thanks to the following for the use of training materials on fall hazards and
prevention.
:
 Associated General Contractors of America
 Barnett Lawrence, OSHA’s Directorate of Cooperative and
State Programs
 Construction Safety Council
 State Building and Construction Trades Council of California,
Labor Occupational Health Program, Univ. of California,
Berkeley
 The State of Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health
Division (Oregon OSHA), External Training Section
Disclaimer
This information has been developed by OSHA’s Office of Training and
Education and is intended to assist employers, workers, and others as they strive
to improve workplace health and safety. While we attempt to thoroughly address
specific topics, it is not possible to include discussion of everything necessary to
ensure a healthy and safe working environment in a presentation of this nature.
Thus, this information must be understood as a tool for addressing workplace
hazards, rather than an exhaustive statement of an employer’s legal obligations,
which are defined by statute, regulations, and standards. Likewise, to the extent
that this information references practices or procedures that may enhance health
or safety, but which are not required by a statute, regulation, or standard, it
cannot, and does not, create different or additional legal obligations. Finally, over
time, OSHA may modify regulations, standards, compliance documents, or
interpretations. To keep apprised of such developments, or to review current
information, you can visit OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.
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Course Description
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