Published March 14, 2024
You probably know already that construction is one of the most hazardous industries. It has accounted for the most workplace fatalities every year since 2012, and for most of that time it’s also been among the top five for nonfatal lost-time injuries, according to the National Safety Council.
The reasons aren’t a mystery. Construction work is physically taxing, jobsites have heavy equipment in constant motion, and workers may be exposed to heights and the elements while using temporary utility setups.
Taken together, these hazards make a strong case for the importance of ongoing safety training.
But whether you’re seeking training for yourself or your employees and contractors, there is only so much time and money.
So, what are the most important training topics?
Best Supply reviewed over a dozen industry media outlets and blogs to develop this consensus of the most important areas of training for workers in the construction industry.
This was cited as a critically important training by every source. An effective training will provide instruction on the selection, fit, use and maintenance of PPE in these categories:
Trench and excavation collapses fall under the “Caught In Between” category of OSHA’s Focus Four (more often referred to as the Fatal Four), covering the leading causes of workplace deaths. It was the second-most-frequently mentioned training topic in our informal review of recommendations. Look for a course that addresses the following topics:
Falls are another of OSHA’s Fatal Four, and this topic was tied with Excavation and Trenching in its appearance near the top of every list of important safety trainings. Look for courses that address:
While opinions on the most important safety training topics start to diverge after the top three, safe handling of power tools was consistently mentioned. Look for courses that include:
Rigging affects everyone at a job site, and basic understanding and awareness of techniques and terminologies is an important safety factor – whether a worker is directly involved in rigging and moving loads, or simply working nearby. Look for courses that teach:
We were surprised that OSHA’s basic 10-hour training didn’t hit the top of every list. Perhaps that’s because it’s a survey level course, designed for entry-level workers, that provides an overview on a number of important topics, including:
OSHA also has a 30-hour safety training, appropriate for supervisors and workers at all levels of experience, including entry-level.
OSHA doesn’t provide these courses directly. Rather, it licenses select training organization to provide them online and in person. Providers can be located easily through an internet search for “OSHA 10-hour construction training.”
This topic tied with OSHA Construction training in the consensus of our review. Hazard communication assures workers receive and understand important information about chemicals in and around the job site. Look for courses that include:
Most courses in this area are designed for those who work directly with electrical systems, and are often referred to as arc flash safety training. But electrocutions are another of OSHA’s Fatal Four hazards, and construction sites present a variety of potential electrical hazards for all workers. Look for courses that include:
This topic addresses the last of OSHA’s Fatal Four – struck by objects. You’ll find different courses for equipment operators and riggers v. general construction personnel. For training all workers about overhead crane hazards, look for programs that include:
While this topic is typically covered in fall-prevention courses, workers who routinely operate at heights with a full body harness may want more intensive training. Look for courses that address:
Other trainings that were mentioned by multiple sources but didn’t make the top 10 are:
While OSHA urges safety training for construction workers, it’s not mandated at the federal level. State governments have their own regulations.
Florida requires OSHA-authorized safety training for construction employees on any contract of more than $1 million in Miami-Dade County. The other states in Best Supply’s service area do not mandate training; these are Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee.
We have built our reputation by providing a large, diverse selection of high-quality interior construction supplies and tools from leading manufacturers.
As a devoted, private company, Best Supply is set on offering products that not only suit the needs of contractors but also the needs of our environment. With a solid commitment to staying environmentally responsible and respectful, Best Supply offers an array of environmentally friendly building products. We can assist you in earning your U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating, by guiding you through purchasing Earth-friendly and recycled products.
Our mission is to provide unsurpassed customer service, product offering and competitive pricing. Put us to the test on your next project. Request a quote today.