Did You Know that OSHA Requires Companies to Provide Fall Training for Workers?

When negligent training or supervision of construction workers exists, the chances of onsite accidents increases dramatically. Construction companies are legally responsible for training and supervising workers, and failure to do so can result in OSHA fines and lawsuits that seek damages for workers with severe injuries or for families who lost loved ones in fatal construction site accidents.

What rules does OSHA have for training construction workers?

The most fundamental of regulations are training programs to recognize fall hazards. The purpose of the training program is not simply to help workers to recognize fall hazards but also to train them in the procedures they should take to minimize such hazards.

What should the training program entail?

The trainer must be skilled in the following:

• Understanding the nature of fall hazards in construction areas
• Knowledge of correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling and inspecting fall protection systems
• Using and operating guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, warning line systems, safety monitoring systems, controlled access zones and other protections for workers
• Knowledge about the limitations of mechanical equipment used with roofing and low-sloped roofs
• The proper way of handling and storing equipment and materials
• Erecting overhead protection

What are an employer’s duties in training and supervising employees?

When employers believe that a trained employee still does not understand or have adequate skills in fall protection, they are responsible for retraining them.

Employers are responsible for training workers when fall protection systems change or when new equipment makes previous training obsolete.

OSHA violations that occur at construction sites point to negligence and can provide evidence of neglect in a lawsuit. Seek legal help if you’ve suffered a serious injury at a construction site.

At Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLP , we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your injuries and evaluate your potential case.