Cal/OSHA Safety Training Requirements Unsafe practices, the primary cause of employee injuries, are often a direct result of inadequate employee training. Training is especially important for the construction industry since its injury rates are about 50% higher than the average for all industries. Of course, construction has higher injury rates because of its higher risks. Since an entire book (and a very large one) could be written just on Cal/OSHA training requirements, the following summary merely highlights some basic requirements for construction industry employers. Construction employers generally must follow their own special standards. However, if no construction industry standard applies, construction employers must then follow the applicable general industry standard. While there is considerable overlap between general industry and construction standards, the construction industry does face its own special hazards and challenges. For example, 65% of the construction workforce makes some use of scaffolds, which is a much higher percentage than in general industry. Another difference is the far greater danger from falls in construction than in general industry. Construction employers are also challenged by the more transitory nature of the construction workforce. This may make it tempting to assume that employees have already received all their necessary training from previous employers. The standards discussed in this Distance Learning program can be found in the California Labor Code, Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations (8 CCR). Most of the rules can be found in the Construction Safety Orders (8 CCR 1500 1938). However, the General Industry Safety Orders (8 CCR 3200 6184) and the Electrical Safety Orders (8 CCR 2299 2974) also apply to construction work where no specific construction safety order exists. Course Descriptions: Accident Investigation Designed to prevent similar accidents occurring in the future, this course focuses on fact finding techniques and gathering information crucial to understanding how the accident happened. Learn vital interview techniques and how to structure an Accident Report along with the pictures and diagrams necessary to ensure proper documentation and lessons are properly learned. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for Supervisors and Accident Investigators. 3203(a)(7)(F)
Aerial Devices (Elevating Platforms) This course identifies safety techniques and tools to use when operating Aerial Devices including height prohibitions, load limits and restrictions. The program discusses the importance of regular equipment inspection and the use of safety harnesses. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all users of Aerial Devices and all Authorized Personnel. This training must be completed before use. 3648(l)(7), 3648(c), 3646(c), 3638(d) Back Safety (Ergonomics) Illustrates how the back is constructed, and how it works. Aimed at reducing the risks of major back problems, this course provides a number of techniques for avoiding back injuries while standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, and loading. Learn the proper techniques to prevent back injuries. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all Employees in affected job classifications. This training must be completed upon initial employment and when the standard is triggered. 5110(b)(3) Cranes Learning how to identify potential risks when working with such complex machinery is vital to the health and safety of everyone on the jobsite. This course will identify the safety precautions needed to safely work with cranes. Covers lift angles, safety precautions, procedures, and inspections. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for Mobile and Tower Crane Operators, Qualified Persons and Authorized Employees. This training needs to be completed upon initial employment and once every 5 years thereafter. 5006.1(a) Defensive Driving Every 12 minutes someone dies in a motor vehicle crash, every 10 seconds an injury occurs and every 5 seconds a crash occurs. Many of these incidents occur during the workday. Employers bear the cost for injuries. Whether you manage a fleet of vehicles, or have many vehicles visiting your jobsites, implementing a driver safety program in the workplace can greatly reduce the risks faced by your employees while protecting your company s bottom line. This training is recommended for any employee driving for the company. Earthquake Preparedness (Emergency Action Plan) Earthquakes are unpredictable. Not knowing what to do during an earthquake can cause panic and even destruction. This course offers the tools and techniques needed to be prepared. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all impacted employees. This training must be completed upon initial employment and whenever the plan is updated. 3220(e) Electrical Safety Aimed at training workers in the importance of knowing how to work with and around electricity safely. Covers how electricity works; fuses and circuit breakers; outlets, plugs and grounding; safe work practices; lockouts and tagouts; electrical emergencies and much more. This course is designed for any worker who is exposed to electrical tools, equipment or systems. This course covers the topics included in Electrical Safety Orders 2395-2510
Emergency Preparedness For most facilities, this course covers types of emergencies; the Emergency Plan; the Emergency Response Team; evacuation; communications; involving outside agencies; etc. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all impacted and assigned employees. This training must be completed upon initial employment and whenever the plan is updated. 3220(e), 1512(d) Excavation & Trenching Hazards associated with excavation are cave-ins; the striking of underground utilities; falling tools, materials, and equipment; and hazardous air contaminants or oxygen-deficient environments. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all Competent Persons on the jobsite. 1541 Fall Protection This course details the Cal/OSHA regulations for Fall Protection safety and awareness. Falls from elevation are responsible for the highest numbers of fatalities in the construction industry. Preventing falls from elevation, from ladders and stairways, scaffolds, roofs, and structures are all covered in this course. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all Affected Employees, Competent Persons and Qualified Persons upon initial employment. 1671.1 Fire Safety For all levels of personnel this program covers fire prevention skills and the proper use of fire extinguishers. Topics include approved safety containers, flame quenching, types of fire extinguishers, Fire Triangle, how to fight a fire, PASS method of fighting a fire and more. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all Assigned and Exposed Employees as well as Maintenance and Operation crew. This training must be refreshed annually. 3221(d)(1)-(2) First Aid Will help employees understand basic first aid for sprains and muscle pulls; lacerations and bleeding; broken bones; shock; burns; artificial respiration and CPR. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all Assigned Employees and Supervisors. This training must be completed upon initial employment and periodically for updates. 1512(b) & (d) Hand and Power Tools (including Powder-Actuated Tools) Power tools can be hazardous when improperly used. There are several types of power tools based on the power source they use: electric, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic, and powder-actuated. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all users and Qualified Persons. This training must be completed upon initial employment. 1685(a)(1), 1689(a) Hazard Communication For any environment where employees may be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals. Covers background of the regulation, chemical hazard concepts, materials safety data sheets, types of hazardous chemicals, characteristics and effects, safe handling, container labeling, personal protective equipment, spills and cleanups, etc. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all Exposed Employees. This training must be
completed upon initial employment and when any new chemicals or processes are introduced. 5194(b)(1) Heat Illness Prevention Heat stress can be a serious health hazard for employees required to work while exposed to the sun or other heat sources. Supervisors and foremen should look continuously for symptoms and signs of heat stress-related disorders in workers. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all Exposed Employees. This training must be completed upon initial employment. 3395(e) Housekeeping Housekeeping is a term used to describe the cleaning of the work site and surrounding areas of construction project-related debris. The term also refers to the managing and storing of materials that are used on the project. Housekeeping requirements are extensively referred to in legally binding construction agreements between the General Contractor and the Subcontractors. This course is intended for all Production Staff. 1513 Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) A written Injury & Illness Prevention Program should be the foundation of every safety plan in California and is required for every workplace regulated under Title 8. A summary of the basic elements of the IIP Program has been included in this course. Cal/OSHA has implemented several laws and regulations that affect the construction industry. Inadequate training can result in citations and fines to General Contractors. 1509(a), 3203(a) Introduction to OSHA This course includes multi-employer jobsite regulations; laws and regulations that affect the construction industry. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for All Employees. This training must be completed upon initial employment and when updated. 3203(a)(7), 1509(e) Ladders & Stairways (Fall Protection) Covers several of the most common types of ladders (step ladders, metal ladders, wooden ladders, fiberglass and extension ladders); selection techniques (using the right ladder for the job); inspection before use; placing the ladder safely; maintenance; carrying and storing ladders safely. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all exposed Employees, Competent Persons and Qualified Persons. This training must be completed upon initial employment. 1671.1 Lockout/Tagout Explains how to manage all types of energy sources, monitoring, measuring and assessing energy sources, causation analysis, energy transfer and special situations such as complex isolation, group lockout/tagout, machinery guarding, interlocks and more. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for Affected Employees and Qualified Persons. This training must be completed upon initial employment and when updated. 3314, 3314(j)
Materials Handling (Cranes & Other Hoisting Equip.) Workers learn how to plan the job; potential hazards; importance of personal protective equipment; proper lifting techniques and the safe use of hand trucks, carts, and other equipment used in materials handling. This course also extensively covers slings, chains, and hoists. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for Mobile and Tower Crane Operators, Qualified Persons and Authorized Employees. This training needs to be completed upon initial employment and once every 5 years there after. 5006.1(a) New Worker Safety Orientation Covers Cal/OSHA requirements for training in general and specific safety issues protective equipment, guarding, accident reporting and more. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all new hires. All workers MUST be trained in safe work practices and in the hazards and safety precautions applicable to the job. 1510(a), 3203(a) Office Safety An all around look at office safety, giving information on computer terminals; safe lifting and carrying; first aid; fire and extinguishers; safety awareness; slips and falls; and posture. This course teaches the importance of Office Safety and hazards to avoid. 1509(a), 3203(a) Personal Protective Equipment Emphasizes the importance of using personal protective equipment whenever it may be required. This course covers hard hats; foot protection; gloves - hand protection; eye protection; noise - hearing protection; respirators dust masks and other protective devices. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all PPE Users. This training must be completed upon initial employment. 3380(c) Scaffolding Work activities associated with scaffolds are subject to many different hazards; however, falls from scaffolding are by far the most serious cause of injury. This course covers the risks associated with assembly, disassembly, and the need for continuous inspections as scaffolding systems deteriorate. This course is Cal/OSHA required and intended for all Erectors and Dismantlers and Qualified Persons. This training must be completed upon initial employment. 1637(k)(1), 1637, 1658(g) Struck-By Hazards 75% of Struck-by injury/accidents are caused by construction vehicles on jobsites. Many injuries can be prevented if employees wear the proper personal protective equipment like hard hats and safety glasses, but fatalities can only be prevented by identifying and correcting hazards before someone is killed. This course is intended for all exposed employees.
Qualified Person A qualified person is a person designated by the employer; and by reason of training, experience, or instruction has demonstrated the ability to perform safely all assigned duties; and, when required is properly licensed in accordance with federal, state, or local laws and regulations. Examples: Mobile Crane and Tower Crane Operators 5006.1(a) Scaffold Erection and Dismantling Supervisors 1637(k)(1) Demolition 1736 Competent Person A competent person is a person who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees. The competent person has the authority to impose prompt corrective measures to eliminate these hazards. Examples: Excavation - Inspectors 1541 Fall Protection Plan implementers and supervisors 1671.1 Lift Slab Construction 1522.1