Who Needs Fall Protection Competent Person Training?

On any U.S. site with any work at height, a fall protection “Competent Person” is always at hand as an essential team member.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines Competent Person as “one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.”

Thus, competent Persons are essential for a safe worksite.

What You Need to Know About Fall Protection Competent Person Training

Fall protection Competent Person training is a must in construction and utilities where heights are involved.

All programs teach participants the fundamentals of fall arrest, identify fall hazards and discuss best practices in fall prevention. These programs aim for a conscious person who is eligible to educate, and to comply with safety specifications in fall protection.

OSHA defines the requirements of Competent Person training for elevated worksites in the general industry (1910.30) and construction (1926.503). Furthermore, ANSI and ASSP also require a fully trained and employer-authorized Competent Person as part of your compliant Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program.

Who Should Be Taking Fall Protection Competent Person Training

Which positions in the construction profession might be considered for Competent Person training?

• Foreman
• Manager
• Supervisor
• Carpenter
• Scaffold erector
• Steelworker

Given extreme conditions under which they work, tower climbers and technicians (besides needing rescue training) need to be trained in, fall protection as a Competent Person – because fall protection is such a serious safety issue for them.

Why Competent Person Training in Fall Protection is a Requirement

OSHA regulations as stated above require that a Competent Person is present on the site to supervise the system and practices for fall protection. This individual identifies hazards, implements corrective actions and upholds applicable standards.

This type of training makes sure all personnel are compliant with these types of requirements and, therefore, help the organization meet OSHA conditions in order to avoid fines and closures. It also protects workers from falling down and fosters a safety culture by enabling workers to evaluate risk, check spaces and ensure safety precautions are properly executed.

What This Training Program Consists Of

Fall protection trains what to have for fall protection. A training course covers:

• Theoretical Aspects
• Understand all rules and regulations
• Identifying fall hazards at the work site
• Principles of fall protection and types of systems and equipment

Practical Aspects:

• A job site’s fall protection plan
• Choose & Use Fall protection Equipment: Fall Harness, SRL (Self Retracting Lifeline)
• Service and checking of the equipment
• Fall scenarios simulation and recovery operation
• Formulating rescue plans and emergency procedures

Broadly, this trains proper safety practices and hazard identification and fall protection management.

OSHA Regulatory Framework and Compliance Standards 

OSHA has not issued any guidance as to how frequently you should train a Competent Person, or what the expectations should be.

Employers must provide some type of safety training – typically a two-hour “authorized person” course – for heights of six feet or more for construction and four feet for general industry.

Similar to the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code, ANSI has standards that provide guidelines on how to use fall protection equipment. Employers must refer to more state-specific rules for such ‘best practices,’ including proper use of training and equipment

Benefits of Fall Protection Competent Person Training

Training for fall protection Competent Person can save lives and dollars. It trains workers on how to detect and prevent fall hazards, creating a safer workplace with fewer accidents. This lower risk is a morale boost and even promotes safety.

Training can also lower costs by reducing state compensation claims from injured workers, medical bills and lost days to work. A good safety record can translate to lower insurance premiums and liability savings. Well-trained workers are also more productive, and proper fall protection system implementation can prevent the loss of time. Thanks to this methodology, organizations will not face penalties and fines for failure to meet safety standards.

How to Choose the Right Fall Protection Training Provider

Though, there are many criteria, look for these key elements:

• A thorough sequence of instruction on fall prevention, equipment use (i.e., fall arrest device), and rescue methods that meets OSHA and-preferably-ANSI requirements
  • Proven experts
  • tailoring to your organizational requirements
  • Assessments and/or certification to ensure only qualified individuals are assigned Competent Persons
  • Testimonials that are positive

Online vs On-Site Training

Consider flexibility, cost, and hands-on practice when selecting online or on-site training.

Technically, live training environment is the best option as the students will be able to experiment and learn with live environment or get immediate feedback by the instructor.

However, on-site learning is not only more expensive, but logistically challenging for several employees to complete.

Therefore, online training is convenient to attend your classes from home but it lacks hands-on which is the most required thing to have competent learning. After completing on-site training, refresh your knowledge through online training.

FAQs

1) How long is a fall protection Competent Person training program?

A full training course takes 2 days with 8 hours of training each day. Refresher courses are one eight-hour day.

2) What is the cost of a fall protection Competent Person training course?

The cost of training teams varies by provider, duration, and location. A two-day class can run anywhere from $600 to $1,400. Advanced courses, particularly the ones with hands-on training or customized content, cost more.

3) What’s the certification process?

Training, written exam, and the advanced hands-on fall prevention test is required to become a competent person certified.

4) Is there a renewal requirement for certification?

ANSI suggests that they be updated every two years. OSHA does not, nor does it have retraining provisions in general industry (1910.30) and construction (1926.503).

Final Thoughts

Safety training in fall protection is required in any high-risk sector.

Lay out training programs that teach workers to recognize slip, trip and fall hazards, put fall protection equipment to use properly and respond properly in fall emergency situations.

Fall Protection Training keeps companies legally compliant, minimizes accidents, and also can save a company money from medical expenses, insurance premiums and lost productivity.

A safe worksite equals a happy, productive workplace.