Without adequate safety and health policies in place, jobsite injuries are inevitable. One of the most important tools any builder can give to employees is adequate on-the-job training to prevent workplace injuries.

Through a grant awarded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the NAHB Research Center has partnered with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to develop a new training program to help home builders, their employees, and trade partners better understand fall protection requirements and make their job sites safer.

From April to September, 40 classes will be conducted across 20 of the nation’s top home building markets. The Research Center will offer the free, four-hour classes in English and Spanish to local builders, small business owners, general contractors, and trade contractors — building professionals whose employees are often at risk of injury by hazards encountered during daily construction activities.

The classes address an important need for builders, as falls are one of the top safety problems faced on jobsites today. Attendees will benefit from instruction on fall prevention techniques specifically geared for the residential construction industry. Each participant will receive a student manual and video on fall protection recently created by the NAHB.

Every employer has a responsibility to provide a workplace environment that is free from recognized safety hazards. These seminars will provide the needed tools to help reduce common risks as well as access to high caliber instructors at no charge to sponsoring home builder associations (HBAs).

The Research Center is currently seeking production builders and local HBAs to host training seminars for employees, trades, and members. Funds toward room and audiovisual rental are available; restrictions apply. For more information, contact Shelton Cartwright, OSHA Project Manager at (800) 638-8556 ext. 6232, or email fallprotection@nahbrc.org.

 [return to top]