OSHA 155-Hour Construction Safety and Health

The construction industry is one of the most dynamic yet hazardous fields, where workers face risks such as falls, heavy machinery accidents, electrical hazards, and exposure to harmful substances. Because of these challenges, safety training is not just a regulatory requirement but a necessity for protecting lives. The OSHA 155-Hour Construction Safety and Health Program is designed to provide comprehensive training that equips workers, supervisors, and safety professionals with advanced knowledge and skills to reduce workplace accidents and create safer job sites.

Unlike shorter training programs such as OSHA’s 10-hour or 30-hour courses, the 155-hour program offers a far more detailed exploration of construction safety and health standards. It covers a broad range of topics aligned with OSHA’s construction regulations under 29 CFR 1926 and prepares participants to apply these standards effectively in real-world scenarios. This makes the course especially valuable for safety officers, site supervisors, project managers, and individuals pursuing careers in occupational safety, as well as for workers aiming to strengthen their professional qualifications and leadership roles in safety management.

Throughout the program, participants develop a deep understanding of hazard recognition and control, learning how to identify common construction risks including falls, trench collapses, scaffolding failures, electrical hazards, and confined space dangers. The training also emphasizes the correct use, selection, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as health-related topics such as noise exposure, respiratory protection, ergonomics, and chemical safety. In addition, it provides practical knowledge on emergency preparedness, from creating action plans to handling fire prevention and first aid, ensuring that workers are ready to respond effectively to critical situations.

What sets this program apart is its focus on leadership and accountability. Graduates are trained not only in technical safety measures but also in how to foster a culture of safety on construction sites. They learn to conduct audits, lead by example, and influence teams to adopt safer practices. This leadership element is crucial, as it transforms safety from being just about compliance into a shared value across the workforce.

The OSHA 155-Hour Construction Safety and Health consists of 11 mandatory units which are as follows.

Introduction to OSHA and Construction Safety Standards (10 Hours)
Fall Protection and Scaffold Safety (15 Hours)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (10 Hours)
Excavation and Trenching Safety (15 Hours)
Machine Guarding and Equipment Safety (15 Hours)
Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Prevention (15 Hours)
Incident Reporting, Investigation, and Root Cause Analysis (15 Hours)
Emergency Response and Fire Safety (15 Hours)
Workplace Environmental Safety and Hazardous Waste Management (15 Hours)
Safety Auditing and Compliance Inspections (15 Hours)
Creating a Safety Culture and Employee Training (15 Hours)

Learning Outcomes for OSHA 155-Hour Construction Safety and Health

Here are the learning outcomes for the OSHA 155-Hour Construction Safety and Health:

1. Introduction to OSHA and Construction Safety Standards (10 Hours)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to understand the role of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in regulating workplace safety and health. They will develop a strong knowledge of OSHA’s construction standards under 29 CFR 1926, including their application in day-to-day construction activities. Learners will also be able to explain employer and employee responsibilities, workers’ rights, and the processes for compliance, inspections, and citations, ensuring a solid foundation for all subsequent safety training.

2. Fall Protection and Scaffold Safety (15 Hours)
Upon completion of this unit, learners will be able to recognize the leading causes of fall-related injuries in construction and apply OSHA-compliant fall protection systems. They will demonstrate the ability to assess scaffolding setups for compliance and safety, identify hazards such as improper assembly or unstable foundations, and apply fall prevention measures. Learners will also gain practical knowledge of using guardrails, harnesses, nets, and lifelines, ultimately ensuring safer work practices at heights.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (10 Hours)
This unit will enable learners to understand the different categories of personal protective equipment and their specific functions in safeguarding workers. Learners will be able to select appropriate PPE for hazards such as respiratory risks, noise, chemical exposure, or impact injuries. They will also learn proper inspection, maintenance, and usage techniques for PPE, ensuring both compliance and effectiveness. By the end of this unit, participants will recognize the importance of PPE as a last line of defense in the hierarchy of hazard controls.

4. Excavation and Trenching Safety (15 Hours)
By completing this unit, learners will gain the ability to identify hazards associated with excavation and trenching, such as cave-ins, falling loads, and hazardous atmospheres. They will learn how to implement protective systems including sloping, shoring, and shielding, in line with OSHA requirements. Learners will also understand soil classification, safe entry and exit procedures, and inspection requirements, enabling them to maintain a safe environment for trenching and excavation operations.

5. Machine Guarding and Equipment Safety (15 Hours)
At the end of this unit, learners will be able to recognize the risks associated with unguarded machinery and construction equipment. They will understand OSHA standards for machine guarding and demonstrate how to properly install, maintain, and inspect safety devices. Learners will also develop skills to identify equipment hazards such as pinch points, rotating parts, and electrical risks, ensuring they can enforce safe operating practices to prevent workplace injuries.

6. Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Prevention (15 Hours)
Learners completing this unit will understand the principles of ergonomics in construction and how poor ergonomics contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). They will learn to identify tasks that pose ergonomic risks, such as repetitive motion, heavy lifting, and awkward postures. By applying ergonomic solutions, learners will be able to design safer work practices, reduce worker fatigue, and minimize long-term health issues, ultimately improving overall productivity and well-being on the jobsite.

7. Incident Reporting, Investigation, and Root Cause Analysis (15 Hours)
This unit will prepare learners to properly report workplace incidents and near-misses in compliance with OSHA regulations. They will gain skills in conducting thorough investigations, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses. Learners will also be able to apply root cause analysis techniques to identify underlying issues rather than just immediate causes, allowing them to recommend effective corrective actions and prevent recurrence of accidents.

8. Emergency Response and Fire Safety (15 Hours)
By completing this unit, learners will acquire knowledge of emergency preparedness and effective response strategies for construction sites. They will be able to develop and implement emergency action plans, conduct evacuation drills, and ensure the availability of fire protection systems. Learners will also understand the principles of fire prevention, safe handling of flammable materials, and use of fire extinguishers, enabling them to protect lives and property during emergencies.

9. Workplace Environmental Safety and Hazardous Waste Management (15 Hours)
At the end of this unit, learners will understand how environmental hazards such as noise, dust, chemicals, and hazardous waste impact worker safety and health. They will be able to apply OSHA and EPA guidelines for hazardous waste handling, storage, and disposal, as well as implement pollution prevention measures. Learners will also develop knowledge of safe practices for managing asbestos, lead, and other regulated substances, contributing to a safer and environmentally responsible workplace.

10. Safety Auditing and Compliance Inspections (15 Hours)
This unit will enable learners to conduct safety audits and compliance inspections in alignment with OSHA standards. They will gain the ability to identify hazards, document findings, and recommend corrective actions. Learners will also develop the skills to track compliance, evaluate safety programs, and work collaboratively with management and regulatory agencies, ensuring continuous improvement of workplace safety practices.

11. Creating a Safety Culture and Employee Training (15 Hours)
By completing this unit, learners will understand the importance of fostering a positive safety culture in construction environments. They will develop strategies for effective employee training, communication, and engagement to encourage proactive participation in safety programs. Learners will also gain leadership skills to model safe behaviors, reinforce accountability, and create a work environment where safety is valued as a shared responsibility across all levels of the workforce.

Course Benefits of OSHA 155-Hour Construction Safety and Health

Here are the key benefits of the OSHA 155-Hour Construction Safety and Health:

Comprehensive Knowledge – Provides an in-depth understanding of OSHA construction standards, hazard recognition, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
Career Advancement – Enhances professional credibility, opening opportunities for promotions, leadership roles, and higher-paying positions in construction safety management.
Improved Workplace Safety – Equips participants with the skills to reduce accidents, injuries, and downtime, leading to safer and more efficient worksites.
Regulatory Compliance – Helps organizations meet OSHA requirements, reducing the risk of fines, legal issues, and project delays.
Cost Savings for Employers – Minimizes workers’ compensation claims, insurance premiums, and legal liabilities through stronger safety practices.
Leadership Development – Builds the ability to lead safety initiatives, conduct training, and foster a culture of safety across all levels of the workforce.
Emergency Preparedness – Strengthens confidence in handling emergencies such as fires, collapses, or hazardous exposures effectively and safely.
Employee Confidence – Boosts the confidence of workers and supervisors by ensuring they are well-prepared to identify hazards and respond appropriately.
Enhanced Productivity – Promotes safer, healthier, and more motivated teams, resulting in better performance and project outcomes.
Long-Term Industry Value – Represents an investment in professional growth, organizational safety, and sustainable success in the construction industry.

Here are the future progression opportunities after completing the OSHA 155-Hour Construction Safety and Health:

Comprehensive Knowledge – Provides an in-depth understanding of OSHA construction standards, hazard recognition, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Career Advancement – Enhances professional credibility, opening opportunities for promotions, leadership roles, and higher-paying positions in construction safety management.

Improved Workplace Safety – Equips participants with the skills to reduce accidents, injuries, and downtime, leading to safer and more efficient worksites.

Regulatory Compliance – Helps organizations meet OSHA requirements, reducing the risk of fines, legal issues, and project delays.

Cost Savings for Employers – Minimizes workers’ compensation claims, insurance premiums, and legal liabilities through stronger safety practices.

Leadership Development – Builds the ability to lead safety initiatives, conduct training, and foster a culture of safety across all levels of the workforce.

Emergency Preparedness – Strengthens confidence in handling emergencies such as fires, collapses, or hazardous exposures effectively and safely.

Employee Confidence – Boosts the confidence of workers and supervisors by ensuring they are well-prepared to identify hazards and respond appropriately.

Enhanced Productivity – Promotes safer, healthier, and more motivated teams, resulting in better performance and project outcomes.

Long-Term Industry Value – Represents an investment in professional growth, organizational safety, and sustainable success in the construction industry.