Fall Protection Training
Why Training Is Important
Workers need to know about construction worksite hazards to which they may be exposed, how to recognize the hazards, and how to minimize their exposure.
The best way for them to learn is through training. Training ensures that they know about the hazards and can demonstrate how to protect themselves from falling.
The KSA Education Process
How can the employer give employees the most effective training to perform safely?
We call it the KSA Education Process, and it has basic integrated educational strategies:
- Instruction transfers Knowledge: This is where the educational process begins. Employees must know something before they can do something. Workers are instructed on safety policies, procedures, practices, rules, and why they are important.
- Training develops Skills: Once workers have the required knowledge, they can focus on learning how to apply their new knowledge. The best way to do this is through hands-on practice in the learning environment. Giving trainees an opportunity to run through the use of equipment, procedures, and work practices is required for most fall protection training.
- Experience improves Abilities: Employees gain experience outside the classroom on the job, where the "real education" occurs. Only with experience will employees improve their overall performance.
Some employers assume that they can train their employees simply by showing them a fall-protection training video or online course (like this one!). But videos, lectures, or online courses alone are not adequate because they do not provide the "hands-on" component of the training. That's why most safety training must be conducted by an employer-certified competent person in-house.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
7-1. Which component of most fall protection training is required to ensure employees have adequate knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs)?
You forgot to answer the question!