833 Developing a Construction Safety Management System

Formal Certification of Training

When OSHA or any safety training requires employees to demonstrate knowledge and skills in performing hazardous procedures or using safe practices, an attendance roster may not be legally sufficient to document the training.

Technical safety training should include testing and formal (written) certification. Certification of training usually involves issuing a certificate of competency or qualification.

According to ANSI Z490.1, certification of training should include:

• trainee's name
• course title
• date, location and hours of instruction
• statement that the trainee has successfully completed the course
• name and address of training provider
• date periodic refresher training is due (if required) or expiration date
• a unique trainee identification number
• the level of training or type of certificate awarded
• any other information required by regulation
• number of credits (CECs, CEUs, etc.), if issued. Make sure employees have met all requirements for credits.

To make your documentation stronger, consider including the following information:

• Trainee statement that he/she was provided opportunity to ask questions and perform procedures and practices
• Trainer statement that trainees, through testing, demonstrated adequate knowledge
• Trainer statement that measurement (testing) of knowledge and skills was conducted and that trainees met or exceeded required levels of performance
• Trainee statement of intent to comply with the procedures, practices, policies, and rules
• Trainee statement of understanding that failure to comply may result in discipline
• A list or description of the specific subject(s) being trained. Describe the safety procedures, practices, policies, rules addressed in training
• A list or description of the specific procedures practiced in the learning environment
• Certification - a place for trainee and trainer signatures

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