As we discuss fall protection in this paper, it's important to note that the worker's attitude by means of appropriate education and training is a fundamental element for success. The effectiveness of any fall protection system is dependent upon the users and their attitudes. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that efforts are focused on educating users in the proper usage, maintenance and selection of fall protection equipment, in order to promote the attitude and understanding necessary to ensure workplace safety and moreover, reduce fatalities in elevated environments. This paper will assist employers and participants with designing, implementing and managing a successful fall protection training program. Key components of fall protection training will be addressed, including trainer qualifications, pre-planning and development, delivery methods, physical environment requirements, evaluation approaches and tools (i.e., observation of performance), and certification and retraining requirements.
In this paper, the speaker will provide a roadmap for identifying fall protection training needs, and developing course content and evaluation criteria accordingly. Examples of effective instructional materials and other documentation will be shown. The author will also highlight one of several areas where hands-on fall protection training could mean the difference between life and death.