NAHB Rolls Out HBA-Based Fall Safety Training

Safety
Published
Contact: Jared Culligan
[email protected]
Program Manager, Safety
202-266-8590

Instructor George Middleton explains harnesses and anchor points during the training
Instructor George Middleton explains harnesses and anchor points during the training.
Participants look on at fall prevention training
Volunteer helps demonstrate harness use at fall prevention training

Late last month, NAHB conducted its first in-person fall prevention training class as part of a new pilot program. In partnership with the National Housing Endowment (NHE) and Job-Site Safety Institute (JSI), NAHB’s pilot program is focused on providing comprehensive fall safety training at no cost to NAHB’s state and local home builders associations (HBAs).

The first training was held at the Build Smart Institute in Roanoke, Va., for the Roanoke Regional HBA. Approximately 45 registrants attended the class, which included builders, contractors and remodelers.

The four-hour course, developed by NAHB and JSI, covers a wide range of fall safety issues that arise on home building sites, including:

  • Ladder safety
  • Scaffolds
  • Conventional fall protection systems such as Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS), guardrails, and safety nets
  • Additional fall protection systems such as handrails and stair rails, floor hole covers, and controlled access zones
  • Fall rescue procedures

The course is designed to be facilitated by a trained instructor familiar with NAHB educational content. The Roanoke training was run by George Middleton, who demonstrated proper technique for wearing and using fall prevention safety equipment.

Participants were also given a written evaluation at the end of the course to ensure that knowledge, skills and attitudes were acceptably transmitted and that students possess the necessary ability to safely perform the tasks taught.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries in the construction industry, and fall protection issues are the leading OSHA violation for home builders. Understanding this, JSI awarded NAHB a grant last year to start the fall prevention training pilot, with support from the NHE.

NAHB will facilitate approximately 20 trainings for HBAs by the end of May 2025. Upon completion of the pilot program, NAHB will consider providing trainings for more HBAs and their membership. If your HBA is interested in scheduling a training, email Jared Culligan, NAHB’s safety program manager, at [email protected].

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Economics

Jul 03, 2025

Consumer Confidence Retreats in June

After a strong rebound in May, consumer confidence resumed its downward trend in June. Consumers remain concerned about the economy and labor market amid ongoing uncertainty, especially around tariffs.

Sponsored Content

Jul 02, 2025

5 Proven Strategies Smart Builders Use to Grow in Any Market

Sound Capital has worked with builders across market cycles for over 20 years. They have seen who thrived when others pulled back, and they've studied the strategies they used to scale while competitors were sidelined. Here are five things they all had in common.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Jul 03, 2025

Solid Job Growth in June

The U.S. labor market continued to show resilience in June, with steady job gains led by state/local government and health care sectors.

Economics

Jul 02, 2025

Two or More Story Home Starts Rebound in 2024

Over half of new single-family homes built in 2024 were two or more stories, according the recent release of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC). After declining in 2023, the share of homes started with two or more stories increased again in 2024, continuing the upward trend in place since 2020.

Economics

Jul 01, 2025

May Private Residential Construction Spending Dips

Private residential construction spending fell by 0.5% in May, marking the fifth straight month of decreases. This drop was primarily driven by reduced spending on single-family construction. Compared to a year ago, total spending was down 6.7%, as the housing sector continues to navigate the economic uncertainty stemming from ongoing tariff concerns and elevated mortgage rates.