NAHB Rolls Out HBA-Based Fall Safety 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].