‘Fall Protection for Construction’: Oregon OSHA launches Spanish version of online training course

Salem, OR — Oregon OSHA has launched a Spanish-language version of its free online video training course on fall protection for the construction industry.

“Fall Protection for Construction” is the fourth in the agency’s suite of fall protection courses, which address fall hazards across specific industries and in various on-the-job situations. The course – released in English last year – features practical demonstrations and insights from industry leaders, along with relevant requirements and an explanation of terms and processes. The course covers a comprehensive set of fall protection topics, such as the purposes of fall arrest and fall restraint systems, fall clearance calculations, scaffolding, guardrails, leading edge work, and holes/openings.

Falls are the leading cause of injury and death in construction, according to Oregon OSHA – which operates under federal OSHA’s State Plan program. Between 2016 and 2020, the state had 1,520 accepted disabling claims by construction workers because of falls to a lower level.

“This new course reflects Oregon OSHA’s ongoing commitment to expand our educational offerings for Spanish-speaking employers and workers in a way that fits their busy schedules and that helps them maintain safe workplaces,” Roy Kroker, the agency’s consultation and public education manager, said in a press release.