Certified EM385-1 Fall Prevention Competent Person Specialist
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Course Description
This course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to become a Competent Person in fall protection, especially for worksites governed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and its EM 385-1-1 safety manual. The program provides a deep dive into OSHA Subpart M, ANSI standards, and specific USACE requirements for fall protection systems.Participants will learn to identify fall hazards, select appropriate control measures, and understand the critical roles and responsibilities of a Competent Person. The curriculum covers the components and proper use of Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) and Personal Fall Restraint Systems, as well as critical topics like rescue at height and the challenges of suspension trauma. This comprehensive training ensures that safety professionals are prepared to manage fall protection programs effectively, conduct thorough inspections, and maintain rigorous compliance with all applicable regulations.
What You'll Learn
- By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify and evaluate common workplace fall hazards.
- Explain the components, inspection, and maintenance requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) and Personal Fall Restraint Systems.
- Detail fall protection training requirements as per OSHA and USACE standards.
- Describe the challenges and planning required for rescue at height, including ANSI Z359.2 requirements.
- Discuss the elements of an effective, site-specific fall protection program.
- Fulfill the duties of a Competent Person as defined by OSHA and USACE, including the authority to stop work and implement corrective actions.
- Achieve a minimum score of 80% on the final course assessment.
Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for professionals responsible for workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and fall protection management, including: Safety Professionals and Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Practitioners Certified Safety Officers and Safety Coordinators Safety Supervisors and Safety Managers Compliance Officers and Regulatory Compliance Specialists Construction Site Supervisors and Project Managers Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Managers and EHS Professionals Risk Managers and Risk Assessment Professionals Quality Assurance and Compliance Managers Government Safety Inspectors and Regulatory Enforcement Personnel Personnel working on USACE projects or sites governed by EM 385-1-1 Anyone seeking to strengthen their knowledge of fall protection and the competent person role.
Certified EM385-1 Fall Prevention Competent Person Specialist Blueprint
1. Overview
The Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CEFPCPS) blueprint summarizes the examination structure and core knowledge areas aligned to the IASHEP General Industry course. The source course emphasizes 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations and standards, OSHA policies and procedures, hazard recognition, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, corrective actions, and safety program implementation.
2. Examination Parameters
| Duration | 4 Day course alignment |
| Total Questions | Standardized assessment |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice and scenario-based |
| Passing Score | Standard passing requirement |
3. Prerequisites & Qualifications
Candidates for this certification generally have responsibilities in workplace safety, compliance, supervision, industrial hygiene, facility operations, risk management, or program administration. Preparation should include:
- Familiarity with OSHA general industry requirements and 29 CFR 1910 standards.
- Ability to recognize common workplace hazards and recommend controls.
- Understanding of inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
- Practical experience supporting or managing safety and health programs.
4. Examination Domains
| Domain Name | Weight (%) | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance | 25% | 25 |
| 2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment | 20% | 20 |
| 3. Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls | 20% | 20 |
| 4. Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions | 15% | 15 |
| 5. Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning | 10% | 10 |
| 6. Communication, Training, and Professional Application | 10% | 10 |
| TOTAL | 100% | 100 |
5. Domain Breakdown
Domain 1: OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance
Weight: 25%
Knowledge of:
- OSHA general industry regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
- 29 CFR 1910 safety regulation/standard structure and application.
- Regulatory compliance requirements for workplace safety and health programs.
- Use of OSHA standards as a guide for identifying high-hazard areas.
Domain 2: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Recognition of common workplace hazards including chemical, electrical, machinery, ergonomics, and environmental risks.
- Risk assessment methods for prioritizing hazards and exposures.
- Hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention concepts.
- Selection of practical control strategies based on observed workplace conditions.
Domain 3: Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Implementation of effective safety programs and hazard control measures.
- Accident prevention strategies and corrective action planning.
- General industry safety and health principles as applied to real-world situations.
- Integration of safety procedures into routine operations.
Domain 4: Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions
Weight: 15%
Knowledge of:
- Planning and conducting workplace inspections.
- Documenting inspection findings and identifying corrective actions.
- Evaluating facility, maintenance, production, and healthcare work environments.
- Communicating inspection results to supervisors, coordinators, and managers.
Domain 5: Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Incident investigation principles and root-cause awareness.
- Corrective action planning following accidents, near misses, or identified hazards.
- Use of incident findings to improve hazard control and prevention programs.
- Follow-up activities to verify corrective actions are completed.
Domain 6: Communication, Training, and Professional Application
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Communicating OSHA requirements and safety expectations to workers and management.
- Supporting training, orientation, and safety awareness activities.
- Applying course knowledge immediately in workplace settings.
- Professional responsibilities for safety supervisors, coordinators, industrial hygienists, facility managers, line supervisors, and program administrators.
6. Additional Information
Course Alignment:
- IASHEP CSHS-GI course page identifies the course as a 4-day intermediate General Industry course.
- The course description identifies 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations/standards as the primary focus.
- The course outcomes include OSHA compliance, hazard identification, safety program implementation, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
Source: IASHEP course page, Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CEFPCPS), accessed May 14, 2026.