COURSE OVERVIEW
This program is designed to provide learners with a high-level overview of a number of construction safety topics and safety rules to comply with OSHA standards. Specifically, the safety orientation training covers an introduction to generic safe work practices, various worksite arrangements, the safe use of tools and equipment, and procedures for what to do in the event an emergency occurs.
This online Construction Safety Basics: Work Environment course is designed to provide a high-level overview of a number of construction safety topics and safety rules to comply with OSHA standards
After completing this course, an understanding should be gained of:
- Specific workspace arrangements that help maintain safety in the workplace.
COURSE TOPICS
This online Construction Safety Basics: Work Environment course covers the following topics:
- The safe use of tools and equipment
- Procedures for what to do in the event of an emergency
- Work Practices: Extreme temperatures, confined spaces, and trenching & excavations
ONLINE COURSE DURATION
Approximately 30 minutes
PASS MARK
A mark of 80% must be achieved to pass this course. The course can be taken three times to achieve the pass mark.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Upon successful completion of this online course, learners can download a certificate of completion that is also available for printing.
COURSE PREVIEW
Additional Safety Knowledge
Alberta Construction Safety Framework
Alberta construction is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, OHS Regulation, and OHS Code. Prime contractors on construction sites of 20+ workers must have a written health and safety program including hazard assessments, safe work practices, training records, incident investigation procedures, and joint health and safety committee (JHSC) provisions. The prime contractor coordinates safety across all sub-trades.
The Four Leading Causes of Construction Fatalities
- Falls from height: 33–39% of construction fatalities. Prevention: fall protection systems, guardrails, safe access.
- Struck-by objects: 10–12% of fatalities. Prevention: exclusion zones, tool tethering, hard hats, load path awareness.
- Electrocutions: 8–10% of fatalities. Prevention: lockout-tagout, overhead line clearance (7 metres minimum in Alberta for lines up to 750V), GFCIs.
- Caught-in/between: 5–8% of fatalities. Prevention: trench shoring, machine guarding, energy control procedures.
These are known as OSHA’s “Focus Four” and are the target of workplace safety programs across Canada and the US.
Pre-Work Hazard Assessment
Every task must begin with a documented hazard assessment. Workers identify hazards, evaluate risk (probability × severity), and implement controls following the hierarchy: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE. Alberta OHS requires a formal hazard assessment for all work, and a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or Field Level Hazard Assessment (FLHA) for non-routine tasks. Workers have the legal right to refuse unsafe work under Section 31 of the OHS Act.
Construction Safety Basics Work Environment — Personal Protective Equipment
Construction PPE minimum standards in Alberta: CSA Grade 1 hard hat, CSA Grade 1 safety footwear (green triangle), CSA-approved safety eyewear, and high-visibility apparel meeting CSA Z96 Class 2 or 3 for roadside work. Additional task-specific PPE (respirators, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, fall arrest harnesses) is required based on hazard assessment. PPE is the last line of defence, not the first control.
Content reviewed by Arliss Levine, CRSP, CHSC — lead safety instructor at Safety Mom · Allstar Enviro Safety Calgary, an Energy Safety Canada Authorized Training Provider.
