Course Overview
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is dedicated to enhancing the safety of work zone workers through vigilant monitoring, continuous improvement, and proactive advancements. In partnership with FHWA, the University of South Florida (USF) is now offering a selection of free work zone training courses.
Falls continue to be one of the most serious hazards in roadway work zones and transportation construction. This two-part webinar series offers a comprehensive overview of fall risks, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, and the full range of prevention and protection strategies used in active work zone environments. Through real-world examples, noteworthy practices, and demonstrations, participants will learn how to recognize hazards in work zones, plan work safely, select and use the correct protective systems, and implement prevention programs that protect workers at all levels.
Drawing on OSHA-supported training materials, this two-part webinar series emphasizes practical, job-ready knowledge tailored to work zone, construction, and roadway settings, addressing same-level falls, equipment-related falls, and falls from elevation.
Learning Objectives
- Identify common fall hazards in roadway work zones and construction environments and understand why they occur.
- Explain OSHA requirements for fall protection, worker rights, and employer responsibilities.
- Apply the hierarchy of controls to fall hazards, including elimination, engineering controls, administrative controls, and protective equipment.
- Recognize the components, selection criteria, and proper use of fall restraint and fall arrest systems commonly used in work zones.
- Conduct basic fall hazard analysis and understand the elements of a written fall protection plan for work zone operations.
- Identify correct procedures for inspecting, maintaining, and using fall protection equipment.
- Understand rescue considerations, including suspension trauma risks and proper response procedures.
Target Audience
This training is ideal for personnel working in roadway construction and work zones, including construction and maintenance crews, supervisors and foremen, inspectors, project managers, public works staff, utility crews, and safety professionals responsible for fall prevention and protection in transportation construction environments.
Instructor Bio
Todd Morrison, P.E. is a road safety advocate as a speaker, workshop instructor, and online trainer. For the past fifteen years he has worked for numerous Local Technical Assistance Programs, Cities, Counties, Contractors, and Departments of Transportation. He has taught over 900 workshops and trained over 27,000 individuals. He retired from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet after serving in the Divisions of Construction, Maintenance and Traffic. At the Cabinet, he worked with environmental, work zone, construction and maintenance concerns as a Resident/Construction Engineer, Maintenance/Traffic Engineer, Environmental Coordinator, and as a Branch Manager for Maintenance and Operations. Todd served for two years as Kentucky’s Safety Circuit Rider helping local agencies identify low-cost improvements to reduce crashes. He also served for two years as a Road Safety Subject Matter Expert for the Tribal Technical Assistance Program. Todd is an American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) certified Traffic Control Supervisor, Flagging Instructor, and Traffic Control Design Specialist. He is also a Certified Public Manager and National Highway Institute certified instructor.
RECORDINGS
Preventing Falls During Transportation Construction2-Part Series
Click the tabs below to view the recorded webinars.
⏱ 4 Hours
CERTIFICATES and CREDITS
4.0 PDHs (2.0 PDHs per Session)
-or-
Certificate of Completion – 4 Hours (120 Minutes per Session)
Watch the full webinar, then submit the form to request your certificate. Certificates are issued within 2-3 weeks.
Part 1 of 2: Understanding Fall Hazards in Transportation Construction
This session focuses on the most common fall hazards found in roadway work zones and construction environments. Participants will learn where and why falls occur, how to recognize and assess risks, and which prevention strategies can be incorporated into planning and daily operations.
Part 2 of 2: Fall Protection Systems, Equipment, and Safe Rescue
This session covers the protective systems and procedures used when fall hazards in work zones cannot be eliminated. Participants will explore fall restraint and fall arrest equipment, OSHA-required specifications, and essential rescue and response considerations.