Who Needs 16 Hour EM 385-1-1 Training?

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineers Manual 385-1-1 or “EM 385-1-1” is a manual of mandatory safety and occupational health (SOH) requirements that apply to work performed by contractors and others on certain government contracted projects. Training on the EM 385-1-1 requirements is mandatory for civilian contractors, employees, military personnel, and others working on projects overseen by USACE.

The types of projects overseen by USACE include: 

• Construction activity on military sites
• Service/maintenance of military equipment or on military installations
• Environmental cleanup/hazardous waste cleanup at sites supervised by USACE

If you intend to work on projects of this kind as a contractor for the US government, you (and any employees who will be working on site) will likely need training on the USACE safety and health rules. To even be considered for these projects, contractors must have a plan to ensure compliance with the requirements of EM 385-1-1, including the rules for training.

16 Hour EM 385-1-1 Training: Who Needs It? 

The duration of mandatory “EM-385 training” for each contractor or employee varies based on the worker’s level of responsibility and their specific job tasks. 16-hour EM 385 training is required for non-supervisor employees at construction sites or general industry sites subject to the USACE rules.

More extensive training—up to 40 hours—is required for supervisors, team leaders, and professionals with responsibility for site compliance and employee safety & health. 


 

"16-hour training is mandatory for non-supervisor employees at worksites supervised by USACE and subject to EM 385-1-1 standards."

16 hours of training on EM 385-1-1 topics is considered the “entry level” training for employees covered by these USACE rules. Depending on the type of workplace, employees who need 16 hours of EM 385-1-1 training can include a broad variety of "non-supervisor" employees. 

Job roles requiring (at least) 16-hour training may include: 

• General laborers
• Groundworkers 
• Machine/equipment operators
• Maintenance employees
• Technicians 
• Tradespeople 
• Waste handlers

It is important to note that job titles and responsibilities can vary greatly from one workplace to another. The duration of training provided for an employee should be based on the employee’s individual responsibilities and their level of responsibility for the health and safety of others on site.

Any additional instruction and/or refresher training needed for employees beyond the basic 16 hour requirement should be determined by the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) on site. 

What’s In the EM 385-1-1 Manual?

The EM 385-1-1 Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) manual addresses many of the health and safety topic areas also covered by OSHA Standards for construction sites and general industry workplaces, and other broadly applicable health and safety requirements or consensus standards. 

Topics addressed by EM 385-1-1 include (but are not limited to):  

• Fall protection and scaffolding 
• First aid
• Chemical safety and hazard communication 
• Excavation 
• Electrical work 
• Materials handling 
• Operating heavy equipment 
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Work in confined spaces

While EM 385-1-1 addresses many of the same topics as other Federal or State programs, including several key OSHA health and safety Standards, the manual also contains unique requirements implemented by the military that must be followed on sites supervised by USACE.

And, the requirements in EM 385-1-1 can be different or more stringent than the OSHA regulations for construction sites or general industry workplaces. These specialized rules are why training focused on the EM 385-1-1 is essential for contractors and their employees who work on sites overseen by USACE.

For more information about EM 385-1-1 training and courses available, visit Lion.com/EM385.

Online EM 385-1-1 Training for Contractors

Lion Technology offers the EM 385 16 Hour USACE Safety and Health Online Course as a convenient, reliable, and easy to use training option for contractors and employees working on USACE projects. This course provides introductory training on EM 385-1-1 safety and health requirements for non-supervisor employees subject to these standards.

View all courses for first-time or refresher training on EM 385-1-1 requirements, including 40 hour training, 24 hour training, and an 8 hour refresher course, at Lion.com/EM385.