8-Hour EM 385-1-1 Online Refresher Course
The 8-Hour EM 385-1-1 online refresher course is designed to keep Site Safety Health Officers (SSHOs), military contractors and government employees compliant with annual refresher training requirements from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
EM 385-1-1 training is mandatory for all contractors working on military projects. Each year, SSHOs are required to complete at least eight hours of documented training on safety and health standards outlined in the EM 385-1-1 manual.
Complete Your 8-Hour EM 385-1-1 Course Online
Our online 8-Hour EM 385-1-1 refresher course has numerous benefits, including:
- 100% online training
- Guaranteed to pass
- Instantly download your certificate of completion
- Train at your own pace from anywhere with internet access
Once you finish the course, you will be prompted to take a brief test on the course's core topics. After passing the exam, you can instantly download your Certificate of Completion. The course takes about eight hours to complete, not including the final exam.
Who Should Take the 8-Hour EM 385-1-1 Refresher Course?
This course is designed for workers who need eight hours of EM 385-1-1 refresher training, including:
- Site Safety Health Officers required to complete annual retraining
- Public sector contractors working on projects for USACE, the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), the Department of Defense or other government agency contracts
- Military or government employees who must enforce EM 385-1-1 standards
- Military or government employees who must comply with EM 385-1-1 standards
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About the 8-Hour EM 385-1-1 Refresher Course
The 8-Hour EM 385-1-1 online refresher course contains seven learning modules on workplace safety and health standards outlined in the USACE EM 385-1-1 manual.
Each module ends with a five-question quiz. You must score at least 70% to pass each quiz and advance to the next section. You will have an unlimited number of attempts to pass.
Once you have completed the course, you will be prompted to take a 25-question final exam. To pass the exam, you will need a score of 70% or higher. You can retake the exam until you get a passing score.
After you complete the course and successfully pass the final exam, your Certificate of Completion will be available for instant download.
Learning Objectives for the 8-Hour EM 385-1-1 Online Refresher Course
The primary goal of this course is to ensure workers receive the necessary training to meet their refresher training requirement and comply with USACE's safety and health standards.
Key topics covered in the course include:
- Identify EM 385-1-1 regulations that SSHOs and contractors must observe when inspecting a worksite
- Apply EM 385-1-1 standards toward the prevention of common hazards and worksite accidents
- Choose appropriate engineering controls, safety monitoring systems and personal protective equipment (PPE) for USACE-contracted work
- Explain best practices for safe equipment use during different worksite tasks
8-Hour EM 385-1-1 Refresher Course Outline
The 8-Hour EM 385-1-1 refresher course is divided into seven learning modules on USACE safety and health requirements for contractors and federal employees. You can find a full outline of each module below.
Module 1: Program Management
Topics covered in Module 1 include:
- General Program Management Guidelines
- Safety and Health Communication
- Orientation and Training Guidelines
- Accident Reporting and Recordkeeping
Learning objectives include:
- State EM 385-1-1 regulations concerning worksite management
- List training and physical qualification standards for USACE employees
- Discuss guidelines for accident reporting, emergency planning and explosive use
Module 2: Personal Protective and Safety Equipment
Topics covered in Module 2 include:
- General PPE Guidelines
- Types of PPE
- PPE Use for Specific Work Tasks
- Aquatic PPE
Learning objectives include:
- State EM 385-1-1 regulations concerning the use of personal protective equipment
- List requirements for PPE use during electrical work
- Describe guidelines that address aquatic PPE use
Module 3: Electrical
Topics covered in Module 3 include:
- General Guidelines for Electrical Work
- Grounding
- Hazardous (Classified) Locations
- Temporary Wiring and Lighting
- Batteries and Battery Charging
- Power Transmission and Distribution
- Work Environments
Learning objectives include:
- State EM 385-1-1 regulations concerning electrical work
- List requirements for hazardous work tasks, such as using temporary wiring and lighting and working near overhead lines
- Describe guidelines addressing electrical work that is performed in classified locations, substations and communication facilities
Module 4: Fall Protection
Topics covered in Module 4 include:
- Fall Protection for Worksites
- Personal Fall Protection Systems
- Scaffolds, Work Platforms and Elevating Devices
- Fall Warning and Rescue
Learning objectives include:
- State EM 385-1-1 regulations concerning fall protection on a worksite
- Describe the responsibilities and training relevant to workers exposed to fall hazards
- List regulations that apply to fall controls such as covers, netting, monitoring systems and ladder-climbing devices
Module 5: Work Platforms and Scaffolding
Topics covered in Module 5 include:
- Hazard Prevention Regulations
- Scaffold Use, Planning and Training
- Types of Scaffolds
- Elevating Platforms
Learning objectives include:
- State EM 385-1-1 regulations concerning the use of work platforms and scaffolding
- Select appropriate methods for reducing safety hazards when working with a variety of scaffold systems and work platforms
Module 6: Safe Access
Topics covered in Module 6 include:
- Ladder Setup and Use
- Floor, Wall and/or Roof Holes and Openings
- Stairways and Ramps
- Hoist, Elevator and Rope Access
Learning objectives include:
- State EM 385-1-1 regulations concerning safe access for all work areas
- Explain the requirements for using ladders, hoists and elevators
- Explain the requirements for constructing stairways, ramps and handrails
- Explain the requirements for constructing roof, floor and wall openings
Module 7: Excavations and Trenching
Topics covered in Module 7 include:
- General Guidelines for Planning, Design and Competent Persons
- Safe Access
- Rescue Plans and Procedures
- Sloping and Benching
- Support System Design, Installation and Removal
Learning objectives include:
- State EM 385-1-1 manual regulations concerning excavation and trenching work on a jobsite
- List guidelines addressing access methods for an excavation site, such as benching and sloping
- Describe safety requirements for different support systems used within an excavation
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the EM in EM 385-1-1 stand for?
EM 385-1-1 stands for "Engineer Manual." The EM 385-1-1 manual is a USACE engineer manual that covers key safety and health requirements for military contractors and federal employees.
Is EM 385-1-1 training the same as OSHA training?
No. EM 385-1-1 requirements may be similar to OSHA standards, but there are specific USACE safety and health requirements that standard OSHA training does not address. These include accident prevention plans, penalties for noncompliance, jobsite inspections, employee training, safety management and more. EM 385-1-1 courses are not considered OSHA-authorized training.
Is this course approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers?
The 8-Hour EM 385-1-1 refresher course was developed by OSHA-authorized trainers and reviewed by industry experts at the OSHA Training Institute Education Center at the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District.
However, the federal government does not officially approve any training related to EM 385-1-1, and no course provider can earn this approval. Generally, we recommend that students check with their employers to ensure that the course meets all training requirements.
Will my course certificate expire?
No, your certificate will never expire. But we recommend that you check with your employer or job contract to determine if additional training is required. For example, SSHOs are required to complete eight or more hours of refresher training annually.
Where can I read the EM 385-1-1 manual?
You can access a copy of the EM 385-1-1 Manual on the USACE website.