NRCA University | Free safety training

During the past several years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has awarded NRCA funding to create and administer roofing safety programs. OSHA's role is to ensure the health and safety of workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training and education; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.

In fall 2007, NRCA introduced two safety programs specially designed for roofing contractors to train their field workers in-house. These programs are intended to allow you to train at your own pace at a time that's convenient for you and your crew. All training materials are provided for free and are available in English and Spanish.

Each training program includes a downloadable instructors guide and a video training program. The video programs are available on The Roofing Safety Pack DVD, which can be requested online and will be shipped free of charge.

Fall-protection training program

This program contains the information you need to know about fall protection to comply with OSHA's federal standards for low- and steep-slope roofing.

Caught in/caught between training program

Roofing workers face many job-site hazards—not only on the roof but also on the ground. This program focuses on proper work practices and safety equipment to use to avoid injury.

BONUS—Trainer's program

Also available at no charge is Tame Your Training Fears: How to Become a Great Trainer, a self-study program that gives you the skills and techniques that will help make you an effective trainer.

In early 2008, NRCA offered Roofing Safety: OSHA 10-hour Program, the only OSHA 10-hour construction program specifically designed to help roofing workers identify and avoid hazards on the job. This free program was delivered in English and Spanish in eight cities across the U.S. This fall, NRCA will offer an OSHA 30-hour safety training class. Details will follow in the coming months.

For more information, contact Michele Biesiada, NRCA's manager of education programs, at (800) 323-9545, ext. 7534 or mbiesiada@nrca.net.