Essential Safety Standards: Understanding EM 385-1-1
Safety is the foundation of every successful construction project, especially when working on government-funded sites. The EM 385-1-1 Safety and Health Requirements Manual sets the standard for maintaining workplace safety and compliance on projects managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and other federal agencies. Whether you’re a contractor, safety manager, or site supervisor, understanding EM 385-1-1 is essential to ensuring compliance, preventing workplace hazards, and maintaining project efficiency.
What is EM 385-1-1?
The EM 385-1-1 manual is a comprehensive safety guide developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). It outlines specific health and safety requirements for construction, maintenance, and environmental projects under USACE contracts. Unlike OSHA standards, which apply broadly across industries, EM 385-1-1 is tailored for government contracts and often includes stricter safety measures.
Key Safety Requirements in EM 385-1-1
Understanding EM 385-1-1 requires a deep dive into its core principles. Here are some of the most critical areas covered in the manual:
Site-Specific Accident Prevention Plans (APP) – Contractors must develop and implement an APP that identifies potential risks and outlines mitigation strategies.
Fall Protection—Stricter than OSHA’s fall protection standards, EM 385-1-1 requires fall protection for heights above six feet and detailed fall protection planning.
Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) – Comprehensive guidelines for properly handling, storing, and disposing hazardous materials.
Competent Person Requirements – Every job site must have designated personnel trained to identify and correct safety hazards.
Daily Safety Inspections & Meetings – Mandatory daily inspections and safety briefings ensure that workers remain aware of evolving hazards.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Guidelines for proper selection, use, and maintenance of PPE to prevent workplace injuries.
Essential Safety Standards: Why Compliance Matters
Failure to comply with EM 385-1-1 can result in severe penalties, project shutdowns, and even legal consequences. More importantly, compliance ensures that workers remain safe while improving overall project efficiency. Understanding and implementing these standards helps reduce workplace accidents, lowers liability risks, and demonstrates a company’s commitment to safety.
Get EM 385-1-1 Certified.
If you work on government construction projects, EM 385-1-1 training is not just recommended—it’s essential. In addition, our EM 385-1-1 Online Course not only provides in-depth training on compliance requirements, but it also ensures that you and your team consistently remain updated with the latest safety regulations.
📌 Enroll in our EM 385-1-1 course today!
Earning EM 385-1-1 certification equips your team to meet stringent government safety standards and lays the foundation for a zero-incident worksite.
👉 Have questions about EM 385-1-1 compliance? Drop them in the comments!
