The Effects of 10-hr Construction Outreach Training: Knowledge Retention and Practical Application

Abstract

Many states and municipalities today require the completion of 10-hr Construction Outreach Training as a prerequisite for entrance into jobsites. Over 500,000 workers received the OSHA Construction Outreach Training in FY 2013. Rutgers OSHA Training Institute Education Center (OTIEC) recruited a cohort of Construction Outreach Trainers to administer a survey to their students to identify their motivations for attending the trainings, the knowledge gained in certain subject areas and how the students expected to practically apply the knowledge gained in the training to actual worksites. A majority of the over 600 students participating in the study demonstrated a significant depth in subject matter knowledge and practical ability to connect hazard controls to effectively mitigate risks. Students were able to identify deficiencies at their workplaces regarding the lack of hazard-specific training and various administrative controls. This study also identified several issues concerning the length of time trainers currently allocate for the safety and health topics and some strategies to realign these durations to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of various trainings.