US Army Corps of Engineer projects are required to comply with the safety and health requirements described in the EM 385-1-1 Manual whether the project is carried out by the military, civilians, or contractors. A Competent Person (CP) is designated to conduct the required safety inspections and create reports to ensure compliance with this manual. Each project is required to have at least one CP designated as the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) per project depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Administrative SSHO requirements
- The SSHO must be a full-time employee. During a shift, the primary SSHO must always be present. If the SSHO is off duty for less than 24 hours, a designated representative (DR) must be present. If the SSHO is off duty for more than 24 hours, the contractor must provide an alternate SHHO.
- The SSHO must be an employee other than the supervisor unless it is otherwise specified in the contract and approved by the local safety and occupation health office (SOHO).
- The SSHO must report to a senior project official.
Training SSHO requirements
- The SSHO must complete the OSHA 30-hour training and have a copy of their instructor signed card onsite. This training may be either the 30-hour general industry safety class or the 30-hour construction industry safety class.
- Other formal construction or industry training that is equivalent to the OSHA 30-hour course can be approved by the local SOHO.
- The SSHO must have five years of continuous safety experience in supervising safety programs, hazard analyses and developing controls.
- If the SSHO has a safety and occupational health related certification, only 4 years of experience is needed.
- SSHO’s are required to take 8 hours of continuing education per year such as reading or writing professional articles, teaching, or participating in professional societies.
To get started in your SSHO training, USACE Training offers the best EM 385 training that fulfills the requirements for contractors and federal employees working on military projects. It is designed to introduce learners to the safety standards contained in the EM 385-1-1 manual. Learn more about the training requirements for US Army Corps of Engineers projects.
Good luck and stay safe!
