EM 385-1-1 Training: What Is It?

EM 385-1-1 is a safety manual required for many government and military construction projects. Contractors must comply with EM 385 government construction guidelines – more so than OSHA – to qualify for and maintain contracts with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Department of Defense (DOD).

In this guide, we explain what this safety manual is, how it differs from OSHA standards, how it impacts government contracts, what contractors must do to stay compliant, and how EM 385 training courses help organizations.

What Is EM 385-1-1?

Engineering Manual (EM) 385-1-1 contains the safety and health standards that apply to many federal government construction projects.

Here are some EM 385 quick facts:

• Developed and enforced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
• Applies to USACE and DOD construction projects (with an exception for national defense projects)
• Establishes safety and health requirements
• Takes precedence over OSHA on covered projects
• Sets requirements stricter than OSHA

The latest EM 385 Safety and Occupational Health Requirements were last updated in 2024 and can be accessed on USACE’s website.

What Is EM 385-1-1 Training?

EM 385-1-1 Training is designed to educate workers, supervisors, and safety professionals about the EM 385 government construction safety requirements. This training ensures that individuals working on USACE projects are aware of potential hazards, safety procedures, and required emergency response plans.

Different levels of EM 385-1-1 training are available:

• 16-hour EM 385-1-1 course: Entry-level training for non-supervisory workers.
• 24-hour EM 385-1-1 course: Intermediate training for supervisors and managers.
• 40-hour EM 385-1-1 course: Advanced-level training for safety professionals and those responsible for developing and implementing safety programs.
• 8-hour EM 385-1-1 Refresher course: Annual refresher training for Site Safety Health Officers (SSHOs).

By completing the appropriate EM 385-1-1 training, individuals can comply with USACE requirements and help prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Key Differences Between EM 385 and OSHA Standards

While both EM 385 and OSHA aim to ensure workplace safety, there are some key differences between the two, summarized in the table below.

We provide a more in-depth comparison of these safety standards in our EM 385-1-1 vs OSHA blog article.

How EM 385-1-1 Impacts Government Contracts

Is EM 385 required for government contracts? Yes – in fact, a lack of EM 385 training is a common barrier for bidding eligibility.

Here’s why you need EM 385 training before you bid for relevant contracts:

• Applies to most USACE contracts
• Training documentation required
• Site-specific safety plans must meet EM 385 requirements
• Failure to comply can disqualify bids

A government construction contract requires contractors to meet specific federal and state criteria. Most contractors, despite their qualifications and years of experience, are not able to bid on or manage government construction contracts because they’re untrained in the relevant documentation and regulatory requirements. EM 385 training can help!

How EM 385-1-1 Can Benefit Contractors

EM 385-1-1 compliance provides a competitive advantage for contractors because it:

• Qualifies contractors for government bids
• Strengthens safety credentials
• Reduces incidents and delays
• Builds trust with contracting officers

If you want to strengthen your safety credentials or work on government or military construction projects, start training as soon as possible. Not only does EM 385 training prepare you to successfully bid on government construction projects, but it also demonstrates a heightened commitment to safety, improves your safety track record, and builds your brand’s credibility.

Consequences of Non-Compliance with EM 385 Standards

Non-compliance with EM 385 standards can increase all sorts of risks, including legal, contractual, operational, and reputational.

Legal and Contractual Risks

• Contract Termination. The contracting officer may terminate the contract if non-compliance poses a significant safety risk.
• Financial Penalties. Contractors may face financial penalties of up to $2,000 per penalty per day.
• Legal Liability. Not following EM 385 Standards can lead to legal liability, including lawsuits from injured workers or damaged property.

Operational Risks

• Work Stoppages. Violations can lead to work stoppages and delays while operations are brought into compliance.
• Increased Inspections. Non-compliant contractors may face increased oversight and inspections.
• Project Delays. Work stoppages and increased inspections both contribute to project delays, bloating project costs and timelines.

Reputational Risks

• Loss of Trust. Non-compliance can damage the contractor's reputation and erode trust with the government and other stakeholders.
• Reduced Opportunities. Contractors with a history of non-compliance may have difficulty securing future contracts.

To lower these risks, it’s important to prioritize safety and compliance with EM 385 standards. This includes implementing strict safety programs, offering comprehensive training, conducting regular safety inspections, and addressing safety concerns quickly.

Who Needs EM 385 Training?

Any contractors and subcontractors who are interested in qualifying to bid or work on federal projects need EM 385 government construction safety training.

That includes:

• Construction Workers on USACE Sites. All non-supervisory workers, down to the most entry-level helpers, need the 16-hour EM 385 training to qualify.
• Supervisors and Project Managers. To meet compliance requirements for USACE sites, all Collateral Duty Safety Officers (CDSOs) with part-time safety responsibilities – including supervisors, team leads, project managers, and others with supervisory responsibilities – need at least 24 hours of EM 385 training.
• Site Safety and Health Officers (SSHOs). All USACE projects need an SSHO responsible for safety and health compliance; alternate SSHOs may be necessary for full coverage. SSHOs need 40 hours of initial EM 385 training with 8 hours of annual refresher training.

Getting Started With EM 385-1-1 Training

Ready to gain the credibility and competitive advantages of EM 385-1-1 training? We offer online courses for all required levels; these self-paced courses allow you to complete long compliance requirements on your own time and schedule for maximum flexibility.

This includes our:

• 16-hour EM 385-1-1 course for non-supervisory workers.
• 24-hour EM 385-1-1 course for supervisors and managers.
• 40-hour EM 385-1-1 course for safety professionals and those responsible for developing and implementing safety programs.
• 8-hour EM 385-1-1 Refresher course for Site Safety Health Officers (SSHOs).

Enroll today to qualify yourself for higher-paying work and bidding on federal contracts!