FAQs

What is EM 385-1-1?

EM 385-1-1 is the most recent version of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Safety and Health Requirements Manual. "EM" stands for "Engineer's Manual," and "385" is the document number for USACE's occupational safety and health manual. The "-1-1" indicates the current document version.

The safety and health requirements laid out in EM 385-1-1 are mandatory for anyone working for USACE or on military contracts, including private contractors.

Is EM 385 Training Mandatory?

If you'll be working on a construction site that must conform with the Engineer's Manual, then EM 385 training is required.

The level of EM 385 course you need will depend on your degree of responsibility on the job. Completion of the correct training is sometimes referred to as "EM 385-1-1 certification."

Which EM 385-1-1 Certification Do I Need?

There are four different types of EM 385 courses: 8-hour, 16-hour, 24-hour, and 40-hour.

If you're a Site Safety Health Officer (SSHO), you need to complete an initial 40-hour EM 385 training. SSHOs also need to complete annual refreshers by taking the 8-hour refresher course.

If you're a manager or a supervisor – someone who leads a team or supervises others – then you're required to complete the initial 24-hour EM 385 training.

All other workers and contractors need the 16-hour EM 385 training.

There is no formal refresher requirement for anyone below the level of SSHO but given the responsibility to follow EM 385's complicated mandates, it's smart to repeat your training periodically.

What's the Difference Between EM 385 Courses and OSHA Training?

EM 385 courses and OSHA courses focus on different regulations. Both protect the occupational safety and health for construction and demolition workers, but EM 385 courses focus on the appropriate Engineer's Manual, while OSHA training focuses on 29 CFR 1926 and parts of §1910.

There's a lot of overlap between USACE and OSHA's safety and health requirements, but EM 385 tends to be far stricter. This is especially true when it comes to planning, documentation, inspections, and safety management.

While OSHA training is required for all construction workers in the private sector, EM 385-1-1 certification is required for members of USACE and private contractors that win federal bids. This means that some private-sector construction workers may need both types of training.