EM385 Training Resources

If you are in the construction trade and considering tendering for Department of War contracts in 2026, the market looks positive.  The House summary for the FY2026 bill shows about $19.7 billion in defense funding, roughly a 4.5% increase over the prior year.  That’s enough to keep a lot of preconstruction teams, specialty trades, and…

On a USACE project, small gaps in safety knowledge can turn into big schedule problems. The EM385-1-1 16 hour training exists to close those gaps so that the workforce that performs hands-on tasks each day do so safely and in compliance with legislation. This entry-level course is built around the USACE Safety and Health Requirements…

Getting your EM 385 certification is essential if you work on construction or government contracting projects that require strict safety compliance. This certification proves that you understand workplace safety guidelines set by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and are competent to work on projects. Whether you’re a contractor, safety officer, or construction worker, holding…

The Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) has several key responsibilities related to the safety and occupational health (SOH) program at a project site. These duties include developing, implementing, and managing the contractor’s SOH program. The SSHO is also responsible for conducting inspections, and developing Activity Hazard Analyses (AHAs). A crucial aspect of their role…

NoticeThis article is for informational purposes only. em385.us is not the final determiner of any project specific requirements or training, which are specific to each project, contractor and role and must be determined in line with USACE and NAVFAC requirements. This article provides a summary of the different roles covered by the EM 385 standard,…

Taking EM 385-1-1 training is of paramount importance for any contractor undertaking work under a USACE contract. The EM 385-1-1 manual serves as the definitive guide for safety and occupational health requirements on these projects, and a thorough understanding of its contents is not merely advisable but essential for successful and compliant project execution. A…

Chapter 3 of EM 385-1-1 focuses on first aid and medical requirements, outlining the necessary provisions for ensuring the health and safety of personnel in various work environments. It details training qualifications for first aid and CPR, the implementation of AED programs, and the requirements for first aid kits, stations, and health clinics based on…

Chapter 2 of the EM 385-1-1 manual, titled Safety and Occupational Health Program Management for Contractors, lays the foundational requirements for contractors undertaking work under a USACE contract, including those administered on behalf of USACE.  This chapter mandates the development, management, and implementation of a comprehensive Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) program by contractors, forming…

Chapter 1 of the EM 385-1-1 Engineers Manual is titled “Safety and Occupational Health Program Management for United States Army Corps of Engineers Personnel”. This chapter establishes the fundamental requirements for the Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) program within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This chapter’s primary objective is to provide overall programmatic…

Understanding the ins and outs of safety training, particularly in the context of government projects, is very important for professionals planning to bid on DOD and related projects. The EM 385-1-1 training is required to ensure that safety standards are upheld, ultimately protecting both workers and the integrity of the projects themselves. The required training…

It’s almost the end of another year, and as the industry takes a well deserved break for a few days it may be a good time to consider next year’s prospects. A lot has happened in 2024 and with an incoming Trump administration in January, there could be some unexpected shake-ups. That notwithstanding, here’s our…

USACE EM 385 1-1 compliance is crucial in the construction industry if you are planning to undertake any projects related to the military and government.  These regulations ensure that safety and health standards are maintained, helping to prevent accidents and ensuring a safe and secure work environment for employees and contractors alike. Failure to comply…

Some people feel anxious at the thought of having to take tests, quizzes and assessments in order to get their EM 385 certification. An EM385 test or quiz is a required component of any training and certification program, but it should not be something to be worried about – after all, you will be doing…

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has released a new version of the EM 385-1-1 manual for 2024. The last official release was in 2014, so there are some quite significant updates.  This article will run through the key changes you must be aware of, ensuring you stay compliant and up-to-date with the latest…

A lot of people get confused on the differences between EM385 1-1 training and OSHA 30 Hour training. This is understandable as there is significant overlap in the curriculum of these training programs. Not only that, there are also certain roles that require both EM385 training and OSHA 30 hour certification in order to be…

If you are a contractor or an employee working on military projects, you may have heard of EM 385-1-1 training. But what is it and why do you need it? Here is a brief overview of what EM 385-1-1 training is, what it covers, and how you can get it online. What is EM 385-1-1…

If you work on military projects as a Site Safety Health Officer (SSHO), you know how important it is to follow the safety and health standards outlined in the EM 385-1-1 manual.  This manual, released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), covers everything from hazard identification and prevention to accident reporting and investigation….

EM 385 training is a type of online safety training that covers the regulations and guidelines outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Manual, also known as the EM 385-1-1 Manual. This manual contains the safety and health requirements for construction contract work related to military or government projects. EM 385…