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Quality isn’t subjective — it’s contractual.
EM-385-1-1 Safety Requirements
EM-385-1-1, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements Manual, establishes safety standards governing federal construction projects. The manual defines requirements for accident prevention programs, hazard controls, training, and safe work practices used on projects administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Contractors performing work on USACE construction projects must comply with EM-385-1-1 requirements as incorporated into project specifications and contract documents.
Purpose of the EM-385 Safety Manual
The EM-385-1-1 manual establishes minimum safety and health requirements for federal construction activities. These provisions address hazards commonly encountered during construction including excavation work, electrical installations, fall protection, confined spaces, and heavy equipment operations.
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The manual also requires preparation of project-specific Accident Prevention Plans (APP) outlining the procedures contractors must implement to maintain safe construction operations.
Accident Prevention Plans
Contractors must prepare project-specific Accident Prevention Plans describing safety procedures, hazard controls, and training requirements for construction personnel.
Construction Hazard Controls
EM-385 establishes safety requirements addressing common construction hazards including fall protection, excavation safety, electrical hazards, and equipment operation.
Safety Inspections
Construction activities must be monitored to verify compliance with EM-385 safety requirements and project safety plans established for the work.
Additional discussion regarding construction inspection and project oversight is available in the Federal QA Oversight section of this site.