What's the Difference: EM 385-1-1 vs. OSHA Requirements
If you work with the military or for the Department of Defense (DoD), you probably follow EM385-1-1 rather than OSHA safety requirements. While many of the rules of military-grade safety requirements are similar to OSHA, there are some differences. In this article, we will discuss those differences and the benefits of both organizations.
What Is EM385-1-1?
EM385 is the Safety and Health Requirements Manual, a guideline published and updated by the US Corps of Engineers (USACE) for DoD projects. EM385-1-1 training is intended for contractors and project managers working on government or military projects as well as for government employees enforcing EM385 requirements.
Violation of the terms can result in a canceled contract. That is why adhering to the specific rules and regulations the manual designates is so important. A contracting officer has the authority to stop operations in case of non-compliance, and you may also face a $ 2,000-a-day penalty. Here are some differences you should be aware of between these two standards.
EM385-1-1 vs. OSHA Standards
OSHA does not protect uniformed military personnel working on unique military operations. However, OSHA laws apply even when military operations are not uniquely military. Usually, an activity is not considered uniquely military compared to those conducted by a private-sector workplace, as defined by the DoD. This includes operations such as:
- Vehicle repair
- Construction
- Civil engineering
- Medical services
- Office operations
Military operations, equipment, and systems, on the other hand, are exempt from OSHA standards when they relate to the design of DoD equipment and systems utilized for national defense, such as:
- Military aircraft
- Missiles
- Artillery
- Tanks
- Tactical vehicles
Detailed Accident Prevention Plan (APP)
Unlike OSHA’s general Incident and Injury Prevention Plan (IIPP), an EM-385-based project needs a project-specific Accident Prevention Plan (APP) in place. This must be produced on demand, and you may lose a contract if the officer in charge finds the regulations to be inadequate.
The military looks for in-depth details that address all of the risks involved in each aspect of a project. The APP must provide detailed information on potential hazards. Each project phase must have a separate APP to analyze risks, determine control measures, and address safety management issues for an accurate analysis.
Strict Technical Provisions
EM385 emphasizes employee and job site training over OSHA due to their importance in preventing injuries in military-based contracts. This is because of the complexity of these contracts. Employees who are aware of potential hazards, including those not immediately apparent, are more cautious on the job.
For instance, most workers who are trained in accordance with OSHA regulations can recognize a worn power cord by its appearance. However, EM385 workers also understand the significance of conducting a ring test before installing a new grinding wheel and assessing hazards in a confined workspace.
Comprehensive Employee Training
OSHA and EM385 regulations are quite different when it comes to employee training. OSHA has broader training requirements and mandates that each worker is trained to avoid and recognize unsafe work conditions. This includes regulations suitable for different work environments that can control or reduce hazards.
EM385 training requirements are more rigorous in comparison. For instance, in a required Accident Prevention Plan (APP), the contract holder must present a list of subjects discussed with workers during safety training.
This is more than enough to ensure that DoD contractors provide a safe working environment for all employees, regardless of the duties they are in charge of. EM385 requires continuing training during a DoD operation along with initial safety training.
Employers must hold regular safety training and meetings in order to assess previous actions, define safe work practices for potential dangers, determine suitable safety/health training requirements, and plan for operational improvements. These meetings must be held at least once a month for all supervisors working on the project and once a week for workers.
Working Hand in Hand
While their standards may differ, both EM385-1-1 and OSHA were formed with the express interest of keeping workers safe. OSHA and EM385 are organizations that educate and train employers and employees to prevent accidents and injuries. They employ authority figures to ensure worksite standards are followed, and unsafe conditions are addressed. EM385 and OSHA training is essential because they protect workers from hazardous working conditions and encourage safe and healthy work practices.
Start Your Training Now
Learn all you need to know about EM385 regulations by signing up for the 40-hour EM 385-1-1 USACE Safety & Health course from 360training.com. Students who complete the course will be able to work with the US Army Corps of Engineers without violating stringent safety regulations. Sign up today.
