Fall Protection Course – Everything you need to know about working at heights courses

A fall protection course is a mandatory course for anyone performing work at height. Every year, serious fall accidents occur in Norwegian workplaces, and many of these could have been avoided with proper training. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about fall protection courses – who needs to take it, what the course covers, and how you can easily complete an online fall protection course.

What is a fall protection course?

A fall protection course provides training in the safe use of personal fall protection equipment, risk assessment for work at height, and knowledge of current regulations. The course is aimed at anyone working in places where there is a risk of falling, whether it's on roofs, scaffolding, ladders, masts, wells, or in other situations where work is performed at height.

Who needs a fall protection course?

According to Norwegian regulations, all employees who use personal fall protection equipment must have documented training. This includes, among others:

• Construction workers
• Roofers and tinsmiths
• Electricians and installers
• Industrial workers who work at height
• Maintenance personnel
• Wind turbine technicians
• Anyone using a harness, lifeline, fall arrester, or other fall protection components

Legal requirements: Regulations on the Performance of Work §17-1

The requirement for training in the use of fall protection equipment is rooted in the Regulations on the Performance of Work §17-1, which states that employers must ensure that employees using work equipment have received the necessary training and practice in safe use. In addition, the Working Environment Act §3-2 requires employers to provide employees with the training necessary to perform their work safely.

The training must be documented, which means that the employer must be able to present course certificates if the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority conducts an inspection.

What do you learn in a fall protection course?

A good fall protection course covers the following topics:

• Regulations and provisions – Relevant laws, regulations, and standards
• Risk assessment – How to identify and assess hazards when working at height
• Types of fall protection equipment – Harnesses, lifelines, fall arresters, anchor points, and more
• Correct use and adjustment – How to put on and adjust a harness and connect a lifeline
• Equipment inspection – Visual and functional check before use
• Rescue and emergency preparedness – What to do if someone is hanging in their harness (suspension trauma)
• Maintenance and storage – Proper handling for long equipment lifespan

Online vs. in-person fall protection course – advantages

Traditionally, fall protection courses have been conducted as classroom instruction with a practical component. Today, many providers, including Komplett HMS, offer an online fall protection course that covers the theoretical part. Here are some of the advantages:

• Flexibility – Take the course when it suits you, on your mobile, tablet, or PC
• No travel costs – Save time and money on travel and accommodation
• Your own pace – Go through the material at your own pace
• Instant course certificate – Get a course certificate immediately after passing the knowledge test
• Multiple languages – Komplett HMS offers courses in Norwegian, English, Polish, Lithuanian, Romanian, and several other languages
• Cost-effective – Often more affordable than traditional classroom courses

Note that the employer must also ensure practical training in the specific equipment used at the workplace.

Employer requirement for documented training

It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that all employees have received the necessary training. This includes:

• Ensuring that everyone who uses fall protection equipment has completed an approved course
• Storing documentation of completed training (course certificates)
• Providing refresher courses as needed
• Facilitating practical exercises at the workplace

Consequences of insufficient training

If the employer fails to provide the required training, it can have serious consequences:

• The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority can order work to be stopped
• Administrative fines and penalties can be imposed on the business
• Personal criminal liability for the general manager in case of serious violations
• In the event of accidents, lack of training can lead to increased criminal liability
• The insurance company may reduce or deny compensation due to missing documentation

Frequently asked questions about fall protection courses

How long does a fall protection course take?

The online course at Komplett HMS usually takes 3–5 hours to complete, depending on your own pace. You can also split it over several sessions.

How long is the course certificate valid?

There is no fixed expiry date for fall protection course certificates in Norwegian regulations. However, refresher courses are recommended every 1–3 years, and the employer must assess the need for new training if there are changes in equipment or work methods.

Is an online fall protection course approved?

Yes, the theoretical part can be completed as an online course. The employer must also provide practical training in the specific equipment used at the workplace.

How much does a fall protection course cost?

Prices vary between providers. Online courses are generally cheaper than traditional classroom courses. Check our fall protection course product page for updated prices.

Can I take a fall protection course in English?

Yes, Komplett HMS offers the fall protection course in several languages, including Norwegian, English, Polish, Lithuanian, and Romanian. This makes it easy for foreign workers to complete the required training.

Do I need a fall protection course to work on roofs?

Yes, if there is a risk of falling and you are using personal fall protection equipment, you must have documented training. This also applies to work on roofs.