What is a fall protection course?
A fall protection course provides training in the safe execution of work at height. Falls from height are the biggest cause of serious workplace accidents and fatalities in the construction industry in Norway. The course provides you with knowledge of risk assessment, the use of personal protective equipment, and regulatory requirements to prevent fall accidents.
Whether you work on roofs, scaffolding, in masts, or other structures – a fall protection course is a fundamental prerequisite for being able to perform the work legally and safely.
Who needs a fall protection course?
Everyone who performs work at height where there is a risk of falling needs fall protection training. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Roofers and plumbers who work on roofs and facades
- Scaffolders who assemble and dismantle scaffolding
- Electricians and fitters who work in masts, on columns, or high structures
- Carpenters and joiners who work with roof beams and trusses
- Industrial workers who perform maintenance at height
- Wind power technicians who work in wind turbines
- All employees who have tasks over 2 meters from ground level
According to the Working Environment Act § 3-2 and the Regulations concerning the Performance of Work §§ 17-1 to 17-5, the employer has a duty to ensure that employees receive necessary training and practice in the use of work equipment and protective equipment before working at height.
Legal requirements for work at height
The regulations for work at height are strict, and for good reason. The most important legal requirements are:
- Working Environment Act § 3-2 – the employer must ensure training in the safe execution of work
- Regulations concerning the Performance of Work, Chapter 17 – specific requirements for work at height
- Workplace Regulations § 6-5 – requirements for protection against falls from a height of over 2 meters
- Regulations concerning Organization, Management, and Employee Participation § 8-1 – requirements for documented training
- Client Regulations § 17 – the client must ensure that safety requirements are set for work at height
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority conducts regular inspections at construction sites, and inadequate fall protection is one of the most common reasons for work stoppage and penalty fees.
Consequences of inadequate fall protection training
Inadequate fall protection and training can have serious consequences:
- Fines and penalty fees: The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority can impose fines of several hundred thousand kroner for inadequate safety measures.
- Immediate work stoppage: The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority can stop all work at height until documented training and safety measures are in place.
- Insurance problems: Without documented training, the insurance company may reject claims for compensation in the event of fall accidents.
- Criminal liability: In the event of serious accidents, the employer and project manager may be held personally criminally liable.
What does the fall protection course include?
The fall protection course at Komplett HMS provides a thorough introduction to all aspects of safe work at height. The course covers:
- Risk assessment – how to identify and assess hazards when working at height
- Regulations – review of relevant laws, regulations, and standards
- Collective protection – railings, scaffolding, nets, and other collective protective measures
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) – harnesses, ropes, shock absorbers, anchor points, and other fall protection equipment
- Equipment inspection – pre-use checks and periodic inspection of protective equipment
- Rescue plan – how to plan and carry out rescue in the event of a fall (suspension trauma)
- Practical exercises – correct donning of harness and connection of fall protection system
After passing the knowledge test, you will receive a course certificate documenting completed training.
Validity and duration
There is no formal validity period for fall protection courses set by the authorities. However, most industry organizations and companies recommend that the course be renewed every 1–3 years, depending on how often one works at height.
Many clients and main contractors require that the fall protection course is no older than 12–24 months to gain access to the construction site. It is therefore important to keep the certification up to date.
The online part of the course at Komplett HMS normally takes 4–6 hours to complete.
Online fall protection course vs. classroom instruction
A complete fall protection course ideally consists of both a theoretical part and a practical part. The theoretical part can be completed online, while the practical part should be carried out physically with the equipment to be used.
Advantages of taking the theoretical part online:
- Save time – take the theoretical part on your own before the practical day
- Lower total cost – fewer days away from work
- Flexible – complete when it suits your work schedule
- Available in several languages – important on multilingual construction sites
Employer's responsibility for fall protection training
The employer has a legal duty to ensure that everyone who performs work at height has documented fall protection training. This responsibility is rooted in the Working Environment Act and the Internal Control Regulations.
The employer must:
- Conduct risk assessments for all work at height
- Ensure that employees have completed a fall protection course before work begins
- Ensure that suitable fall protection equipment is available and in good condition
- Document training and maintenance of equipment
- Have an emergency plan for rescue in the event of a fall
Order fall protection course
The fall protection course from Komplett HMS provides you with the theoretical training you need at a competitive price. The course is 100% online and available in several languages.
Order fall protection course here »
See also our courses in scaffolding user course and MEWP course for complete training in work at height.
Why choose Komplett HMS?
- Competitive prices – Among Norway's most affordable online fall protection courses
- Available in several languages – Ideal for multilingual work teams
- Instant course certificate – Digital course certificate ready after passing the knowledge test
- Flexible – Complete at your own pace on PC, mobile, or tablet
- 5 out of 5 stars on Google – Norway's best-rated HSE course provider
Frequently asked questions about fall protection courses
How high can one work without fall protection?
Workplace Regulations § 6-5 requires protection against falls when working at a height of over 2 meters. In practice, risk assessment must be carried out for all work where there is a risk of falling, regardless of height.
Is an online fall protection course approved?
Yes, the theoretical part of fall protection training can be completed online. The employer must also provide practical training with the equipment actually used at the workplace.
How often must a fall protection course be renewed?
There is no statutory renewal period, but industry standard is 1–3 years. Many clients require that the course is no older than 12–24 months.