Certified Construction Safety Officer (CSO)®

This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.

Construction projects depend on people who can recognize hazards before they cause injuries.

A trained safety officer can help turn written safety policies into consistent site behavior.

This course develops the knowledge needed to support safer workers, equipment, operations, and emergency responses.

It also introduces the inspection, documentation, and compliance responsibilities commonly associated with construction safety roles.

Construction remains one of the highest-risk industries in the United States. In 2024, the private construction industry recorded 1,034 fatal occupational injuries, representing a fatal injury rate of 9.2 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. Construction also recorded more workplace deaths than any other private industry during that year.

Falls remain a major concern. Of the 1,034 construction fatalities reported in 2024, 389 resulted from falls to a lower level. OSHA states that these deaths were preventable, demonstrating why construction employers need effective fall-prevention systems, inspections, worker instruction, and hazard controls.

The Certified Construction Safety Officer (CSO)® course introduces learners to the principles used to maintain safer construction environments. It begins with construction safety fundamentals before progressing to hazard identification, risk assessment, control measures, personal protective equipment, site operations, emergency planning, inspections, and compliance monitoring.

Learners will examine how hazards may develop during activities such as working at height, excavation, material handling, equipment operation, electrical work, and movement around active construction areas. OSHA identifies falls, electrocution, unguarded machinery, silica exposure, asbestos, and contact with heavy equipment among the serious hazards faced by construction workers.

The course also explains how safety officers can assess the likelihood and possible consequences of an incident. Learners will explore methods for selecting controls, communicating requirements, checking protective equipment, preparing emergency procedures, recording inspection findings, and recommending corrective actions.

Demand for occupational safety knowledge extends beyond construction sites. Employment of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians is projected to grow by 12% between 2024 and 2034, compared with 3% for all U.S. occupations. Approximately 18,300 openings are expected each year over the decade.

By completing the course, learners can strengthen their knowledge of construction safety systems and prepare for responsibilities involving site observation, incident prevention, safety documentation, worker communication, inspection support, and regulatory awareness.