Alabama Fall Protection Institute Opens Its Doors

On Wednesday, builders and contractors in Alabama celebrated the grand opening of the Alabama Fall Protection Institute, marking it as the first facility of its type in the Southeast.

Previously, construction companies in Alabama had to send their workers to Austin, Texas for training and certification. Falls have consistently been the leading cause of fatalities in the construction sector across the country.

The Alabama ABC has prioritized safety in its strategic planning. They’ve taken steps to tackle the primary reasons behind workplace fall fatalities within the industry.

In collaboration with 3M Fall Protection and BL Herbert International, ABC and Craft Training Academy have created a hands-on training environment that reflects a simulated workplace, enhancing the learning experience in their classrooms.

“We must ensure that all our employees return home safely every day, and facilities like this will help us achieve that,” said a representative.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Fatal Labor Injury Census Report, the construction industry faced 1,075 deaths in 2023, accounting for over 39% of all construction-related fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for safety measures.

Centrally located within the lab is a state-of-the-art training tower designed to simulate real-world workplace conditions, allowing students and professionals to earn recognized certifications in fall protection.

“At some point, leadership has to prioritize safety over costs. This facility showcases our commitment,” Harrison remarked. “Until our employees are safe, nothing else is important. Our industry must foster a culture that values lives over profits.”

In a notable achievement, Alabama’s builders and contractors received the 2024-2029 Strategic Planning Branch Performance Award at the ABC National’s annual conference in Las Vegas, reflecting their comprehensive approach to worker safety.

The associated builders and contractors in Alabama support the state’s Merritt Shop construction sector, which generates 200,000 jobs and contributes 5% to the state’s economic output.