Architectural Atlas: Construction Health & Safety

6 Hours (LU/HSW)

(AIA-Approved Continuing Education Course)

Course Description

This comprehensive health-and-safety module provides architects, designers, builders, and construction professionals with a clear and practical understanding of the essential safety principles governing modern construction practice. The course introduces the regulatory framework, key definitions, and field-level applications of Health and Safety Programs while strengthening competency in hazard recognition, workplace inspections, and safe equipment operation.

Participants will develop a strong foundation in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), environmental hazard management, lockout/tagging procedures, fire safety protocols, traffic control, and the safe use of hand tools and power tools commonly found on residential and light-construction sites. Emphasis is placed on practical, real-world application rather than high-level technical theory, equipping learners with actionable knowledge that directly improves field safety, minimizes risk, and supports healthier, code-aligned project environments.

Who This Course Is Designed For

All hours are fully recognized for AIA LU/HSW credit and support competency development for:

① AIA Members

AIA Architect Members

AIA Associate Members

② Licensed & Regulated Professionals

Licensed Architects

Interior Designers (IDCEC / ASID / IIDA)

③ Architectural Technology & Design Teams

Architectural Technologists

Senior Architectural Technologists

Architectural Designers

Interns / Graduate Architects

BIM Technologists / BIM Coordinators

Drafting Technicians

④ Construction & Project Delivery Teams

Design-Build Contractors

Construction Managers

Project Managers (PM)

Site Supervisors

Residential Builders

Builders / Developers

Developer Technical Staff

⑤ Specialized Consultants

Planning Consultants

Building Code Consultants

Life Safety / Fire Protection Engineers

Structural Engineers

Building Envelope Consultants

Energy Modelling / Sustainability Consultants

Passive House / Net-Zero Consultants

Engineering-related design staff

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Health & Safety Regulation and Programs

Understand Health & Safety regulatory frameworks, definitions, and field applicability.

Identify the essential components of Health & Safety Programs and workplace inspection procedures.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Demonstrate knowledge of eye, head, foot, hearing, respiratory, and hand protection.

Distinguish appropriate PPE for various worksite environments and hazard conditions.

3. Work Environment & Site Hazards

Recognize housekeeping, fire safety, and electrical hazard risks.

Apply lockout and tagging procedures to prevent accidental equipment activation.

Understand safe protocols for backing-up procedures and traffic control.

4. Tools & Equipment Safety

Safely perform proper mounting and dismounting techniques for vehicles and equipment.

Identify hazards and safe-operation practices for hand tools.

Understand the correct use and safety considerations for power tools, including:

drills, planes, routers

saws (all major categories)

air-powered tools

explosive-actuated tools

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will:

Understand the core principles of construction safety and regulatory compliance.

Strengthen their ability to recognize, assess, and mitigate job-site hazards.

Demonstrate improved judgment when selecting PPE and performing workplace safety procedures.

Apply safer practices when operating tools and managing on-site workflows.

Integrate Health & Safety considerations into architectural and construction project planning.

Course Purpose

The goal of this program is not to overwhelm learners with excessive technical detail, but to provide clear, practical, and actionable safety knowledge that improves job-site conditions, supports responsible design practice, and enhances overall project outcomes.