In the construction industry, safety is more than just a requirement – it is an absolute foundation for a safe and efficient workday. Many courses can be completed digitally, giving participants a solid theoretical understanding. But when it comes to working at height, using scaffolding, fall protection or hot work, The combination of theory and practical exercises is crucial for the learning outcome.
Theory creates understanding
The theoretical part of a course gives participants insight into regulations, risks and procedures. This lays the foundation for understanding why one should work in a certain way. For example, one learns what requirements the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority sets for working at height, and what consequences the incorrect use of fall protection equipment can have.
Without this knowledge, you may end up performing tasks correctly in practice – but without understanding the background. This can lead to important safety routines being deprioritized when pressure increases on the construction site.
Practice makes perfect
Practical exercises bring theory to life. When you actually touch the equipment, test anchor points and practice correct use on a fall protection course , knowledge becomes more than words – it becomes experience.
The same applies to scaffolding courses . Participants first learn the theoretical rules for loads, anchoring and heights, before they get to try to assemble and check the scaffolding in practice. This training allows them to know the challenges in reality and be able to handle them safely.
On a hot work course, you not only gain theoretical insight into fire risk and regulations, but you also practice using extinguishing agents correctly. Actually handling a fire extinguisher in a simulated situation provides a level of confidence that can never be duplicated.
Practice is also crucial in lift courses (personnel lift courses) . Here, participants not only learn about legislation and safe use, but also actually get to maneuver the lift and experience how the equipment reacts in different situations.
Theory + practice = confidence and mastery
When theory and practice are combined, participants are left with more than just knowledge – they are left with confidence in action. This results in a higher sense of mastery, better compliance with safety routines, and not least fewer accidents on the construction site.
At GTM Kompetanse, we offer a number of courses where this combination is at the center:
- Scaffolding course 2–5 meters with fall protection
- Scaffolding course 2–9 meters with fall protection
- Fall protection course
- Lift course / Personal lift course
- Hot worker courses (online and classroom)
By combining theory and practice, we ensure that course participants not only understand safety, but that they also master it in practice.
