Sellen Sustainability, a subsidiary of Seattle-based Sellen Construction, announced last month the launch of what it claims is the nation's first green building safety program to address potential incidents associated with new green building systems before accidents occur.

"The safety industry has not yet had the opportunity to fully understand what is different about green building," said Yancy Wright, director of Sellen Sustainability, in a press release about the new program.

Green building systems introduce new practices to seasoned construction professionals and workers unaccustomed to the safety issues found on construction sites. For example, landscapers unaccustomed to working on multistory buildings now need proper training when installing green roofs, Sellen said.

The eight-hour curriculum consists of five focal areas that aim to provide the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for preventing avoidable workplace incidents. The program begins with a comprehensive introduction to sustainability that addresses the basic elements of green building and how the industry has evolved.

Other focal areas include defining new green building systems, evolving job site roles and responsibilities, identifying green building attributes that make a jobsite safer, and creating a preventive action plan.

Sellen Sustainability held a training course at Skagit Valley Community College earlier this month, and plans three more around the state, including on Feb. 21 at Spokane Community College, with each course running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To register for any of the courses, contact Vicki Plemmons via email at vplemmons@RTC.edu.