What are the differences between CITB SSSTS and SMSTS courses?

Ensuring site safety is paramount for all involved in construction, and thorough, comprehensive training plays a huge part in ensuring competence and compliance across the industry. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) offers two key construction safety training courses tailored to different roles, supervisors (SSSTS) and managers (SMSTS). These courses are tailored to ensure all individuals comply with UK health and safety regulations and are often mandatory for those working on construction sites in supervisory and managerial roles.

SSSTS: Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme

Target Audience: Individuals currently working in or aspiring to work in supervisory roles on UK construction sites. 
Duration: 2 days 
Delivery Methods: In-person, virtual classroom, or on-site training 

Course Content:

•    In depth learning around the Health and Safety at Work Act, which is a fundamental piece of UK legislation that governs responsibilities on construction sites.
•    Supervisory responsibilities in site safety, such as PPE requirements, safety procedures and actions to correct unsafe conditions.
•    Risk assessments and method statements which help identify potential hazards and outline specific, step-by-step procedures for safely completing tasks.
•    Monitoring site activities and intervening in unsafe practices
•    Environmental considerations on construction sites, such as noise and air pollution and wildlife concerns 

There are many more topics covered; please see the full list here: https://www.bookmycourse.co.uk/courses/citb_sssts_site_supervisor_safety_training_scheme_357/ 

Assessment: Continuous assessment, toolbox talk and a multiple-choice test
Certification: CITB Site Safety Plus certificate, valid for 5 years 
Refresher Requirement: SSSTS Refresher courses last for 1 day in duration, can be completed online or in person and MUST be taken before the original SSSTS certificate expires.

SMSTS: Site Management Safety Training Scheme

Target Audience: Site managers, project managers, and others responsible for planning, organising, and managing construction site operations.
Duration: 5 days, offered as a block or over five weeks. 
Delivery Methods: In-person, virtual classroom, or on-site training. 

Course Content:

•    Health and Safety at Work Act and related legislation. This is covered more in depth than in the SSSTS course. 
•    Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations – these are key to improve health, safety, and welfare during the construction process and for the future use of the building. CDM 2015, the current iteration of the Regulations, emphasises planning, organisation, and collaboration to manage risks and ensure a safe working environment. 
•    Comprehensive risk assessments and method statements.
•    Site setup, including key safety areas such as scaffolding, working at height, and excavations.
•    Management of occupational health and environmental issues such as physical risks (falls, trips, injuries), hazardous substance control, noise concerns, pollutions and risks to wildlife.
•    Developing and sustaining a health and safety culture that is in line with legislation.

Assessment: Continuous assessment and a multiple-choice test
Certification: CITB Site Safety Plus certificate, valid for 5 years 
Refresher Requirement: SMSTS Refresher courses last for 2 days in duration, can be completed online or in person and MUST be taken before the original SMSTS certificate expires.

Choosing Between SSSTS and SMSTS Courses

•    SSSTS courses are ideal for those stepping into supervisory roles, focusing on day-to-day safety responsibilities and communication. They are often taken as part of mandatory training requirements for those working in the UK construction industry.
•    SMSTS courses are aimed at individuals in managerial positions in construction, emphasising comprehensive site management and adherence to legal health and safety standards in the UK. Like SSSTS courses, they are often mandatory for those working on specific UK construction sites.

Professionals often begin with SSSTS courses and, as they advance into management roles, undertake SMSTS courses to align with their increased responsibilities.

Related Reading

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•    FAQ: CITB Training