Who Should Attend the SSSTS Course
The SSSTS course is specifically tailored for individuals who have supervisory responsibilities on a construction site. This includes a variety of roles across different trades and sectors of the industry. It is not just for those with the job title of supervisor; it is equally relevant for team leaders, gangers, and those who are transitioning from a trade role into a management position. If you are responsible for overseeing the work of others, ensuring that tasks are completed correctly, and maintaining onsite discipline, then this certification is essential. Many major contractors and house builders now require all their supervisors to hold a valid SSSTS certificate as a prerequisite for working on their sites. This makes the qualification a vital asset for anyone looking to advance their career in construction. By completing this training, you demonstrate to employers that you take health and safety seriously and that you possess the professional competence required to lead a team safely. The programme is particularly beneficial for:- Gangers and team leaders looking to formalise their experience.
- Trade specialists moving into a supervisory capacity.
- Assistant site managers who require a foundational understanding of site safety.
- Subcontractors who need to meet the safety requirements of principal contractors.
Key Learning Objectives and Course Content
The curriculum for the SSSTS programme is comprehensive, covering a broad range of topics that are essential for daily site management. Over the course of the two day programme, delegates are immersed in the legal and practical aspects of health and safety. The training is designed to be interactive, often involving group discussions, case studies, and practical exercises that reflect real world scenarios found on modern construction sites. One of the core components of the course is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Supervisors must understand how this overarching piece of legislation applies to their specific role and the work their team performs. Furthermore, the course delves into more specific regulations, such as the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which outline the roles and responsibilities of different parties involved in a project. Understanding these legal frameworks is crucial for avoiding personal liability and ensuring the organisation remains compliant with the law. Other key areas covered during the training include:- Risk assessments and the importance of method statements in preventing accidents.
- Effective monitoring of site activities and identifying potential hazards before they escalate.
- The importance of behavioural safety and how to encourage a positive safety culture within a team.
- Management of occupational health issues, such as noise, dust, and manual handling.
- How to conduct effective toolbox talks and site inductions to communicate safety information clearly.
Legal Responsibilities and Site Compliance
A significant portion of the training focuses on the legal accountability of a supervisor. In the eyes of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a supervisor is a key link in the chain of command. If an accident occurs on site, the HSE will look at whether the supervisor provided adequate instruction, training, and supervision. The SSSTS course provides the knowledge required to navigate these responsibilities, teaching supervisors how to keep accurate records and ensure that all safety equipment is being used correctly by the workforce. Compliance is not just about avoiding fines or legal action; it is about protecting the lives of the people on site. A supervisor who has undergone rigorous training is better equipped to spot the ‘near misses’ that often precede a major accident. By implementing the lessons learned during the course, supervisors can help reduce the number of working days lost to injury and ill health, which in turn improves the overall productivity and reputation of the construction company. Safety and efficiency are two sides of the same coin, and the SSSTS qualification bridges the gap between them.The Structure of the Two Day Programme
The SSSTS course is typically delivered over two consecutive days, though some providers offer it as a day release option over two weeks. This intensive format ensures that delegates remain focused on the material and can quickly apply what they have learned when they return to the site. The training is delivered by experienced tutors who have a deep understanding of the construction industry, ensuring that the theoretical aspects of the course are always grounded in practical reality. Throughout the two days, delegates are continually assessed through their participation in classroom activities and their performance in group work. There is a strong emphasis on communication skills, as a supervisor must be able to convey complex safety information to workers who may have varying levels of experience or for whom English may not be their first language. The ability to lead by example and demonstrate a commitment to safety is a recurring theme throughout the delivery of the programme.The Assessment and Examination Process
To successfully gain the SSSTS certification, delegates must pass a final assessment at the end of the second day. This assessment typically consists of a multiple choice examination paper. The exam is designed to test the candidate’s understanding of the core principles covered during the course, including legal requirements, hazard identification, and supervisory best practices. It is important to note that the exam includes ‘safety critical’ questions; failing to answer these correctly can result in an automatic fail, highlighting the importance of the most vital safety concepts. In addition to the written exam, the tutor’s assessment of the delegate’s performance throughout the two days also contributes to the final result. This holistic approach ensures that only those who have truly engaged with the material and demonstrated a proactive attitude toward safety are awarded the certificate. Upon successful completion, delegates receive a CITB Site Safety Plus certificate, which is valid for five years. This certificate is a highly respected credential that can be added to a CV or a CSCS card application, providing tangible proof of professional development.
Maintaining Certification and Future Progression
The construction industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, materials, and regulations being introduced regularly. Because of this, the SSSTS certificate has a limited lifespan of five years. To remain qualified, supervisors must complete a one day SSSTS Refresher course before their current certificate expires. The refresher course is designed to update supervisors on the latest legislative changes and industry best practices, ensuring that their knowledge remains current and relevant. It is vital to book the refresher course well in advance of the expiry date, as once a certificate has expired, the full two day course must be taken again from scratch. For many, the SSSTS qualification is just the beginning of their management journey. As supervisors gain more experience and take on greater levels of responsibility, they may look toward the next step in the CITB Site Safety Plus suite: the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS). While the SSSTS is aimed at supervisors, the SMSTS is designed for site managers and project leaders, covering more in depth management strategies and legal complexities. By starting with the SSSTS, professionals build a solid foundation of safety knowledge that serves them throughout their entire career, from the site floor to the boardroom.Practical Benefits for Employers and Employees
The benefits of this training extend beyond individual career progression. For employers, having a workforce of SSSTS qualified supervisors leads to a more professional and disciplined site environment. It reduces the likelihood of costly project delays caused by accidents or HSE interventions. Furthermore, it can assist in the tendering process, as many clients and local authorities will only award contracts to companies that can demonstrate a high level of safety training across their supervisory staff. For the individual, the training provides a sense of empowerment. Knowing exactly what is expected of you and having the tools to manage your team effectively reduces stress and increases job satisfaction. It also opens up opportunities for higher pay and more senior roles within the industry. In an increasingly competitive job market, holding a recognised CITB qualification sets you apart from those who rely solely on experience without formal training. The investment in time and effort required to complete the course pays dividends in the form of a safer, more stable, and more rewarding career in the construction sector.
Sophie Bennett is a freelance copywriter with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and persuasive content. She specializes in creating engaging copy for websites, blogs, and marketing campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.