CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)

An SMSTS course, or Site Management Safety Training Scheme course, is a training program designed for construction site managers, agents, and persons who are, or are about to be, responsible for planning, organising, monitoring, controlling, and administering groups of staff and workforce on a construction site. The primary aim of the course is to help managers and potential managers to develop a better understanding of the legal, moral, and social responsibilities they hold in terms of health, safety, and welfare on construction sites.

The course typically covers a wide range of topics, including an in-depth look at health and safety law, site set-up, risk assessments, method statements, working at height, scaffolding, electricity, excavations, demolition, and confined spaces. It emphasises the importance of promoting a positive health and safety culture within the workplace and provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to manage health and safety on site in accordance with current legal provisions.

The SMSTS course is part of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) suite of courses, which are designed to ensure that individuals working in the construction industry at various levels have a firm foundation in health and safety standards, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and legal breaches. Successful completion of the course usually results in a certification that is valid for five years, after which a refresher course is required to keep the certification valid.

Dive into the SMSTS Course Online and transform your career from the comfort of your home or office. This cutting-edge approach to construction site safety training offers you the freedom to learn at your own pace and place, breaking down geographical and time constraints. Engage with interactive content, join real-time discussions, and access a wealth of resources with just a click.

Perfect for the busy professional, our online course ensures you don't have to pause your life to advance your career. With the SMSTS Online, you're not just learning; you're preparing to lead with safety and compliance in the dynamic construction industry, all without stepping outside your door. Get ready to make an impact where it matters most, starting now.

What can I expect from a SMSTS course? 

Participants in the SMSTS course will gain comprehensive knowledge on:

• The role and responsibilities of site managers in planning, organising, monitoring, controlling, and administering groups of staff within construction projects.
• The relevant health, safety, welfare, and environmental legislation that impacts safe working practices in the construction, building, and civil engineering industries.
• The importance of conducting thorough risk assessments in the workplace, implementing necessary control measures, and ensuring proper communication to maintain a strong health and safety culture among the workforce.
• Best practices for managing and implementing health, safety, and environmental aspects on-site, in accordance with legal provisions and industry best practices.
• Techniques for recognising the relationship between a safe site and its efficiency, economy, productivity, and environmental sustainability.
• Understanding the duties and responsibilities of site managers concerning health, safety, welfare, and the environment, with a focus on both compliance with national regulations and the application of new industry guidance and best practices.

Can I be a Site Manager with SMSTS training? 

Yes, completing an SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) course can significantly bolster your qualifications to become a Site Manager, especially in the construction industry. The SMSTS course provides comprehensive training on health, safety, welfare, and environmental issues relevant to site management. While the SMSTS certification itself focuses on safety management, it is highly regarded in the construction sector and often considered a prerequisite or a major advantage for those aspiring to hold management positions, such as a Site Manager.

This training ensures that you have a strong foundation in managing safety protocols on construction sites, which is a critical aspect of the Site Manager's responsibilities. However, it's important to note that while SMSTS is crucial, becoming a Site Manager typically also requires relevant experience, potentially other qualifications or certifications related to construction management, and leadership skills.

Are there any entry requirements for the SMSTS course? 

The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) course is designed for individuals taking on, or already in, leadership roles within the construction industry, such as site managers, project managers, and supervisors. Typically, there are no formal academic entry requirements for enrolling in an SMSTS course. However, it is aimed at those who have, or are about to acquire, managerial responsibilities. The course content is tailored to those who are involved in managing construction site safety, health, and environmental issues, making it most beneficial for professionals with some level of experience or responsibility in construction project management or site supervision.

Participants are expected to have a good understanding of spoken and written English to effectively comprehend the course material and participate in assessments. Some training course providers may advise having experience in the construction industry to ensure the content is relevant and fully understood by the attendees. It's always a good idea to check with the specific training provider for any additional prerequisites or recommendations they may have to ensure you can gain the most from the course.

How is the CITB SMSTS course assessed?

The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) course is assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate the participant's understanding and ability to apply the course content in real-world situations. The assessment typically includes:

• Continuous Assessment: Throughout the course, instructors may assess participants based on their engagement, participation in discussions, and practical exercises. This ongoing assessment aims to ensure that participants are actively involved and understand the material as the course progresses.
• Multiple-Choice Test: At the end of the course, participants are usually required to complete a multiple-choice test. This test covers key topics discussed during the course, including health and safety law, site set-up, risk assessments, method statements, and effective management of health and safety on site.
• Practical Scenarios: In some instances, participants might be tasked with completing a project or case study that demonstrates their ability to apply the course principles to a hypothetical or real construction site scenario. This assessment method, if applied, allows for a more in-depth evaluation of the participant's understanding and application skills.

Passing these assessments is crucial for obtaining the SMSTS certificate, which is valid for five years. After this period, participants must undertake a refresher course to keep their certification up to date.

Certification

• Upon successful completion of the course, learners will be awarded a Certificate for the CITB SMSTS, which remains valid for a period of 5 years.

To maintain the validity of your qualification, it's essential to complete the 2-day SMSTS Refresher course before your current SMSTS certificate expires, as there is no grace period offered.

Delegates are required to attend all sessions in accordance with the course programme (regardless of the delivery method undertaken) to achieve the necessary learning objectives to qualify for the certificate. If this is not possible, the delegate must enrol on a new course and retake the full five-day course.