Do you work in construction? If so, you may have heard of SMSTS courses. These courses are designed to give site managers the understanding they need to manage a construction site safely.
In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about SMSTS courses. We will discuss what they are, who needs to take them, and what benefits they can provide.
What is SMSTS?
The SMSTS course (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is a five-day health and safety training course, aimed at construction site managers. The course covers a wide range of topics, from site safety to managing health and safety risks. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to safely manage construction sites and protect workers from potential hazards.
What is the Purpose of SMSTS Training?
For workers to be safe on construction sites, good health and safety must be practiced from top to bottom. This means that not only should workers understand good health and safety practices, but the people organising them should too. Workers do not deserve to be injured or killed because their supervisors failed to create a safe environment.
SMSTS training provides site managers with the knowledge and skills they need to safely and effectively manage their site. The course covers a wide range of topics, including health and safety law, risk assessment and management, accident investigation and control, working with contractors, and managing site operations.
Who Needs to Complete SMSTS Training?
SMSTS courses are aimed at construction site managers, or more broadly anyone who is responsible for planning, organising, monitoring, controlling and administering groups of staff on-site.
If you want to become a site manager, then you’ll need to complete SMSTS training. The course covers a variety of topics relating to health and safety on construction sites, and upon completion, you’ll be able to manage your site in a safe and compliant manner.
How long will your SMSTS qualification last?
Once you have your SMSTS qualification it will last for 5 years. To stay certified, you can take a short (2 day) refresher course at any time before the expiry date on your certificate. If you pass the expiry date without taking a refresher, you will lose your SMSTS certification and the full course will need to be retaken to get it again.
What Are the Key Topics Covered in SMSTS Courses?
Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) courses provide in-depth training on a variety of health and safety topics that are relevant to construction site managers. The key topics covered in SMSTS courses include:
- Health and safety law and how it applies to supervisors
- Your supervisory responsibilities in controlling site safely
- Risk assessments and the need for method statements
- Effective site inductions, toolbox talks and method statement briefings
- Monitoring site activities effectively
- Timely intervention when bad practice is identified
SMSTS courses are an essential part of construction site managers’ training, as they cover the key topics that will help them to effectively manage health and safety on site.
Is SMTS required?
There’s no legal requirement for site managers to have an SMSTS qualification. However, most construction sites will not hire a site manager (or promote someone to site manager) without an SMSTS qualification.
Is SMSTS all you need to become a site manager?
No. In order to become a site manager, you will also need a site managers black CSCS card. Most employers will not consider a site manager without this additional qualification. In order to get your black CSCS card, you will need to complete a relevant level 6 or 7 NVQ. You will then need to pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test at an appropriate level.
How can you take an SMSTS Course?
SMSTS courses are available both online and face-to-face. Depending on your preference, you will find either option easy to book as there are courses running regularly. See our page on the SMSTS course here and fill in the quick form on the right to enquire today.
Conclusion
You should now have a good understanding of what SMSTS courses are and why they’re important. You should also know what to expect from a course, and how to choose the right one for your needs. With this information in hand, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a qualified site manager!
