SMSTS Courses 258 courses

SMSTS Course: What is it?

The SMSTS Course, or Site Management Safety Training Scheme, is one of a suite of 12 SSP, or Site Safety Plus courses. They are part of the comprehensive training program that covers a wide range of topics related to health and safety on construction sites. (Read more about SSP courses)

The SMSTS course is designed for site managers, supervisors, and other individuals who have a responsibility for the safety and well-being of workers on a construction site. The course covers topics such as legal requirements, risk assessment, and the management of health and safety on a construction site. The course is typically delivered over five days and is recognized by the UK construction industry as the benchmark for site management safety training. Historically the SMSTS course was delivered in a classroom only. However, this has now changed and the course can be taken online.

SMSTS course online

The SMSTS course can be delivered remotely, using online learning platforms and virtual classroom technology. This allows individuals to take the course from the comfort of their own home or office, rather than having to attend a physical classroom.

The online SMSTS course typically involves the use of an online learning platform, where delegates can access course materials, such as videos, presentations, and interactive activities. The platform may also include features such as quizzes, assessments, and discussions, to test the delegates' understanding of the course material.

Additionally, the course may also include live virtual classroom sessions, where the delegates can interact with the trainer and other delegates in real-time. These sessions may be delivered through video conferencing software, and may include features such as screen sharing, interactive whiteboards, and breakout rooms for group work.

The practical assessments which are a part of the SMSTS course, may be conducted remotely as well, for example, through a video call where the delegate performs a task or a simulation, or through an online test where the delegate must demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a topic.

It's important to note that the remote delivery of the course should be fully compliant with the accrediting body's (CITB) guidelines and should have the same level of rigour and quality as the classroom delivered course.

Who is the SMSTS course for?

The SMSTS course is typically taken by individuals who have a responsibility for health and safety on construction sites, such as:

• Site managers
• Supervisors
• Project managers
• Assistant site managers
• Site agents
• Health and safety coordinators
• Health and safety advisors
• Construction managers
• Construction supervisors
• Foremen
• Team leaders

This list is not exhaustive and other individuals working in construction may also benefit from taking the SMSTS course.

What will delegates learn on the SMSTS course?

Delegates on the SMSTS training course will learn a wide range of topics related to health and safety on construction sites, including:

• Legal requirements and responsibilities under health and safety legislation
• The principles of risk assessment and management
• The identification and control of construction site hazards
• The management of health and safety on a construction site
• The roles and responsibilities of key personnel in relation to health and safety
• The use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• The importance of safety signage and the use of warning notices
• The importance of safety training for employees
• The importance of effective communication and consultation with employees on health and safety matters
• The importance of monitoring and reviewing health and safety performance
• The course also covers the specific hazards that may be present on construction sites, and how to manage these risks effectively. These hazards may include, but not limited to, fire, electricity, manual handling, and working at height. The course also provides delegates with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage health and safety effectively on a day-to-day basis, and to promote a positive safety culture within their organisation.

What does the SMSTS course timetable look like?

The specific program for a 5-day SMSTS course may vary depending on the training provider. However, generally the course covers the following topics over the five days:

Day 1:

• Introduction to the SMSTS course and the importance of health and safety in construction
• Overview of the legal requirements for health and safety on construction sites
• Risk assessment and management

Day 2:

• Accident prevention and emergency procedures
• Fire safety
• Managing hazardous substances

Day 3:

• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of different individuals and organizations on a construction site
• The importance of effective communication and consultation on health and safety issues

Day 4:

• Strategies for promoting a positive safety culture on a construction site
• Risk assessment and management in practice

Day 5:

• Exam and course review

It's important to note that this is just a general outline of what a 5-day SMSTS course might cover, and the specific content and schedule may vary depending on the training provider.

How is the SMSTS course assessed?

Both the online SMSTS course and the classroom based training assessment typically consists of 20 multiple-choice questions and 5 short written questions. The multiple-choice questions are designed to test the delegate's understanding of the course material and the pass mark is usually around 70%. The short written questions are designed to test the delegate's ability to apply what they have learned on the course to real-life scenarios. The assessments are carried out by the course trainer, and are designed to ensure that the delegate has a thorough understanding of the course material and is able to apply it effectively in the workplace. Successful completion of both the written and practical assessments is a requirement for the delegate to receive the SMSTS certificate. The certification provided by the SMSTS course is valid for 5 years, and it's recommended to retake the course prior to the expiration of the certification to keep the knowledge and skills up to date.

Who is the SMSTS course accredited by?

The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is accredited by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The CITB is a UK industry-wide training organization that supports the construction industry by providing training and qualifications for people working in the industry. They are a non-profit organization funded by a levy on employers in the construction industry, and their mission is to help the construction industry to attract, train, and retain a skilled workforce.

CITB is responsible for the development, delivery, and assessment of the SMSTS course, as well as the awarding of the SMSTS certificate. The CITB also provides ongoing support and resources for SMSTS course providers and delegates, including guidance on course delivery and assessment, as well as information on the latest developments in health and safety legislation and best practices.

In addition to the SMSTS, CITB also provides a wide range of other training and qualifications for the construction industry, including the Site Safety Plus suite of courses, Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), and various Apprenticeships and NVQ's.

Site Safety Plus program (SSP):

As mentioned earlier, the SMSTS course is one of a suite from the SSP (Site Safety Plus) suite of courses. The Site Safety Plus (SSP) program offers a selection of courses that cater to the building, civil engineering and related industries, aiming to help professionals to improve their health and safety skills in these fields.

Currently there are 12 courses in the SSP program:

• Directors Role for Health and Safety (DRHS)
• Health and Safety Awareness (HSA)
• Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS)
• Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
• Site Management Safety Training Scheme Refresher (SMSTS-R)
• Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
• Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme Refresher (SSSTS-R)
• Temporary Works Co-ordinator Training Course (TWCTC)
• Temporary Works General Awareness Training Course (TWGATC)
• Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course (TWSTC)
• Tunnelling Safety Training Scheme (TSTS)