Construction safety regulations are extensive and cover a multitude of areas ranging from working with vehicles to explosives. As the construction industry is considered to be high risk it is essential that all those who employ others or that are employed in construction are aware of the regulations, understand them and what they mean and know how to work safely within the regulations and Codes of Practice for their specific job roles and responsibilities.
Health and safety is a top priority for any company or self-employed individual working in construction. It is an absolute must that training is provided to each and every person and the training has to be suited to their job, the activities that they undertake and their responsibilities within the firm. When looking at health and safety courses for employees it is also important to ensure that the course includes the regulations that are of importance and are based on those regulations. The certificate and qualification needs to be suitable and recognisable.
What Courses are Available?
The courses that cover construction safety regulations are varied. If you have a manager who requires training you will need to find a course that is suitable. You need to ensure that not only will the manager have skills in health and safety, but that they will be fully aware of their legal responsibilities and the legal system.
One of the most common courses for managers is the CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS). Supervisors have a similar role to managers and so it is important that they too receive the right training. They too can face legal action if they don’t meet with the regulations so they also need to know what they are and how to work within them.
A recommended course for supervisors is the CITB Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) or the ECITB CCNSG Safety Passport for Supervisors. It’s not only managers and supervisors who need training. All employees must have some education and be provided with the information they need to correctly conduct their work without breaching safety regulations. At the bare minimum a labourer would need to hold a health and safety qualification such as the ECITB CCNSG Safety Passport or the CITB 1 Day Health and Safety Awareness certificate.
Your Legal Responsibilities
It is down to you to ensure that you and your employees are aware of the construction regulations and comply with them. Failing to give the appropriate training and maintaining the regulations will result in action being taken against you by the Health and Safety Executive. Are you complying with construction safety regulations? Training courses will provide you with the knowledge and skills you legally require.