IOSH Training for the Construction Industry
Construction remains one of the highest-risk industries for workplace accidents and fatalities in the UK. Reducing that risk depends on managers and supervisors having the right training — and IOSH Managing Safely in Construction is one of the most respected qualifications for exactly that purpose.
What Is IOSH?
IOSH (the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals in the UK, with more than 50,000 members in over 130 countries. A qualification from IOSH is a fully recognised, respected credential — whether you're aiming to progress your career or meet your organisation's training requirements.
What Does the Course Cover?
Whether delivered through tutor-led sessions or online, candidates come away understanding health and safety legislation and codes of practice, the roles and responsibilities of everyone on site (including clients, contractors and sub-contractors), and how to put precautions in place to reduce risk from common hazards. Topics typically include:
- Risk assessment and risk control
- Construction-specific hazards — including working at height, asbestos, and confined spaces
- Working with contractors and sub-contractors
- Active monitoring of site safety
- Consultation with employees
- Identifying training requirements
- Unsafe acts and unsafe conditions
How Does IOSH Fit Into the Construction Training Landscape?
IOSH Managing Safely is industry-agnostic but widely used in construction. It complements site-specific qualifications: the CITB SSSTS and SMSTS cover the practical supervisory and management skills needed on a UK construction site, while the NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction qualification provides deeper academic coverage of construction-specific hazards and legislation. IOSH Managing Safely works well alongside all three.
For those working at height on construction sites, IPAF operator training provides the practical certification to operate MEWPs such as scissor lifts and boom lifts, and pairs naturally with IOSH training for site supervisors and managers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is IOSH Managing Safely in Construction for?
It's designed for managers and supervisors working in the construction industry who need a practical understanding of health and safety legislation, risk assessment, and how to manage safety on site.
Is the IOSH qualification recognised by employers?
Yes. IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals in the UK and the largest health and safety membership organisation in the world, so its qualifications carry significant weight with employers and clients.
What's the difference between IOSH Managing Safely and SMSTS?
SMSTS (CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is a construction-specific scheme that covers the legal framework for managing a UK construction site. IOSH Managing Safely is a broader management-level qualification that applies across industries. Many site managers hold both.