A Complete Guide for UK Construction Professionals
The Site Safety Plus (SSP) scheme is a nationally recognised suite of training courses developed by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) to improve safety, health, and environmental awareness across the UK construction industry.
Whether you're a labourer, site supervisor, or project manager, the SSP scheme provides essential training at every level of responsibility, helping workers stay compliant, competent, and confident on site.
What Is the Site Safety Plus Scheme?
The Site Safety Plus scheme is a structured training programme covering a wide range of health, safety, and management topics for the UK construction sector. It offers a progression pathway for workers at every stage of their career — from new entrants to senior managers.
Each course is tailored to a specific role, ensuring that all construction personnel have the knowledge and skills required to work safely and meet legal obligations.
Who Is SSP Training For?
The scheme is ideal for:
- Labourers and operatives needing basic safety knowledge
- Site supervisors responsible for overseeing small teams
- Site managers with legal duties for health and safety
- Company directors and senior leaders
- Workers needing refresher training to maintain certification
Key Courses in the SSP Scheme
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular SSP courses:
Health and Safety Awareness (HSA)
Ideal for
Labourers and new entrants
Duration
1 day
Purpose
Required to obtain a CSCS Green Labourer Card
Covers
- Basic site safety
- Hazards and risks
- Working at height
- Manual handling
- PPE and emergency procedures
SSSTS – Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme
Ideal for
First-line supervisors
Duration
2 days
Covers
- Legal responsibilities
- Toolbox talks
- Risk assessments and method statements
- Site-specific health and safety
Note: Refresher required every 5 years (SSSTS Refresher – 1 day)
SMSTS – Site Management Safety Training Scheme
Ideal for
Site managers, project leaders
Duration
5 days
Covers
- Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations
- Site organisation
- Legal responsibilities and enforcement
- Environmental management
- Leadership and communication
Note: Refresher required every 5 years (SMSTS Refresher – 2 days)
SEATS – Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme
Ideal for
Supervisors and managers
Duration
1 day
Covers
- Environmental legislation
- Waste management
- Pollution prevention
- Ecological impact and sustainability
Temporary Works Courses
- Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS)
- Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC)
These short courses are essential for roles responsible for temporary structures like scaffolding, formwork, and falsework.
Why Is the SSP Scheme Important?
Construction remains one of the UK’s most hazardous industries. The SSP scheme helps to:
- Reduce accidents and injuries
- Improve legal compliance
- Promote safer working practices
- Enhance career prospects through CITB-recognised certification
- Maintain standards across temporary and permanent construction roles
All SSP courses are CITB approved and often required by principal contractors on major sites.
Do I Need to Take a Refresher Course?
Yes. Both SMSTS and SSSTS certificates are valid for 5 years. You must complete the corresponding Refresher course before your certificate expires to remain qualified.
Refresher courses are shorter, more affordable, and provide updates on legislation, best practices, and emerging risks.
How Are SSP Courses Delivered?
Most SSP courses are available in multiple formats:
- In-person/classroom training – Ideal for hands-on learners
- Remote/instructor-led online courses – Real-time virtual sessions
- Weekend and evening formats – For working professionals
Training is delivered by CITB-accredited centres, ensuring a consistent standard across all locations.
What Certification Do I Receive?
Upon successful completion, learners receive a CITB Site Safety Plus certificate, which is:
- Widely recognised in the UK construction industry
- Often a mandatory requirement for site access or promotion
- Valid for 5 years (for SSSTS and SMSTS)
Benefits of the SSP Scheme
- Improves employability across the construction sector
- Ensures compliance with HSE and CDM Regulations
- Builds a safer working culture from operatives to directors
- Supports career progression via a structured training path
- Accepted by principal contractors and major construction firms
Where Can I Take an SSP Course?
SSP courses are available nationwide at accredited training centres and online via instructor-led virtual classrooms. Popular locations include:
- London
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Glasgow
- Leeds
- Bristol
Many providers also offer remote learning options, making it easier to fit training around your schedule.
The CITB Site Safety Plus scheme is more than a training programme — it's a career development tool and a critical component of maintaining safety on UK construction sites. Whether you're just starting out or looking to step into a leadership role, there’s an SSP course to match your needs.