1-Day CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course Overview

The CITB Health and Safety Awareness course is a one-day training program designed to provide essential knowledge on maintaining a safe working environment in the construction industry. It covers fundamental topics such as legal responsibilities, risk assessment, accident prevention, and the importance of reporting unsafe activities. This course is particularly beneficial for individuals who are new to the construction sector or those seeking to refresh their knowledge, ensuring they understand their role in promoting health and safety on site. Successful completion of this course is also a prerequisite for obtaining the CSCS Green Labourer Card, which is necessary for working on most UK construction sites.

About CITB – Supporting Safety in the Construction Industry

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is the training organisation for the UK construction industry. It was established in 1964 and has been one of several training boards that cover UK industries. This organisation works together with construction companies in order to improve skills, increase the competitive edge and respond to the many challenges that employers face. Last year over 3,500 people gained construction apprenticeships via CITB.

As the person in charge of a construction project you need to make sure that your employees and sub-contractors are properly trained so that they can work safely, stay motivated and as a result a reduced risk of accident or injury. CITB courses are designed to help those in the construction industry improve their bottom line, as well as stay compliant and avoid litigation. Being on a construction site means that workers are vulnerable to a lot of risks and hazards, including falls, heavy objects, electrocution, hearing damage, chemicals and much more.

Understanding the CITB Levy and Grant Scheme

The CITB Levy is a mandatory payment made by employers in the UK construction industry to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). It’s designed to fund industry-wide training and skills development, ensuring that construction workers across the country get access to essential qualifications and safety training.

How the CITB Levy Works:

• Employees with a wage bill over £120,000 per year typically pay the levy.
• The amount is calculated as a percentage of the total payroll.
• Employers can claim back grant funding for approved training courses.

This helps offset training costs and encourages ongoing professional development across all roles in construction — from site operatives to senior managers.

CITB Levy & Site Safety Plus (SSP) Courses

The Site Safety Plus (SSP) scheme includes CITB-accredited training courses designed to improve health, safety, and management skills in the construction industry. These include:

• SMSTS – Site Management Safety Training Scheme
• SMSTS Refresher
• SSSTS – Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme
• SSSTS Refresher
• Health and Safety Awareness (HSA)
• Director's Role for Health and Safety
• Temporary Works Coordinator
• Temporary Works Supervisor
• Temporary Works Coordinator Refresher

If your business pays into the CITB Levy, you may be eligible for grants to help cover the cost of these SSP courses — making training more affordable while ensuring compliance and up-skilling your workforce.

What is Site Safety Plus (SSP)?

The CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) Site Safety Plus (SSP) scheme is a comprehensive suite of health and safety courses designed for individuals working in the construction and civil engineering industries in the UK. The scheme offers a range of courses aimed at different levels of experience and roles within the industry, from operatives and supervisors to managers and directors.

SSP Courses

Health and Safety Awareness (HSA): This entry-level course is intended for those who are new to the construction industry. It provides an introduction to the basic health and safety requirements and helps prepare participants for the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Green Labourer Card.

Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS): Targeted at site supervisors, this course covers the specific health and safety responsibilities of those in supervisory roles. It includes topics like risk assessments, the Health and Safety at Work Act, and effective site supervision.

Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS): Designed for site managers and those who aspire to be in management roles, this course delves into the legal responsibilities of managers, risk assessments, method statements, and effective management of health and safety on site.

Directors Role for Health and Safety: This course is tailored for company directors and senior managers. It emphasises the importance of strategic planning in health and safety and the legal implications of health and safety management at the corporate level.

Temporary Works Coordinator: This course is designed for those responsible for managing all forms of temporary works on construction sites. The course equips delegates with the knowledge to implement industry best practices, understand relevant legislation (such as BS 5975), and coordinate temporary works safely and effectively.

Temporary Works Supervisor: This course is designed for those who assist in the supervision of temporary works on construction sites. This one-day course provides delegates with a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities, including how to work effectively with the Temporary Works Co-ordinator, follow correct procedures, and maintain safety standards in line with BS 5975.

Refresher Courses

Both SSSTS Refresher (SSSTS-R), SMSTS Refresher (SMSTS-R) and Temporary Works Coordinator Refresher (TWCTC-R) courses are certificate renewal options to ensure that supervisors, managers and temporary works coordinators remain up-to-date with the latest health and safety regulations and practices.

CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course International Recognition

The CITB Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) course is a key entry-level qualification for those starting out in the construction industry. It is widely recognised across the UK, Ireland, and Crown Dependencies as part of the route to obtaining a CSCS Labourer card. Internationally, the course is also valued in regions where UK health and safety standards influence construction practices, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other areas of the Middle East. Recognition comes from the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) established role in setting industry standards, making the HSA course a trusted foundation in health and safety awareness for construction workers worldwide.