Essential Safety Training for First-line Managers and Site Supervisors in Construction

Looking to step into a supervisory role in construction or improve your site safety knowledge? The SSSTS course (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme), accredited by CITB, is the industry-recognised qualification that equips you with the knowledge to manage safety on site effectively and legally. Whether you're already supervising teams or preparing to take on more responsibility, this short course helps you understand your role in keeping people safe and meeting legal duties under UK construction law.

What is the SSSTS Course?

The SSSTS course is a 2-day training programme designed to give site supervisors a strong foundation in health and safety regulations, risk assessments, and legal responsibilities. It's ideal for those in the construction and civil engineering industries who oversee work activities and need to ensure site safety.

What You’ll Learn

• How to manage health and safety on construction sites
• Legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act
• Effective site inductions, toolbox talks, and method statements
• How to supervise safely and prevent common site hazards
• Understanding of CDM regulations and behavioural safety

Who Should Attend?

• Site supervisors and foremen
• Team leaders or first-line managers
• Tradespeople moving into a supervisory role
• Anyone responsible for overseeing work on a construction site

Course Format & Duration

• Duration: 2 days
• Delivered in classroom, virtual (instructor-led), or onsite formats
• Includes presentations, case studies, group discussions, and a final exam

Certification

• You’ll receive a CITB SSSTS certificate upon successful completion
• Valid for 5 years
• A SSSTS Refresher course is required to renew your qualification

Why Choose the SSSTS Course?

• Recognised by major construction firms and contractors across the UK
• CITB-approved and aligned with legal requirements
• Helps reduce accidents and promote safer working environments
• Boosts career progression into higher site management roles

Available Across the UK

Book your SSSTS course at locations nationwide or join an online instructor-led session from anywhere. Flexible training to suit your needs.

Start Your Journey to Becoming a Safer Site Supervisor

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Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)

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.

Site Safety Plus (SSP) Scheme

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.

Accreditation and Certification

Upon successful completion of a course, participants receive a certificate that is recognised industry-wide. These certificates often need to be renewed every five years through refresher courses.

Importance

The CITB Site Safety Plus Scheme is highly regarded within the construction industry as it provides essential training that helps to reduce workplace accidents and improve overall safety standards. It ensures that workers at all levels are aware of their health and safety responsibilities and are capable of maintaining safe working environments.

Flexibility and Accessibility

CITB courses are offered through a network of accredited training providers across the UK. They can be taken as in-person classes, and some courses may be available online or as blended learning options.

The CITB Site Safety Plus Scheme is integral to maintaining high safety standards within the construction industry, ensuring that workers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage health and safety effectively.

Related Content

• Construction & Engineering courses
• Construction NVQ
• Working at Height courses
• CDM courses
• PPE courses
• Asbestos courses
• Legionella courses
• CCNSG courses
• NEBOSH courses
• IOSH courses
• CAT & Genny courses
• LOLER courses

CITB SSSTS Course International Recognition

The CITB SSSTS course is widely respected across the UK construction sector and is also increasingly recognised internationally, particularly in regions where UK health and safety standards influence local practices. Employers in the UK, Ireland, and Crown Dependencies regularly require the SSSTS for supervisory roles, while it is also valued in overseas markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other parts of the Middle East. Recognition stems from the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) reputation as the leading authority in construction safety training, ensuring supervisors gain practical, transferable skills that meet global expectations for site safety and leadership.