SMSTS Course Syllabus
Course Title: Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
Duration: 5 Days (Block or Day Release)
Format: Classroom or Virtual Tutor-Led
Accreditation: CITB Approved – Certificate valid for 5 years
SMSTS Course Overview
The SMSTS course is designed for site managers, project managers and senior supervisors responsible for planning, organising, monitoring and controlling construction activities. It provides a thorough understanding of health, safety, welfare, and environmental legislation and industry best practices.
The course is highly interactive, combining case studies, group work, presentations and tutor-led discussions. The primary goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of health, safety, welfare and environmental issues on construction sites.
Assessment: Assessment is continuous throughout the course via group and individual exercises, case studies, with a final written examination on the fifth day. To pass, delegates must attend all sessions, successfully complete the exercises and pass the final exam.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:
► Understand their legal responsibilities regarding health, safety, welfare and the environment.
► Carry out risk assessments and produce method statements.
► Effectively implement health & safety management systems on construction sites.
► Communicate health and safety responsibilities clearly to their teams.
► Recognise and respond to potential hazards to ensure a safe site environment.
► Lead and influence site teams to promote a positive safety culture.
SMSTS Course Content
Day 1 – Legal Responsibilities & Introduction to Health and Safety
► Welcome and Introductions:
► Course objectives and expectations.
► Overview of the Site Safety Plus scheme.
► The Health & Safety at Work Act (HASWA) 1974:
► Key provisions of the Act.
► Responsibilities and duties of employers and employees.
► Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) 2015:
► Understanding the duties and roles of various parties (client, principal designer, principal contractor, etc.).
► The importance of the health and safety file.
► Health and Safety Management Systems:
► The principles of a good health and safety policy.
► Planning, organising and controlling site activities.
► Risk Assessment and Method Statements:
► Principles of risk assessment (identifying hazards, evaluating risks and implementing control measures).
► The purpose and importance of Method Statements (safe systems of work).
► Site Inductions and Worker Engagement:
► Conducting effective site inductions.
► Promoting a positive health and safety culture through communication and leadership.
► First Core Exercise:
► Group work to prepare and present a safe system of work.
Day 2 – Managing Health and Safety on Site
► Accident Prevention, Reporting & Investigation:
► Causes of accidents and strategies for prevention.
► RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) 2013 requirements.
► How to conduct effective accident investigations to prevent recurrence.
► Welfare and the Working Environment:
► Provision of welfare facilities on site (toilets, washing, changing, rest areas).
► Requirements for a healthy working environment (temperature, ventilation, lighting).
► Workplace Health and Hygiene:
► Occupational health issues, including stress and mental health awareness.
► Control of drugs and alcohol on site.
► Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH):
► Understanding COSHH regulations and assessments.
► Managing hazardous substances, including lead and asbestos.
► Noise and Vibration:
► Identifying sources of noise and vibration.
► Legal requirements and control measures.
► Manual Handling:
► Principles of safe manual handling.
► Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
Day 3 – Hazard Awareness and Control Measures
► Working at Height:
► The Work at Height Regulations 2005.
► Hierarchy of control measures (avoiding, preventing, mitigating falls).
► Safe use of common access equipment (ladders, scaffolds, MEWPs).
► Fire Prevention and Control:
► The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
► Fire risk assessments.
► Means of escape, fire detection and firefighting equipment on site.
► Electricity:
► The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
► Managing electrical hazards, including underground and overhead services.
► Safe use of portable electrical equipment (PAT testing).
► Temporary Works:
► Understanding the importance of temporary works and competent supervision.
► The roles and responsibilities of the Temporary Works Coordinator.
Day 4 – Environmental Management & Leadership
► Excavations:
► Hazards associated with excavations (collapse, underground services).
► Legal requirements and control measures.
► Confined Spaces:
► The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997.
► Identifying confined spaces and safe working procedures.
► Demolition and Deconstruction:
► Planning for demolition work.
► Specific hazards and control measures.
► Plant and Machinery:
► Safe operation of plant and machinery on site.
► Traffic management plans.
► Waste and Environmental Management:
► Environmental Protection Act 1990.
► Managing waste and pollution on site.
► Final Project Preparation:
► Delegates will begin preparing their final presentation, which typically involves creating a site-specific health and safety plan based on a given scenario.
Day 5 – Assessment & Review
► Final Presentations:
► Delegates present their site-specific health and safety plan to the group.
► This exercise is an essential part of the continuous assessment.
► Review and Revision:
► A comprehensive review of all course topics.
► Question-and-answer session to clarify any final points.
► Final Examination:
► A 35-minute, multiple-choice and short-answer exam to test knowledge of all course content.
► The exam is 'open-book' for the final 15 minutes, allowing delegates to use their course reference materials.
► Course Conclusion:
► Feedback and final remarks.
► Details on certification and refresher courses
Assessment
► Written exam: Multiple-choice and short-answer questions (mandatory pass).
► Case study project: Demonstrates application of knowledge to a practical site management scenario.
► Continuous assessment: Tutors monitor engagement and participation throughout the course.
Certification
Successful candidates receive a CITB SMSTS certificate valid for 5 years. To maintain certification, a 2-day SMSTS Refresher course must be completed before the expiry date.
Entry Requirements
► Good understanding of spoken and written English.
► Supervisory or management experience in construction is recommended.
► Delegates must attend all sessions to be eligible for certification.
