SMSTS Refresher Course Syllabus
Course Title: Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) – Refresher
Duration: 2 Days
Format: Classroom or Virtual Tutor-Led (Live Online)
Accreditation: CITB Approved – Certificate valid for 5 years
SMSTS Course Overview
The SMSTS Refresher course is designed for those who already hold a valid SMSTS certificate:
► To maintain your SMSTS certificate, you must successfully complete the 2-day SMSTS Refresher course before your current certificate expires.
► If your certificate has already expired, you are not eligible for the refresher course. Instead, you must retake the full 5-day SMSTS course.
The SMSTS Refresher Course updates delegates on the latest health and safety legislation, guidance and best practices, ensuring managers and supervisors remain competent and legally compliant. It reinforces their understanding of responsibilities for site safety and the well-being of their workforce.
Assessment: Assessment is continuous throughout the course, based on participation in group and individual exercises and case studies. There is a final written examination on the second day. To pass, delegates must attend all sessions, successfully complete the exercises, and pass the final exam.
This refresher provides an opportunity to reinforce and update knowledge, while reviewing responsibilities for health, safety, welfare and the environment on construction sites.
SMSTS Refresher Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:
► Maintain and update their knowledge of current health and safety legislation.
► Recognise recent changes in industry best practice and CITB guidance.
► Revisit and reinforce risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) skills.
► Understand their ongoing role and responsibilities in site safety management.
► Promote a positive safety culture and lead by example.
► Manage health, safety, welfare and environmental responsibilities effectively.
SMSTS Refresher Course Content
Day 1 – Updates and Responsibilities
► Welcome and Introductions:
► Course objectives and what's new.
► Review of the Site Safety Plus scheme.
► Course objectives and what's new.
► Review of the Site Safety Plus scheme
► Changes in Legislation and Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP):
► Discussion of recent and impending changes to UK health and safety law.
► Focus on key legislation, including the Health & Safety at Work Act (HASWA) 1974 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) 2015.
► Overview of the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) current focus and priorities.
► Revisiting Key Management Concepts:
► Principles of effective health and safety management systems.
► Review of risk assessment and the development of Method Statements.
► Accident Prevention, Reporting & Investigation, including updates to RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) 2013.
► Worker engagement, communication, and leadership on site.
► Occupational Health and Welfare:
► Discussion on emerging and current occupational health risks, including dust and fumes, mental health awareness and control of substances.
► Review of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, with a focus on asbestos and lead.
Day 2 – Practical Application and Assessment
► Review of High-Risk Activities:
► Refresher on safe working practices for high-risk activities:
► Working at Height: A review of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
► Excavations: Discussing the hazards and control measures.
► Confined Spaces: Reviewing the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997.
► Temporary Works: The importance of competent supervision.
► Environmental Management:
► Updates on the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and managing site waste.
► Strategies for preventing and controlling site pollution
► Final Project/Presentation:
► Delegates will prepare and present a site-specific health and safety plan based on a given scenario. This is a key part of the continuous assessment.
► Review and Final Examination:
► Comprehensive review of all topics covered.
► A 35-minute, multiple-choice and short-answer exam to test knowledge.
► The exam is 'open-book' for the final 15 minutes, allowing delegates to use their course reference materials.
► Course Conclusion:
► Final remarks and next steps.
► Details on certification renewal.
Assessment
► Exam: 25 multiple-choice questions (pass mark: 80%).
► Case study exercises: Applied scenarios to demonstrate understanding.
► Ongoing tutor observation: Participation in group discussions and exercises.
Delegates must pass the exam and attend both days in full to be awarded the refresher certificate.
Certification
Successful candidates will receive a CITB SMSTS Refresher certificate, valid for 5 years. This ensures continued compliance and demonstrates up-to-date competence in managing health, safety, welfare and the environment on construction sites.
Entry Requirements
► Delegates must hold a current (or recently expired within 6 months) SMSTS certificate.
► Good understanding of written and spoken English is essential.
► Attendance for the full 2 days is mandatory.
