SSSTS Course Syllabus
Course Title: Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
Duration: 2 Days (consecutive or day release)
Format: Classroom or Virtual Tutor-Led (Live Online)
Accreditation: CITB Approved – Certificate valid for 5 years
SSSTS Course Overview
The SSSTS course is designed for first-line managers, supervisors, and team leaders in the construction industry. It provides essential knowledge of health, safety, welfare and environmental issues, as well as the legal responsibilities of a supervisor.
This course ensures supervisors understand how to contribute to the safety of their teams and the wider site, helping them to implement safety measures, lead toolbox talks, and encourage a positive safety culture.
Course Aims: The primary goal of this two-day course is to give site supervisors a foundational understanding of their legal responsibilities and how to ensure safety on a construction site. It equips them with the skills to conduct risk assessments, deliver toolbox talks and effectively supervise work.
Assessment: Assessment is continuous throughout the course, based on participation in group and individual exercises and case studies. There is a final written examination at the end of the second 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 the legal responsibilities of a site supervisor.
► Recognise the importance of risk assessments and method statements (RAMS).
► Deliver effective site inductions, toolbox talks and safety briefings.
► Identify and control common construction site hazards.
► Promote and maintain a positive health and safety culture.
► Understand how supervisors contribute to overall site safety management.
This means you arrive at your course fully prepared, confident, and ready to get the most out of your training.
SSSTS Course Content
Day 1 – Introduction & Supervisor Responsibilities
► Welcome and Introductions:
► Course objectives, what to expect, and the importance of the supervisor's role.
► Introduction to the Site Safety Plus scheme.
► Legal Framework for Health & Safety:
► Introduction to UK health and safety law, including the Health & Safety at Work Act (HASWA) 1974.
► A deep dive into the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) 2015, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of a supervisor.
► The importance of effective communication and consultation with the workforce.
► Principles of Risk Assessment:
► The process of identifying hazards and evaluating risks.
► Introduction to writing and using Method Statements.
► Practical exercises in completing risk assessments for common site tasks.
► Site Inductions, Monitoring and Auditing:
► The importance of effective site inductions and ensuring all workers are briefed on site rules and hazards.
► How to conduct site inspections and audits to ensure compliance.
Day 2 – Hazard Awareness & Practical Skills
► Detailed discussion on key site hazards and how to control them. This includes:
► Working at Height: A review of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, including different types of access equipment.
► Manual Handling: Best practices and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
► Excavations, Demolition and Confined Spaces: The dangers and necessary precautions.
► Electricity and Other Services: Understanding the risks of underground and overhead services.
► Toolbox Talks and Communication:
► The purpose of a toolbox talk and how to deliver one effectively.
► Delegates will have an opportunity to prepare and present a short toolbox talk to their peers.
► Environmental Awareness and Waste Management:
► An introduction to the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and a supervisor's role in preventing pollution.
► Best practices for managing and segregating site waste.
► Course Conclusion and Final Examination:
► Comprehensive review of all topics covered.
► A 30-minute, multiple-choice and short-answer exam to test knowledge.
► The exam is 'open-book' for the final 10 minutes, allowing delegates to use their course reference materials.
► Final remarks and next steps, including the process for certification renewal
Assessment
► Final exam: 25 multiple-choice questions (mandatory pass).
► Group work & case studies: Delegates apply learning to real-world scenarios.
► Tutor assessment: Ongoing observation of participation and engagement.
Delegates must pass the exam and attend both full days to qualify for certification.
Certification
Successful candidates will receive a CITB SSSTS certificate, valid for 5 years. To remain certified, a 1-day SSSTS Refresher course must be completed before expiry.
Entry Requirements
► Delegates must have a good understanding of written and spoken English.
► No formal qualifications required, but experience working in construction is recommended.
► Attendance of both days in full is mandatory for certification.
