Why is SMSTS training so important?

Workplace injuries in all industries are on the rise, however most take place on the construction site making SMSTS training vital for site supervisors and managers.

Last year there were one hundred and seventy three fatalities reported within the workplace. Recent statistics have shown that 30% of these took place on a construction site. When you consider how many industries there are, this is a huge amount. This sum is the maximum amount of fatalities in any industry of the UK. The reports have shown the most dangerous activity is working at heights in construction.

Recent reports also showed that nearly one in five construction sites failed safety checks in a national Government initiative. Whilst this is a slight improvement on recent years, it is still considered to be no way good enough. Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive visited over 3,000 different construction sites. They found that over 500 sites were operating practices which could put their workers at risk. This shows that whilst it is encouraging that there are less risks than in recent years, there are still a huge amount operating unsafely.

Whilst SMSTS training won't eradicate every workplace injury, it can certainly minimise injuries. The SMSTS course is one of the most highly regarded courses in the construction industry and is aimed at site supervisors and managers. The qualification is listed in the Approved Code of Practice for construction regulations and demonstrates competence for a site manager. The initial training course runs for five days and lasts for five years, after this the site manager has to take a refresher course to renew their SMSTS certificate. The SMSTS refresher course is a two day course which renews the certificate for a further five years.

The course covers all aspects of legislation and other aspects which affect safe working on site. It shows managers then need for risk assessments and how to carry one out on site. Alongside this, it teaches how to implement control measures and maintain communication to sustain an effective health and safety culture on site.

It is a workers right to go to work in a safe environment. It is also every employees responsibility to ensure they are minimising risks at work in order to keep themselves and their colleagues safe. This is why the SMSTS course is an essential part of any construction site manager job.