There are a number of reasons why you should do an
SMSTS course if you work within construction. The construction industry has the largest amount of fatalities every year and is considered to be a high risk industry. Whilst it only accounts for 5% of the nations workers, it accounts for 22% of fatalities and injuries showing the need to undertake effective training.
The SMSTS course is accredited by the Construction Industry Training Board and is the standard minimum training for all UKCG sites. However, even if you are working on a site which doesn't require SMSTS training there are many reasons you should undertake a course.
There are
CITB courses across the country, from Southampton to Aberdeen meaning it is easy to undertake a
SMSTS course if required. This is great news if you are looking for a course as it means it is very likely that you won't need to travel very far to go on one. At
Easybook Training we have a large number of accredited venues across the country offering the
SMSTS course.
As already mentioned, the SMSTS course is endorsed by the UKCG (United Kingdom Contractors Group). This group represents the largest and most influential contractors in the UK which means doing a course approved by them means getting a job on a UKCG site is much easier. Even if you don't want to work on a UKCG site, the SMSTS qualification will help with future career paths.
The SMSTS course covers all legislation that managers need to know to run a safe site which includes the 'Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and 'Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations'. The course also covers the managers responsibilities when it comes to the law and teaches delegates how to ensure their employees are keeping with the law.
One of the main advantages of the SMSTS course is that once the full five day course has been completed and passed, the qualification lasts for five years. In addition to this, delegates are given six months 'grace period' to complete a two day refresher course which will give them a further five years on the qualification.
Some people may be put off by the thought of completing an assessment at the end of the course. However, this shouldn't put you off. All the information required is supplied during the training and the test is a multiple choice exam which only takes thirty minutes.