What is SMSTS or Site Management Safety Training Scheme: is a construction industry-specific health and safety course that is designed to provide site managers, supervisors, and other members of a construction project team with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage health and safety on site.
The course covers a wide range of topics related to construction health and safety, including risk assessment, incident investigation, communication and consultation with workers, fire safety, and the legal requirements for managing health and safety on a construction site. It also covers the specific risks and hazards that are present on construction sites, such as working at height, manual handling, and hazardous substances.
To achieve an SMSTS certification, individuals must complete a 5-day training course and pass an exam at the end. It is important to note that this certification is valid for a period of 5 years, after which individuals need to retake the course to maintain their certification.
It is important to mention that SMSTS is a nationally recognized qualification that proves an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the current health and safety legislation, and demonstrates their ability to apply this knowledge in a practical way on site. This qualification is highly sought after by employers in the construction industry, as it shows that an individual is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety on site.
One benefit of having SMSTS certification is that is shows compliance with legislation and regulations, it helps to demonstrate that construction company is taking an active role in ensuring the safety of their employees and also compliance to the legal requirements of their work. Furthermore, it is an essential requirement for many of the construction tenders, it shows that the organisation is managing health and safety risks in an effective way.
To prepare for the SMSTS course, it is important to have a good understanding of the current health and safety legislation that applies to the construction industry, and to be familiar with the risks and hazards that are present on construction sites. This can be achieved through self-study, by reading relevant books and articles, or by attending other health and safety courses.
In addition to this, it is also recommended to have practical experience working on a construction site, as this will help individuals to understand the practical application of the knowledge they will be learning during the course.
After completing the SMSTS course and passing the exam, individuals should make sure they are keeping their knowledge and skills up to date by attending refresher courses, and by staying informed about any changes to health and safety legislation that may affect their work on construction sites.
In conclusion, SMSTS is a valuable qualification for anyone working in a management or supervisory role on a construction site, as it demonstrates their commitment to health and safety, and shows that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage risks on site. By achieving SMSTS certification, individuals can also improve their employability, increase their chances of getting promoted, and ultimately improve the safety of the sites where they work.
