The Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) and the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) are key to maintaining construction safety standards. However, while overlapping, they serve different purposes and are aimed at different levels of responsibility.
Let’s explore their differences and why timely refresher training is essential for either course.
SSSTS: The Foundation of Site Supervision
The SSSTS is a two-day course designed for site supervisors. It covers the fundamentals of health and safety in construction, focusing on:
- Legal responsibilities of supervisory staff
- Effective toolbox talks
- Risk assessments and method statements
- Site inspections and registers
- Understanding of CDM (Construction Design and Management) Regulations
This course is ideal for those overseeing day-to-day operations on-site, ensuring that safety protocols are followed at the ground level.
SMSTS: Comprehensive Safety Management
The SMSTS, on the other hand, is a more intensive five-day course aimed at site managers, project managers, and senior supervisors. It delves deeper into:
- Criminal and civil law in construction
- Advanced risk assessment principles
- In-depth coverage of CDM Regulations
- Management of hazardous works (e.g., work at height, excavations, confined spaces)
- Health issues, including COSHH, noise, and vibration
- Safety psychology and accident theory
SMSTS provides a comprehensive understanding of safety management, equipping leaders with the knowledge to create and maintain a safe working environment across entire projects or sites.
Choosing the Right Course
When deciding between SSSTS and SMSTS, consider your current role and career aspirations:
- If you’re a site supervisor or foreman, SSSTS is likely the appropriate choice.
- If you’re moving into a site or project management role, or aspire to do so, SMSTS would be more suitable.
Remember, many construction companies require site managers to hold SMSTS qualifications, making it a valuable asset for career progression.
Critical Note on Refresher Eligibility
Both SSSTS and SMSTS refresher courses have strict eligibility criteria. Delegates must have a valid certificate from their previous course to attend a refresher. This means you must take the refresher before your current certificate expires.
If your certificate has expired, you’ll need to retake the full course.
Train With HCS Safety
In short, while SSSTS provides essential knowledge for supervisors, SMSTS offers a more comprehensive understanding for those in management positions. Regardless of which qualification you hold, staying current through timely refresher courses is crucial for maintaining your skills and certification.
At HCS Safety, we offer both SSSTS and SMSTS courses, as well as their respective refresher courses (here for SSSTS and here for SMSTS). Our experienced trainers ensure you receive high-quality, up-to-date training that meets industry standards.
Contact HCS Safety today to book your course and take the next step in your construction safety career.
