SSSTS Online Course: Why Do You Need It?
Training and compliance are more important than ever in the construction industry. Site supervisors need to hold qualifications that prove they can manage site safety effectively, and that’s where the SSSTS online course (or the in-person course) comes in. Built specifically to provide supervisors or those who are about to become supervisors with a solid base of foundational health and safety knowledge, the Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is offered both in person, and online. But why do you actually need it?
In today’s blog, we’ll look at why the course is so important, the benefits of taking the course digitally, who should be taking it, and more.
What is the SSSTS Online Course?
The course was developed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to prepare site supervisors for both the legal and practical responsibilities of leading their team safely. Traditionally delivered in classrooms, it’s now also delivered online, making it all the more accessible.
The online version of the training covers the exact same syllabus, including health and safety legislation, risk assessments, toolbox talks, and behavioural safety. It’s designed to be just as comprehensive and engaging as the in-person version. Also, the certification you receive is exactly the same; employers won’t care whether you took the training online or in a physical classroom. For all intents and purposes, it’s the same course.
Why Supervisors Need Health and Safety Training
Supervisors on construction sites are the link between site operatives and management. Their role is absolutely vital, ensuring day-to-day operations are in line with health and safety standards.
The SSSTS ensures supervisors not only understand their responsibilities, but also feel confident leading teams in line with best practices.
Key Benefits of Choosing an SSSTS Online Course
Opting for the online format comes with several advantages:
- Flexibility: You can train from home, which is a huge benefit for those in remote areas.
- Time-saving: No travel is required, which saves you valuable time that can be used for work or family commitments.
- Cost-effective: You will have reduced expenses for travel or accommodation, which makes the course more affordable.
- Same recognition: The online SSSTS is CITB-approved and nationally accepted, which means your certificate holds the same weight as a classroom certificate.
- Interactive learning: The live online course uses breakout rooms, discussions, and live Q&A sessions to keep learners engaged and to provide a high-quality learning experience.
Who Should Take the SSSTS?
The SSSTS is designed for anyone stepping into, or currently working in, a supervisory role on a construction site. This includes:
- Site supervisors: Who are responsible for managing a team and ensuring safety on a day-to-day basis. The course gives them the foundational knowledge to perform their duties with confidence.
- Team leaders: Who are looking to formalise their skills and move into a supervisory position. The course provides the essential skills to step into a leadership role.
- Foremen: Who are responsible for a team of workers. The course gives them a formal understanding of their legal and moral duties.
- First-line managers: Who need a foundational understanding of their responsibilities in managing safety. The course is a great starting point for a management career.
Essential Skills You’ll Gain from the Training
By the end of the course, you’ll walk away with practical skills that can be applied immediately on-site:
- Understanding health and safety legislation: A foundational understanding of the legal framework that governs construction safety.
- Conducting risk assessments confidently: The ability to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement control measures in a real-world setting.
- Delivering effective toolbox talks: The confidence to lead a team meeting and deliver a safety message that is both engaging and informative.
- Recognising unsafe behaviours and correcting them: The ability to promote a safety-first culture and to lead by example.
- Leading by example in promoting safety culture: The skills to influence your team’s behaviour, and to create a proactive safety culture.
The Value of a CITB-Approved SSSTS Online Course
Enrolling in a CITB-approved course means your certificate is recognised throughout the UK construction industry. Employers trust CITB-accredited training as it aligns with the latest legislation and industry standards. This trust is your guarantee that the course content is up-to-date, and that the training is of a high standard. For you, this means your qualification holds weight when applying for jobs or seeking promotions. For employers, it guarantees that their supervisors are competent and compliant, which reduces their legal liability and strengthens their reputation as a responsible employer.
How to Book Your SSSTS Online Course with CST Training
Booking with CST Training is quick and simple:
- Visit our website to browse available course dates: Our easy-to-use calendar makes it easy to find a course that fits your schedule.
- Select the online option: Choose the format that best suits your learning style and personal circumstances.
- Complete the booking form and payment online: Our booking system is secure and easy to use.
- Receive confirmation and pre-course materials: You will receive all the necessary information and materials to get started.
- Join your live session on the scheduled date: The live, interactive session will provide you with a high-quality learning experience.
The Role of Supervisors in Site Safety
Supervisors are the frontline leaders of health and safety. They:
- Monitor compliance with safety procedures: They are responsible for ensuring that their team is following all the safety rules.
- Deliver toolbox talks to inform teams: They use these talks to deliver a clear and engaging safety message to their team.
- Identify hazards before they cause accidents: They are trained to spot a potential risk and to intervene before it becomes a problem.
- Report issues to management: They are responsible for reporting any safety issues to management, which helps to ensure a safe work environment for everyone.
- Promote a culture of accountability: They are responsible for fostering a culture where every team member feels responsible for their own safety and the safety of their colleagues.
Preparing for Your SSSTS Online Course: What to Expect
To get the most out of your training:
- Ensure your internet connection is stable: A stable internet connection is essential for a smooth and uninterrupted learning experience.
- Test your microphone and camera in advance: A working microphone and camera are essential for participating in live, interactive sessions.
- Set aside a quiet space free from distractions: A quiet space is vital, as you may not be allowed to take the course if you’re unable to participate fully without disruption.
- Review any pre-course reading materials: This helps you get a head start and makes the content easier to absorb on the day.
The Career Benefits of Earning Your SSSTS Certificate
Holding the certificate signals to employers that you take health and safety seriously. It can:
- Make you eligible for supervisory roles: For many employers, an SSSTS certificate is a prerequisite for a supervisory role.
- Strengthen your CV and employability: The certificate is a great addition to your CV that will help you stand out in a competitive job market.
- Lead to promotion opportunities: For many employers, a basic safety qualification is a prerequisite for a team leader or supervisory role.
- Lay the groundwork for progression to SMSTS: The SSSTS is a stepping stone to the SMSTS course, which is the equivalent qualification for site managers.
How Employers Benefit from Trained Supervisors
Employers gain significant advantages when staff complete the training:
- Improved compliance with legislation: A certified workforce provides a verifiable record of competence, which is an asset for a company in an audit or inspection.
- Reduced risk of accidents and costly delays: A well-trained supervisor can identify hazards before they cause an accident, which can save a company time and money.
- A stronger safety culture on-site: A supervisor who is trained in safety can influence their team’s behaviour to promote a positive safety culture.
- Greater confidence in supervisory staff: Employers can be confident that their supervisors have the knowledge and skills to manage a site safely.
- Enhanced company reputation for safety standards: Investing in supervisor training benefits both the individual, and the organisation as a whole.
Renewal Options After Completing Your SSSTS Online Course
The certificate is valid for five years. Before it expires, you’ll need to complete the SSSTS Refresher, a one-day course that updates your knowledge on legislation and best practices. This ensures that supervisors stay current with evolving safety standards throughout their careers. It’s crucial to book and complete this refresher course before your certificate expires, as a lapsed certificate will require you to retake the full two-day course, which is both time-consuming and costly.
Why CST Training is the Best Choice for Your SSSTS
CST Training is trusted by individuals and employers across the UK for delivering quality, accredited training. Here’s why:
- CITB-approved training provider: We’re a CITB-approved training provider, which is your guarantee of a legitimate qualification.
- Experienced trainers with industry backgrounds: Our trainers are industry experts who can provide real-world insights and guidance.
- Flexible learning options: We offer online and in-person options to suit your schedule.
Conclusion (SSSTS Online Course: Why Do You Need It?)
The SSSTS is a vital qualification for construction supervisors. It equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage safety effectively, ensuring compliance and protecting your team. The online format makes the course even more flexible, and accessible.
If you still have any questions regarding the course, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
