What is the 5 Day SMSTS Course?

The 5 Day SMSTS course is the UK construction industry’s gold standard qualification for site managers. SMSTS, which stands for the Site Management Safety Training Scheme, is a rigorous, comprehensive program developed by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). This course is mandatory for anyone with responsibilities for planning, organising, monitoring, and administering health and safety on a construction site. It’s designed to give managers the legal and procedural knowledge required to run a project safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with UK law.

SMSTS Course

Strategic Training for Site Leaders

The five-day commitment is necessary because the course delves into the strategic responsibilities of a site manager. Participants spend time gaining a deep understanding of the legal framework, particularly the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the CDM Regulations 2015. The course teaches managers how to interpret and apply this legislation to real-world scenarios. This training moves beyond basic hazard awareness to focus on systemic issues, ensuring managers are equipped to implement and enforce site-wide safety management systems.

The SMSTS: Risk Management and Compliance

The course emphasises practical application in risk management. Managers learn how to develop complex, legally compliant Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) for high-risk activities like excavation, demolition, and managing temporary works. The qualification culminates in a mandatory assessment, which ensures the manager can apply these principles contextually. Successful completion is a clear signal to employers that the manager is a competent and reliable leader, capable of minimising corporate liability and ensuring project safety.

site safety

Conclusion: What is the 5 Day SMSTS Course?

The Site Management Safety Training Scheme is a CITB-accredited, five-day training program that provides site managers with the essential legal and procedural knowledge required to manage health and safety strategically on a construction site.