Is SMSTS a Legal Requirement?
No, the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is not a direct legal requirement by name under UK health and safety law. However, legislation does require employers to ensure that anyone managing construction work is competent, and has received appropriate training. As the course is widely recognised as evidence of relevant competence, it’s treated as a requirement by many major contractors and construction companies.
What Does UK Law Require?
UK health and safety legislation places duties on employers to ensure that people carrying out work have the necessary competence, skills, knowledge, and training. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 are particularly relevant to construction projects. They establish requirements concerning competence and the management of health and safety.
The law does not state that every site manager must hold a specific named training course. Instead, employers need to ensure that individuals have the appropriate knowledge and experience to carry out their responsibilities safely and effectively.
Why SMSTS is Widely Expected
Although the training is not specifically required by legislation, it’s become an industry standard for site managers. Many principal contractors and major construction companies expect managers to hold a current certificate when working on their projects.
The course provides structured training that covers important areas like health and safety legislation, risk management, planning, and the responsibilities of those managing construction work. As a result, completing the course provides a recognised way of demonstrating that a site manager has received relevant safety management training.
Does Every Site Manager Need This Training?
Not necessarily, from a legal perspective. But if you intend to work as a site manager for a major contractor, holding the recognised qualification is usually necessary. It’s worth noting that a contractor may also have its own competence requirements that go beyond the minimum legal requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SMSTS a Legal Requirement?
No, the course is not directly required by name under UK health and safety law. Instead, legislation requires employers to ensure that people managing construction work are competent and have appropriate skills, knowledge, experience, and training. The Site Management Safety Training Scheme is widely recognised as evidence of relevant safety management competence, which is why many major contractors effectively require their site managers to hold a current certificate.
If you still have any questions regarding the course, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
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