SSSTS Refresher: Is it Hard?

The SSSTS Refresher course is a vital training program for site supervisors aiming to maintain their certification, and stay up-to-date with health and safety practices. Designed to reinforce knowledge from the original SSSTS course, this one-day refresher ensures supervisors are equipped to handle the evolving demands of construction site safety.

With numerous updates on legislation, risk management, and accident prevention, the course keeps your skills sharp, and fully compliant with industry standards. If you’re wondering about its significance, what it entails, or how to prepare for the course, today’s blog will provide a detailed guide to help you approach, and pass, the Refresher with confidence.

sssts refresher

What is the SSSTS Course?

The Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is a widely recognised health and safety course designed specifically for those in supervisory roles on construction sites. Delivered under the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board), the course equips site supervisors with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage, and maintain, health and safety standards in the workplace. Aimed at individuals who oversee small teams or work directly under site managers, SSSTS focuses on the legal and practical aspects of safety management.

The course covers essential topics such as risk assessments, method statements, and the responsibilities of supervisors in ensuring a safe working environment. By completing SSSTS, supervisors gain a better understanding of how their responsibilities fit into the bigger picture of a construction project, helping to reduce accidents and promote a culture of safety.

What is the SSSTS Refresher Course?

The Refresher is a follow-up course for professionals that have already completed the SSSTS course and hold an active certification. It’s designed to update knowledge, address recent changes in health and safety legislation, and reinforce key principles covered in the original training.

The refresher ensures that supervisors remain competent and confident in their roles, enabling them to continue managing site health and safety effectively. Over the years, regulations and industry best practices evolve, making periodic training essential for staying compliant and up to date.

This course is shorter than the original SSSTS training, focusing primarily on updates and revisions relevant to a supervisor’s responsibilities.

Who Needs to Take the Refresher?

The Refresher is mandatory for anyone who has completed the SSSTS course and wants to maintain their certification. Supervisors working in industries such as construction, civil engineering, and building maintenance often require this qualification as a standard expectation.

Employers generally rely on site supervisors with up-to-date certifications to ensure compliance with legal requirements, and to promote safe working practices. So, if your role involves overseeing small teams, conducting risk assessments, or managing safety protocols on-site, you should prioritise attending this course every five years. It’s important to remember to take the course before your original certification expires, otherwise you’ll have to take the full course again. We recommend booking your place on the course as early as a few months prior to expiry, in order to ensure there’s a space in your schedule, as well as ensure that there’s no disruption to your certification. This is especially important if the SSSTS is completely mandatory for your job.

Why is the SSSTS Refresher Required Every Five Years?

The construction sector is one of the most regulated industries due to its high-risk nature. Over time, legislation can change, new hazards may emerge, and best practices evolve as the industry adapts to new challenges and technologies.

Requiring the Refresher every five years ensures that supervisors remain aware of the latest developments in health and safety. Regular updates help to maintain a consistent standard across all sites, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by outdated processes or ignorance of updates in legislation.

Employers also benefit from the refresher requirement, as it guarantees their workforce remains qualified and capable of handling critical safety concerns, mitigating risks and liability.

How Long Does the Refresher Course Take to Complete?

The Refresher course is relatively short, lasting just one day. During this time, participants undergo intensive training, focusing on key topics related to updates in regulations, hazards, and safety practices on-site.

Although the course is brief compared to the full training, it provides a comprehensive review of critical content, ensuring attendees leave with a refreshed understanding of their responsibilities and the tools to apply that knowledge effectively.

How Long is the Refresher Certification Valid?

Once you complete the Refresher course, your certification will remain valid for another five years. However, it’s crucial to stay on top of renewal dates. You need to complete the Refresher before your current certification expires to retain your qualification.

Employers often place significant emphasis on certifications being up to date to comply with health and safety guidelines. Therefore, booking the Refresher early ensures continuity and avoids any potential gaps in your qualification.

site supervisor

Tips for Preparing for the SSSTS Refresher

Preparing for the Refresher course doesn’t have to be daunting. Here’s some tips to make the most of your training day:

Review Previous Materials: If you still have access to them, revisit notes, handbooks, or resources from your original SSSTS course. This will help solidify key concepts and put you in the right frame of mind
Stay Up-to-Date with Changes: Research recent trends or updates in health and safety legislation relevant to your role
Engage with Online Resources: There are numerous free tools, videos, and forums online that discuss SSSTS topics in detail
Ask Questions: Think about challenges you’ve faced as a supervisor on-site and come prepared to ask questions during the course to get tailored guidance
Rest Well: Although it’s a one-day course, a fresh mind is critical for absorbing information and successfully passing the assessment

Topics Covered By the Refresher Course

The Refresher focuses on key topics central to effective site supervision. These include:

Updates in Legislation: Coverage of recent changes in UK health and safety laws
Site Set-Up and Risk Management: Discussions on how supervisors contribute to creating a safe work environment
Occupational Health Hazards: Awareness of specific risks faced by workers, such as asbestos, manual handling, and noise
Managing Accident Prevention: Practical strategies for reducing incidents and creating a safety-conscious culture
Toolbox Talks: Tips for delivering engaging and informative safety talks to your team

By focusing on these areas, the refresher ensures that supervisors remain capable of upholding their responsibilities under current standards.

How Difficult is the Refresher?

Many people worry about whether the Refresher is challenging. The truth is, the course is designed to reinforce and update your existing knowledge, rather than present entirely new material.

If you’ve kept up with changes in site safety and are comfortable with the responsibilities of supervision, you’ll find the course fairly straightforward. The trainers are there to support and guide participants, ensuring they understand the material and can apply it practically. Starting with a positive mindset and preparing in advance can make the process even smoother.

How is the SSSTS Refresher Assessed?

The Refresher course concludes with a multiple-choice assessment, ensuring participants have adequately understood the content. Trainers also evaluate engagement during the course, so active participation is key.

The test isn’t intended to trick or confuse attendees. Instead, it ensures that you’re comfortable applying what you’ve learned back on-site. With preparation and focus during the day, most participants pass with ease.

Mistakes to Avoid

To successfully complete the Refresher course, there are common mistakes you should try to avoid:

Overconfidence: Don’t assume you’ll pass without revisiting key concepts. Preparation is essential
Last-Minute Bookings: Leaving it late to book may mean missing the deadline, resulting in a gap in your qualification, and requiring you to complete the full course again
Passive Participation: Engaging with the course material and asking questions helps you retain and apply the information better
Not Reviewing Changes: If you’re unaware of recent legislation updates, the course may feel a bit more overwhelming at first
Ignoring Feedback: Trainers provide guidance for a reason. Take their advice seriously to improve your performance

Benefits of Taking the SSSTS Refresher Course

Completing the SSSTS refresher delivers multiple benefits for both individuals and organisations:

For Individuals:

Maintains Certification: Ensures your qualifications remain valid and current
Career Advancement: Demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and health and safety, boosting employability
Improved Confidence: Reinforces your knowledge, making you feel more equipped to face challenges on-site

For Organisations:

Compliance: Helps employers meet legal obligations regarding workforce training
Reduced Risk: A well-trained supervisor reduces the likelihood of costly accidents
Enhanced Safety Culture: Supervisors trained in up-to-date practices foster a safer workplace for everyone

Conclusion (SSSTS Refresher: Is it Hard?)

The Refresher course isn’t normally deemed to be difficult, particularly for those already familiar with the principles of site supervision. It’s a structured course designed to update and enhance your existing knowledge, so it doesn’t really introduce completely new concepts.

With proper preparation, the right amount of participation, and a proactive mindset, completing the Refresher is entirely achievable. Not only does it ensure you remain compliant with industry standards, but it also equips you with the tools to continue fostering a safe, effective work environment.

Ultimately, the Refresher course is an investment in yourself and your career, paving the way for continued success as a competent and respected site supervisor.

construction site