What’s Included in the SSSTS Refresher Training?
The Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is a cornerstone qualification for construction professionals in the UK. It provides the essential knowledge and skills needed to manage site safety effectively. But a site supervisor’s responsibilities don’t end with passing the initial course. Due to the dynamic nature of health and safety legislation and industry best practices, the certificate is valid for a period of five years, and to maintain it, supervisors must complete the SSSTS Refresher training. This one-day course is designed not as a full retake, but as a focused and up-to-date programme that ensures your knowledge remains current, your skills are sharp, and your site remains a safe place to work.
Why the SSSTS Refresher is Essential for Supervisors
The Refresher is an essential professional requirement. A supervisor whose certificate has lapsed could potentially no longer be deemed competent to perform their duties on a construction site, which could lead to disciplinary action, or, in some cases, losing their job. The construction industry is heavily regulated, and an in-date SSSTS qualification is often a mandatory prerequisite for site access, particularly on larger projects. The Refresher is your safeguard against this. It’s a tool for ensuring that your leadership and safety knowledge are fully aligned with the latest legal standards, keeping you, and your team, protected.
Course Objectives: What the Training Aims to Deliver
The primary objective of the Refresher is to ensure that a supervisor’s health and safety knowledge is current and relevant. The course aims to remind participants of their legal obligations and the moral responsibility of their role. It seeks to inform them of any new or impending legislative changes that could affect their work, such as updates to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) or new Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP). The training also focuses on practical skills, refreshing and enhancing the participant’s ability to conduct risk assessments, lead safety talks, and monitor site activities to prevent accidents and ill health. Ultimately, the goal is to reinforce the supervisor’s role as a proactive safety leader.
Core Topics Covered in the SSSTS Refresher Course
The course is a concentrated programme that hones in on the most critical aspects of site safety management. The core topics covered include:
- Legal and Regulatory Updates: A review of new or amended health and safety laws and how they impact site operations.
- Revisiting Site Responsibilities: A reminder of a supervisor’s duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
- Risk Assessment and Method Statement Reinforcement: A practical review of these fundamental safety tools.
- Modern Site Hazards: An exploration of new or evolving risks, such as mental health issues, new technologies, or the use of novel materials.
- Communication and Leadership: A focus on effective strategies for communicating safety information and leading a team to adopt a positive safety culture.
- Monitoring and Reporting: A refresh on how to proactively monitor site safety performance and conduct thorough incident reporting.
Health and Safety Responsibilities for Site Supervisors
The Refresher heavily reinforces the supervisor’s legal and moral responsibilities. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, site supervisors have a duty of care to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their team. This includes providing a safe working environment, ensuring that equipment is safe to use, and that all workers are properly trained and supervised. The course provides updated guidance on how to perform these duties effectively in the face of new site challenges, and evolving legal requirements. It also addresses the supervisor’s role in coordinating with site managers and other parties to maintain overall site safety.
Key Learning Outcomes from the SSSTS Refresher
Upon completion, participants will be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of their responsibilities and possess the skills to execute them effectively. Key learning outcomes include:
- Up-to-Date Knowledge: An understanding of the latest legal, regulatory, and procedural changes in construction safety.
- Enhanced Risk Management: The ability to perform more thorough and effective risk assessments and method statements.
- Proactive Safety Leadership: The skills to proactively identify potential hazards and implement preventative measures.
- Improved Communication: The capacity to deliver engaging and informative toolbox talks and communicate safety policies clearly to a diverse workforce.
- Confidence: The renewed confidence to manage a safe site, knowing that their knowledge is current, and that their qualification is valid.
Legal and Regulatory Updates in the Refresher Training
One of the most valuable components of the course is the focus on legal and regulatory updates. The legal framework surrounding construction safety is constantly evolving, with new legislation, guidance, and enforcement practices being introduced regularly. The course covers any changes to key regulations, such as the CDM Regulations, which govern the planning and management of construction projects. It also addresses updates to Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP) and guidance from bodies like the HSE (Health and Safety Executive). Being aware of these changes is paramount to avoiding legal liability and ensuring a compliant and safe site.
How the SSSTS Refresher Reinforces Risk Assessment Skills
Risk assessment is the bedrock of site safety, and this course dedicates significant time to reinforcing these crucial skills. The training challenges supervisors to apply their knowledge to more complex, and modern, scenarios. Using case studies and interactive exercises, the Refresher helps participants sharpen their ability to identify hazards, assess risk levels, and implement appropriate control measures. This focus ensures that supervisors are not just compliant, but are also proficient in using these essential tools to protect their workforce.
Leadership and Communication Skills in the SSSTS Refresher
The Refresher dedicates a portion of the training to improving leadership and communication skills. Supervisors are taught how to deliver more effective toolbox talks, ensuring that safety messages are clear, concise, and understood by all team members. The course also covers the importance of leading by example, fostering a positive safety culture, and engaging with workers to encourage a collective responsibility for safety.
Best Practice for Monitoring Site Safety Standards
The training provides updated guidance on best practices for monitoring and maintaining site safety standards. This includes learning about new techniques for conducting site inspections and audits, as well as how to effectively document and report findings. The course reinforces the importance of using proactive monitoring tools rather than simply reacting to incidents. By adopting these updated practices, supervisors can stay one step ahead of potential risks and ensure continuous improvement in site safety performance.
How the SSSTS Refresher Helps Prepare for Assessments
The course culminates in a final assessment, and the training is specifically designed to prepare participants for this. The tutor will review key topics and learning points throughout the day, and many courses include a mock assessment or practice questions. This process is highly effective in ensuring participants are confident and well-prepared for the final assessment, which is required to renew their certificate.
Benefits of Completing the SSSTS Refresher for Your Career
For a site supervisor, there are a number of benefits to completing the Refresher. The most obvious benefit is the continuity of your career; a valid certificate is a prerequisite for many roles. Beyond that, the updated knowledge makes you a more competent and valuable employee. By staying current with the latest legislation and best practices, you demonstrate a commitment to professional development that is highly valued by employers. It can open doors to more senior roles and higher-paying opportunities.
Who Should Attend the SSSTS Refresher Training?
The course is specifically designed for individuals who have previously completed the full SSSTS course. It’s recommended that you attend the Refresher course within six or so months of your expiration date. This ensures that you renew your qualification before it lapses. The course is suitable for site supervisors, foremen, and anyone with managerial responsibilities on a construction site.
Why Employers Value the SSSTS Refresher Qualification
Employers place high value on the Refresher, for several reasons. Firstly, it provides legal compliance; employing supervisors with valid, up-to-date certificates reduces the company’s legal liability.
Secondly, it demonstrates a commitment to a positive safety culture. A supervisor who is proactive about renewing their qualification is more likely to be proactive about safety on site.
Finally, it ensures a competent workforce, which leads to fewer accidents, reduced downtime, and greater productivity.
Duration, Format, and Delivery Options for the Refresher Course
The Refresher is a one-day course. This makes it a time-efficient way to renew your qualification. It’s delivered in a number of formats to suit different needs:
- Classroom-based: Traditional, in-person training with a tutor.
- Virtual Classroom (Online): Live, interactive training delivered via video conference.
All accredited formats deliver the same high-quality content and lead to the same official certification.
Conclusion: What’s Included in the SSSTS Refresher Training?
The Refresher training is a critical component of a site supervisor’s professional journey. It’s a focused, one-day course that includes essential updates on legal and regulatory changes, a practical reinforcement of key skills like risk assessment, and a strong emphasis on modern site hazards and safety leadership.
If you still have any questions regarding the course, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
