SMSTS or SSSTS – Which One Do I Need?

They are key to keeping up with health and safety regulations, but which of these similar-sounding qualifications is right for your staff?

What are the names short for? 

SMSTS stands for Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS), and SSSTS stands for Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme.

Are they officially accredited qualifications?

Both SMSTS and SSSTS are accredited by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). This means that your site managers and supervisors will gain a recognised qualification that meets the required standards for their positions on site. 

What’s included in the courses?

The key aim is to ensure that candidates are safety-conscious and effective in their roles, while also providing them with the relevant tools and knowledge to actively make their working environments safer for everyone. Topics include: 

• Understanding the relevant legislation for their position
• Establishing effective communication techniques on site
• Understanding their health and safety responsibilities and how to establish a culture of health and safety on site
• Breaking down new guidance and best industry practice
• Effective site inductions, toolbox talks and method statement briefings
• Monitoring site activities effectively
• Timely intervention when bad practice is identified

Are there options for delivery? 

We offer these courses via our Training Partnerships across the UK using multiple methods of delivery, so there’s always going to be something right for you and your business. 

SMSTS Site Managers Safety Training Scheme

For site managers, there are two options:

• Standard delivery – this is a five-day course which is done on consecutive days, at your choice of one of the many training venues across the country
• Day release – the same five days, but done over 5 weeks so your managers can still be there for their team, whilst getting this essential training

Both options can also be done online as a virtual course, so your staff can attend from the workplace or home. For full course details visit ourtraining page. 

SSSTS Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme

Supervisors complete a two-day course, which is done on consecutive days at one of the many training venues across the country, or can be done online from the workplace or home. For full course details visit our training page.

How long do the qualifications last? 

Both qualifications are valid for five years.

Is refresher training available? 

Absolutely. The refresher for the SSSTS is 1 day, and the SMSTS is 2 days; providing these are completed before the current qualification expires, the qualification remains valid. There is also an online option for refresher training. 

Why choose Stallard Kane? 

Training is an essential part of effective health and safety management; this is why we provide a wide range of courses and delivery options to support organisations with their training needs. 

Whatever your training requirements, we can help: from formulating a training schedule to delivering bespoke courses aligned to your individual business needs.

If you are interested in these, or any of our other courses, please email our Training team training@skaltd.co.uk or call them on 01427 420 405 to discuss your requirements.