In the construction industry, understanding the differences between various safety training courses is essential for career progression and site safety. The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) and the Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) are two career essential courses offered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). While both aim to enhance on-site safety, they cater to different roles and responsibilities within the construction hierarchy.
Understanding SMSTS and SSSTS
SMSTS:
- Duration: 5 days
- Designed for: Site managers, project managers, and senior personnel responsible for overseeing construction site operations.
- Focus: Comprehensive coverage of health and safety legislation, risk assessments, and effective site management practices.
- Outcome: Equips managers with the skills to establish and maintain a safe working environment, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
SSSTS:
- Duration: 2 days
- Designed for: Site supervisors, foremen, and team leaders who have direct responsibility for a workforce.
- Focus: Emphasis on the supervisor’s role in promoting health and safety, understanding legal responsibilities, and effectively communicating safety information.
- Outcome: Provides supervisors with the knowledge to contribute to a safer site environment and to understand their role in enforcing safety protocols.
Key Differences Between SMSTS and SSSTS
| Aspect | SMSTS | SSSTS |
| Target Audience | Site Managers, Project Managers, Senior Personnel | Site Supervisors, Foremen, Team Leaders |
| Course Duration | 5 Days | 2 Days |
| Primary Focus | Site management, legal compliance, risk assessment, and safety culture | Supervisory responsibilities, health and safety communication |
| Certification Validity | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Refresher Course | SMSTS Refresher | SSSTS Refresher |
Choosing the Right Course for Your Role
Choosing between SMSTS and SSSTS depends on your current position and career objectives within the construction industry:
- Opt for SMSTS if: You’re in a managerial role or aspiring to move into site management, with responsibilities that include planning, organising, and controlling construction activities.
- Opt for SSSTS if: You’re in a supervisory position, overseeing specific tasks or teams on-site, and need to understand how to implement safety measures effectively.
Both courses are integral to promoting a culture of safety and ensuring that construction sites operate within legal and ethical standards.
Enhance Your Career with Target Zero
At Target Zero, we offer accredited CITB Site Safety Plus courses tailored to meet the needs of construction professionals:
- CITB SMSTS Training Courses: Comprehensive training for site managers to uphold safety and compliance.
- CITB SSSTS Training Courses: Focused training for supervisors to effectively manage on-site safety.
Our experienced trainers provide practical insights and real-world scenarios to ensure that you can apply your knowledge effectively on site.
Get in Touch
Ready to advance your career in construction safety? Contact Target Zero today to enroll in our SMSTS or SSSTS courses.
- Email: sales@targetzerogroup.co.uk
- Phone: 01245 379496
- WhatsApp: Chat with Us
- Messenger: Message Us
