If you work in construction, you will often hear about the SMSTS course, SSSTS course, and Health and Safety Awareness course. These are three of the most recognised safety courses in the industry and form part of the CITB Site Safety Plus scheme, which is designed to improve health and safety standards across construction sites.

Each course is aimed at a different level of responsibility on site, helping workers, supervisors, and managers understand their legal duties and how to maintain safe working environments.

In simple terms, the courses follow the structure of most construction teams:

• Health and Safety Awareness – for workers entering the industry
• SSSTS course – for site supervisors
• SMSTS course – for site managers

Understanding the differences between these courses helps both employers and individuals choose the right training for their role.

Understanding the CITB Site Safety Courses in Construction

The CITB Site Safety Plus programme provides a structured range of health and safety courses designed for different roles within the construction industry. These courses are widely recognised by employers and contractors and help ensure consistent safety standards across construction sites.

The Site Safety Plus scheme includes several courses, including:

• Health and Safety Awareness (HSA)
• Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
• Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
• Temporary Works Coordinator Training Course (TWCTC)
• Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course (TWSTC)
• Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS)

Each course focuses on a different level of responsibility or specialist area within construction safety.

In this guide, we focus on three of the most widely recognised courses in the programme, Health and Safety Awareness, SSSTS, and SMSTS, and explain the key differences between them.

Health and Safety Awareness: The First Step into Construction

The CITB Health and Safety Awareness course is often the starting point for people entering the construction industry.

It provides a basic understanding of the risks associated with construction work and explains how workers can help keep themselves and others safe on site.

Who Should Take the Health and Safety Awareness Course?

This course is designed for:

• Labourers and new entrants to construction
• Individuals applying for the CSCS Labourer Card
• Anyone who needs a basic introduction to construction site safety

For many workers, completing the Health and Safety Awareness course is the first step before working on a construction site.

What Does the Health and Safety Awareness Course Cover?

The course introduces delegates to key safety topics such as:

• Identifying hazards and risks
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Manual handling
• Working at height
• Fire prevention and site safety procedures
• The importance of individual responsibilities on site

The course typically runs for one day and provides the essential knowledge required for safe working practices in construction.

Is the Health and Safety Awareness Course Needed for a CSCS Labourer Card?

Yes. Many individuals complete the Health and Safety Awareness course as part of the requirements when applying for the CSCS Labourer Card, alongside passing the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test required for a CSCS card.

SSSTS Course: Safety Responsibilities for Site Supervisors

The SSSTS course (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) is designed for those who supervise workers on construction sites.

This course builds on basic health and safety knowledge and focuses on the responsibilities supervisors have for ensuring safe working practices within their teams.

Who Should Take the SSSTS Course?

The SSSTS course is suitable for:

• Site supervisors
• Foremen
• Team leaders
• Experienced workers moving into a supervisory role

It helps supervisors understand their responsibilities for monitoring safety and communicating effectively with the workforce.

What Does the SSSTS Course Cover?

The course typically covers topics such as:

• Legal responsibilities for supervisors
• Risk assessments and method statements
• Monitoring site activities safely
• Delivering toolbox talks
• Behavioural safety and communication

By completing the SSSTS course, supervisors gain the knowledge required to support site managers and maintain safety standards.

How Long Does the SSSTS Course Take?

The SSSTS course usually takes two days to complete, combining classroom learning with assessments to ensure delegates understand the responsibilities of supervising health and safety on site.

SMSTS Course: Managing Health and Safety on Construction Sites

The SMSTS course (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is aimed at those responsible for managing construction projects and overseeing site safety.

This course provides a more in-depth understanding of legal requirements, risk management, and planning safe construction activities.

Who Should Take the SMSTS Course?

The SMSTS course is designed for:

• Site managers
• Project managers
• Construction managers
• Senior supervisors progressing into management roles

It equips managers with the knowledge needed to implement and monitor effective safety systems across construction sites.

What Does the SMSTS Course Cover?

Key topics include:

• Health and safety legislation
• Risk assessments and control measures
• Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations
• Site set-up and planning
• Environmental considerations
• Leadership and communication on site

The course focuses on helping managers plan, organise, and monitor work safely across the entire construction project.

How Long Does the SMSTS Course Take?

The SMSTS course typically runs over five days, reflecting the greater level of responsibility and depth of knowledge required for site management.

SMSTS vs SSSTS vs Health and Safety Awareness: Key Differences

While all three courses focus on improving safety in construction, they are designed for different levels within a construction team.

The main difference is level of responsibility.

• The Health and Safety Awareness course focuses on personal safety and awareness.
• The SSSTS course focuses on supervising teams and ensuring safe working practices.
• The SMSTS course focuses on managing health and safety systems across construction sites.

SSSTS or SMSTS: Which Course Do You Need?

Choosing between the SSSTS course and the SMSTS course depends on your role and level of responsibility on site.

In general:

• Health and Safety Awareness is suitable if you are new to construction or applying for a CSCS Labourer Card. It provides a basic understanding of how to work safely on a construction site.
• The SSSTS course is designed for site supervisors, foremen, or team leaders who oversee workers and are responsible for maintaining safe working practices.
• The SMSTS course is aimed at site managers and project managers who plan, organise and manage construction work and are responsible for health and safety across the entire site.

Many construction professionals complete these courses as their careers progress. A typical pathway might begin with Health and Safety Awareness, followed by the SSSTS course when moving into a supervisory role, and later the SMSTS course when stepping into site management.

Understanding the differences between these courses helps ensure you choose the right level of safety knowledge for your role and responsibilities.

Construction Safety Courses with Essential Site Skills

At Essential Site Skills, we deliver a range of recognised construction safety courses designed to support both individuals and employers across the industry.

Whether you are entering construction for the first time or progressing into a supervisory or management role, our courses help ensure you have the knowledge and confidence to maintain safe working environments on site.

You can explore our full range of CITB Site Safety Plus courses here.

If you are unsure which course is right for your role, contact our team and we will be happy to provide guidance and help you choose the most suitable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SMSTS stand for?

SMSTS stands for Site Management Safety Training Scheme. It is a CITB Site Safety Plus course designed for construction site managers responsible for planning, organising, and managing health and safety on construction sites.

What does SSSTS stand for?

SSSTS stands for Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme. It is a CITB Site Safety Plus course designed for supervisors who oversee workers and are responsible for maintaining safe working practices on construction sites.

Is SMSTS higher than SSSTS?

Yes. The SMSTS course is aimed at site managers, while the SSSTS course is designed for site supervisors. The SMSTS course covers a broader level of responsibility, including planning, organising and monitoring health and safety across the construction site.

Do labourers need a Health and Safety Awareness course?

Many labourers complete the Health and Safety Awareness course when applying for a CSCS Labourer Card, as it provides a basic understanding of construction site risks and safe working practices.

Can you progress from SSSTS to SMSTS?

Yes. Many construction professionals complete the SSSTS course when working in a supervisory role and later progress to the SMSTS course when they move into site management or take on greater responsibility for health and safety.

Can I take SSSTS instead of SMSTS?

No. The SSSTS course and SMSTS course are designed for different roles. SSSTS is intended for site supervisors, while SMSTS is aimed at site managers responsible for planning and managing health and safety across a construction site. The correct course depends on your role and level of responsibility.