Understanding SSSTS and SMSTS: What These Construction Safety Qualifications Cover

September 17, 2025

Training and qualifications are a key part of life at MPS Building Ltd. With several members of the team recently enrolled on Site Supervisor and Site Management safety courses, we thought it would be helpful to break down exactly what these courses cover and why they matter on a busy construction site.

Why Construction Safety Training Is So Important

Construction remains one of the most high-risk industries in the UK. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the sector consistently records one of the highest rates of workplace injuries and fatalities.That’s why ongoing safety training isn’t just encouraged—it’s essential. CITB (the Construction Industry Training Board) offers structured qualifications like SSSTS and SMSTS that help teams operate safely, understand their legal responsibilities, and take appropriate action if issues arise on-site.

What Is SSSTS?

SSSTS stands for Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme. It’s a two-day course designed for those stepping into or currently working in supervisory roles on site. The course covers:

- Health and safety legislation and how it applies to supervisors
- Risk assessments and method statements
- Effective toolbox talks
- Monitoring site activities and recognising unsafe practices
- Understanding your legal, moral and social responsibilities

This course is often the first step for those moving beyond general labouring or assistant roles into leadership positions.

Who Should Take SSSTS?

SSSTS is ideal for team members who are about to take on supervisory responsibilities, including:

- Site assistants progressing to supervisor roles
- Experienced operatives leading small teams
- Anyone who supports site managers in day-to-day safety oversight

What Is SMSTS?

SMSTS stands for Site Management Safety Training Scheme. This is a more in-depth, five-day course aimed at site managers, project managers, and senior staff responsible for planning, organising, and monitoring construction activities.

The course includes:

- Detailed health and safety regulations
- Planning for high-risk activities
- Understanding CDM (Construction Design and Management) Regulations
- Developing effective site safety policies
- Legal and practical responsibilities for senior roles

SMSTS provides a deeper understanding of site operations, compliance, and leadership responsibilities in ensuring a safe working environment.

Who Needs SMSTS?

This course is aimed at anyone who has overall responsibility for managing a construction site. That includes:

- Site managers
- Project managers
- Supervisors moving into senior roles
- Business owners overseeing site safety compliance

Why We Invest in These Qualifications at MPS

At MPS, we take site safety seriously. That means making sure the people leading our projects aren’t just experienced, but trained and certified in line with industry best practice.Recently, team members including Luke Haine and Steve Lillis have enrolled on SSSTS, while others such as Mike Scammell continue to pursue Level 6 Site Management qualifications.

Courses like SSSTS and SMSTS help us maintain safe, efficient sites where everyone understands their responsibilities and is equipped to respond to challenges quickly and effectively.We’re proud to support our team through formal training. It’s a long-term investment in the safety of our people, the quality of our work, and the trust our clients place in us.

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