What is SSSTS, and how can it prepare you for a job as a site supervisor? The CITB SSSTS course is for those who want a qualification proving they are suitable as a construction site supervisor. Read this helpful guide that explains the course and answers key questions about the qualification.
SSSTS meaning
What does SSSTS stand for? SSSTS stands for ‘Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme’.
What is SSSTS? SSSTS is a training scheme and course accredited by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The SSSTS is designed for those already in a supervisory role or for soon-to-be supervisors. The course promotes the best health and safety workplace practices to ensure construction site supervisors are as prepared for the role as possible.
Who is SSSTS for?
SSSTS is for construction site workers already working as supervisors or about to be promoted to the position. The SSSTS course is not designed for construction workers looking for their first site supervisor job.
What is a site supervisor? The role of a construction site supervisor is to oversee and manage construction projects on a worksite. They are responsible for ensuring that work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.
What does the SSSTS course cover?
By completing an SSSTS course, site supervisors will be provided with the essential knowledge they need to perform their roles, such as:
- What is expected of them on site
- Why they need to carry out their duties
- How they contribute to the safety of the workplace
More specifically, those enrolled will also learn how to manage high-risk activities on a construction site, how to participate in environmental activities, the legal and management expectations for their role, and how to fulfil their health, welfare and general safety duties.
You will be continually assessed throughout the course and have to sit a final exam.
READ ALSO: Construction resources that you need to follow
How long does SSSTS last?
The SSSTS course lasts two days, and the SSSTS certificate is valid for five years. However, before the five years is up, and your certificate expires, you must take a 1-day SSSTS refresher course. This way, you can demonstrate that you have the most up-to-date knowledge and qualification for your role as a site supervisor.
Can you do the SSSTS course online?
The SSSTS course is available both in person and online. The online version of the SSSTS course will be carried out by a CITB-qualified instructor, just like the in-person course. There is no difference between the two versions; your qualification will be the same.
How much does the SSSTS cost?
The SSSTS course usually costs around £200 and will be slightly cheaper to attend online than in person.
Can you run a site with an SSSTS qualification?
Once you have gained your SSSTS certificate by passing the course, you will understand how to fulfil your responsibilities and manage a construction site safely and effectively.
Health and safety are paramount on any construction site, so employers should ensure that anyone they place into the role of site supervisor has a valid SSSTS qualification.
READ ALSO: The top mental health resources for construction workers
Is there an SSSTS mock test?
At the end of the course, there is a written exam, mostly of multiple-choice questions. help you revise and prepare for the SSSTS course, SSSTS mock tests are available online. These mock tests simulate the questions asked in the SSSTS exam, giving you a good sense of what to expect on the day.
You can find one SSSTS mock test on ConstructionTest.com, giving you 30 minutes to answer 25 questions.
You can also try a mock test on Projss.co.uk.
What are the four safety critical questions in SSSTS?
The exam has 22 multiple-choice questions and three that require a written response. Out of the 22 multiple-choice questions, the first four hold a greater weight than the others. These are what are known as the four safety critical questions, and all four must be answered correctly to pass the exam.
The four safety critical questions touch on topics such as the priorities of prevention and protection, what must be recorded in the accident book, how you can help to prevent accidents, and who is responsible for reporting minor accidents.
READ ALSO: The importance of PPE gloves for construction
SSSTS Career Progression
By gaining an SSSTS certificate and qualification, you are well-placed to flourish in a career as a site supervisor. Being a qualified, experienced, and effective site supervisor can also lead to a role as a site manager, giving you additional duties and responsibilities.
How to become a construction site supervisor
For those who are not already site supervisors or about to be promoted to the role, the SSSTS course isn’t right for you. If you want to put yourself in the best position possible to move up the ranks and become a site supervisor, you will need to start as a construction labourer.
By proving yourself to be reliable and demonstrating traits worthy of site supervisors, your managers may start giving you extra responsibilities, leading to a promotion as a site supervisor.
READ ALSO: What is the Joint Fire Code and what does it mean?
How a construction site supervisor benefits from temporary protection products
Keeping the work environment safe is one of the key responsibilities of a site supervisor and one of the best ways to do this is with temporary protection products.
For example, by stocking up on floor protection, you can make sure that the risk of slips and falls due to wet surfaces are kept to a minimum. And with waste bags, you can help to keep the site free from any debris and loose materials that could potentially cause an accident.
Further still, temporary protection materials keep surfaces protected during construction, helping you to produce the best finished product to clients.
If you are looking for ways to do your job better or want to help your site supervisor flourish in the role, making sure they have all the equipment necessary is a great place to start.
SSSTS explained
The Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme is an important qualification for site supervisors and the industry standard way of proving that you are competent in the role. We hope this guide has proven helpful and answered any questions you may have about the SSSTS course and how to gain the SSSTS certificate.
Do you need to stock up for a construction job? We are experts in temporary protection products, so whether you need floor protection or aluminium foil tape for your next project, we are here to help.
For more tips, guides, and advice, visit our news page.
