The Site management safety training scheme – Refresher (SMSTS-R) is a two-day course for delegates who have previously passed the full Site management safety training scheme (SMSTS) course or subsequent refresher course, and can provide proof of attendance.

It aims to bring health and safety knowledge up-to-date, as well as giving a thorough overview of the legislative changes and their impact in the workplace. The course provides an opportunity to revisit the wide range of topics from the previous five-day course.

The refresher course aims to help site managers to:

• Improve awareness of recent developments in construction, legislation and health, safety, welfare and environmental issues.
• Identify measures that will assist the practical implementation of responsibilities established by new legislation and working practices.
• Implement new guidance and industry best practice.
• Consolidate their understanding of responsibility and accountability for site health, safety, welfare and the environment.

The refresher course is only for delegates who have previously passed the five-day SMSTS or subsequent refresher course, and hold a valid SMSTS certificate. Evidence must be provided to the training provider of their eligibility.

If a delegate cannot provide a copy of their certificate, the online card checker can be used to establish if a delegate currently holds a valid SMSTS certificate.

If an individual cannot be located on the system and no evidence of their certificate can be found, they will have to attend the full SMSTS course.

Failure to attend the refresher course prior to the expiry of an existing certificate will require delegates to re-enter the scheme by completing the full SMSTS course if they wish to remain in the scheme.

The paper consists of 25 questions, selected by CITB, covering all aspects of the course. The exam paper must be taken at the end of the course.

Each paper has:

• 18 multiple choice questions (each worth one mark)
• 7 questions in multi-response or short written answer format (each worth two marks)

The two mark questions all relate to the seven health and safety focus areas. The higher marks recognise and reward the increased complexity of the question and response required.

The seven health and safety focus areas are founded on construction ill health, injury and fatality statistics:

• Working at height
• Vehicles/pedestrians
• Manual handling
• Asbestos
• Dust
• Noise
• Vibration.

The exam pass mark is 81% (26 out of 32).

The exam lasts for 35 minutes and must be completed within this time under exam conditions. Delegates are permitted to use the Construction site safety – The comprehensive guide (GE700) publication for the last 15 minutes of the exam.

The exam paper forms part of the overall assessment as to whether the delegate has successfully achieved the Site Management Safety Training Scheme-Refresher and demonstrated both knowledge of the relevant statutory provisions as well as the application of management in respect of health and safety issues.

Delegates taking the SMSTS refresher course should be briefed on the learning outcomes listed below.

Module 1 – Legal and management

1. Health and safety law
Describe the purpose of health, safety and environment legislation and the different legislative requirements that must be followed.

2. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act
Describe the legal duties of the employer, self-employed and, to a lesser extent, employee, to promote health and safety awareness and effective standards of safety management by every employer.

3. Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations
Describe the CDM Regulations that cover the management of health, safety and welfare on construction projects. Identify what they are about, what they require, what needs to be done and by whom.

4. Health and safety management systems
Describe the key principles of a health and safety management system, what it should contain and how it should be used.

5. Risk assessments and method statements
Describe the importance of risk assessments in ensuring a reduction in workplace accidents.

6. Induction and training
Describe the legal requirements for the provision of information and ensure it is tailored for the audience, understood by the audience and specific to the site.

7. Effective communication
Describe the importance of good communication on site with all employees, particularly during site induction, and ensuring critical information is conveyed.

8. Leadership and worker engagement
Describe the principles of leadership and worker engagement to influence good working practices on site.

9. Inspection and audit
Describe the importance of accurately measuring, monitoring and reporting on health and safety within the workplace.

10. Statutory forms, notices and registers
Identify the statutory and non-statutory forms, notices, signs and registers used within the building and construction industry and the keeping of records and other details.

11. Accident prevention, control, reporting and investigation
Describe why accidents happen, the human factors, trends, causes, impacts and preventative measures required, including reporting and follow through.

Module 2 – Health and welfare

1. Management of health
Describe the importance of sustaining good health in the workforce and how to plan and maintain suitable practices to prevent the high costs that work-related ill health causes.

2. Welfare facilities
Describe the importance of providing suitable welfare facilities and ensuring they comply with the CDM Regulations.