CITB Health & Safety Awareness Course Why It’s Essential for Construction Workers

CITB Health & Safety Awareness Course
Advantages, Requirements & Why It’s Essential for Construction Workers

If you’re starting a career in construction, there’s one qualification that opens the door to site access: the CITB Health & Safety Awareness course.

This one-day programme isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s the foundation of safe working practices on UK construction sites.

At Lighthouse Safety, we deliver this course:

• Live Online

• In-person at our London training centre

• In-person at our Kent training centre

Giving individuals and employers flexible options to meet compliance requirements.

What Is the CITB Health & Safety Awareness Course?

The course forms part of the Site Safety Plus (SSP) scheme developed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

It provides essential safety knowledge for anyone entering the construction industry and is a key requirement for completing the touch screen test to obtain the CSCS Labourer (Green) Card.

Who Needs This Course?

This qualification is designed for:

• New entrants to construction

• Labourers applying for a CSCS Green Card

• Apprentices and trainees

• Employers onboarding new site staff

Most principal contractors require proof of this qualification before allowing access to site.

Course Requirements

Attendance

The course runs over one full day and must be completed in full, whether online or in the classroom.

Assessment

Delegates must successfully complete a short multiple-choice assessment at the end of the session.

Next Step

After passing, candidates can sit the CITB Operatives Health, Safety & Environment Test and apply for their CSCS Green Card.

What Does the Course Cover?

The CITB Health & Safety Awareness course focuses on practical, real-world construction safety, including:

✔ Health & Safety Law and Responsibilities

Understanding employer and employee duties.

✔ Risk Assessments and Method Statements

Why they matter and how they protect workers.

✔ Common Construction Hazards

Working at height, manual handling, plant movement, electricity, noise and more.

✔ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When and how to use it correctly.

✔ Accident Prevention

How small actions prevent major incidents.

The Advantages of Completing This Course

It Reduces Risk on Site

New starters are statistically more vulnerable to accidents. This course provides:

• Hazard awareness

• Confidence to challenge unsafe behaviour

• Understanding of safe systems of work

That knowledge directly contributes to safer sites.

It Demonstrates Employer Compliance

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Management Regulations, employers must:

• Provide appropriate training

• Assess and control risks

• Protect workers from harm

Enrolling staff on this course demonstrates proactive compliance and due diligence.

It Builds Safety Culture from Day One

Rather than seeing safety as a tick-box exercise, delegates leave understanding:

• Personal responsibility

• Why procedures matter

• The consequences of unsafe actions

• How to positively contribute to site safety

Strong safety culture starts with informed workers.

It Assists with obtaining CSCS Green Card

Without this qualification, you will struggle to complete the touch screen test required to apply for the Labourer card. No card means limited access to construction sites.

Flexible Delivery Options

At Lighthouse Safety, we understand that flexibility matters.

We deliver the CITB Health & Safety Awareness course:

• Live Online – ideal for remote learners or individual bookings

• London Training Centre – convenient for contractors operating across the capital

• Kent Training Centre – supporting businesses across the South East

For employers booking multiple delegates, classroom delivery provides valuable interaction and discussion, while online options remove travel time and cost.

Why Choose Lighthouse Safety?

We focus on practical, engaging delivery, not death-by-PowerPoint.

Delegates benefit from:

• Experienced tutors with construction backgrounds

• Interactive learning and real-life examples

• Clear, jargon-free instruction

• Immediate practical relevance

Our goal isn’t just to help delegates pass, it’s to ensure they leave understanding how to stay safe.

Final Thoughts

Construction remains a high-risk industry. Many incidents occur due to lack of awareness, poor induction or misunderstanding of basic safety principles.

The CITB Health & Safety Awareness course is a one-day construction safety qualification required for individuals applying for the CSCS Labourer (Green) Card in the UK. Delivered by Lighthouse Safety in London, Kent and online, the course covers key topics including health and safety responsibilities, risk assessments, common site hazards, PPE, and accident prevention. It is designed for new entrants to construction and provides the essential knowledge needed to work safely and legally on site. Completing this course allows candidates to progress to the CITB Operatives Health, Safety & Environment Test and apply for their CSCS Green Card.

The CITB Health & Safety Awareness course provides:

✔ A legal and compliance foundation

✔ A pathway to the CSCS Green Card

✔ Reduced risk on site

✔ Improved employability

✔ Stronger safety culture

If you’re looking to book a place online, in London or in Kent, Lighthouse Safety can help you take that first step safely and confidently.

Safety doesn’t start when you arrive on site. It starts with the right training.

What is the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course?
The CITB Health and Safety Awareness course is a one-day training course required for anyone applying for a CSCS Green Card. It teaches the basics of construction site safety, including hazard awareness, risk assessments, PPE, and accident prevention.

Do I need the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course to get a CSCS Green Card?
Yes. If you’re applying for the CSCS Labourer Green Card, you must complete the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course and pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test.

Where can I take the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course?
Lighthouse Safety delivers the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course live online, as well as in classrooms in London and Kent, making it flexible for individuals and employers.

How long does the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course take?
The course takes one full day to complete and includes a short multiple-choice assessment at the end.

Who should take the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course?
The course is designed for new entrants to construction, labourers, apprentices, and anyone needing a CSCS Green Card to work on site.