NEBOSH Health & Safety Management for Construction (UK)

The NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction (UK) is commonly referred to as the NEBOSH Construction or NEBOSH Construction Certificate. It is a construction-specific health and safety qualification. It aims to equip delegates with the required knowledge to manage health and safety on a construction site. Individuals can then apply this knowledge to any construction project's pre-construction and construction phase. The content covered is primarily based on the Construction Design Management (CDM) principles.

Syllabus

1. The foundations of construction health and safety management
2. Improving health and safety culture and assessing risk
3. Managing change and procedures
4. Excavation
5. Demolition
6. Mobile plant and vehicles
7. Working at height
8. Musculoskeletal health and load handling
9. Work equipment
10. Electricity
11. Fire
12. Chemical and biological agents
13. Physical and psychological health

A student will complete the NEBOSH construction health and safety course by undertaking an open book examination. The delegate will complete the assessment online and within a 48-hour window. During the examination, students are presented with a fictional construction site scenario. NEBOSH then sets several academic and practical-based tasks which the delegate must undertake relating their responses to the scenario.

The delegate must apply the knowledge gained from the NEBOSH construction course content.

The course is taught over 68 hours, which is typically delivered in a 10 day format. Depending on the pre-set course structure, the instructors will deliver the programme over ten full days or 20 evenings. Tutors can provide the course either from the classroom or online via Zoom, WebEx, or Microsoft Teams.

In addition, NEBOSH recommends delegates input an additional 40 hours of private study and background reading. This extra study time will help them broaden their knowledge as required for the 48-hour open book examination.

These NEBOSH training courses are aimed at people who have or aspire to hold health and safety responsibilities within the construction sector. The qualification is considered the gold standard for those embarking on a career in health and safety. It is often a mandatory criterion within health and safety officer and advisor level job descriptions.

The course is considered equal to the NEBOSH general certificate. Construction personnel such as site managers or workers often undertake it, especially if they have health and safety responsibilities. It increases such construction professionals' health and safety knowledge and a better understanding of the roles and duties placed upon the varying stakeholders.

The course is a popular further educational choice for experienced tradespeople planning for later years in a less manual occupation. Individuals can gain this outcome through health and safety management.

There are no pre-course requirements for enrolling on the NEBOSH Construction Certificate. However, delegates must have a good level of written English. This ability is required to understand and articulate the concepts contained in the course content and within the end-of-course assessment.

Those who obtain the NEBOSH Construction Certificate will be eligible for associate membership (AIIRSM) of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management. In addition, the course is a vital component of the Academically Qualified Person (AQP) card application process. Delegates must apply to either the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) or the Constructions Skills Register (CSR) scheme to gain this card type.

It is unknown whether IOSH will accept this qualification for technical membership of IOSH (related course: IOSH Safety, Health and Environment for Construction). However, they are currently reviewing their approval criterion, and a decision is imminent.

Statistics indicate that construction continues to be one of the highest-risk work sectors. When the delegate completes this course, they should be able to influence their on-site colleagues to work more safely. Therefore, bringing about real cultural change. The learner will gain both confidence and technical know-how. They will be prepared to challenge unsafe behaviours and offer practical solutions.

The course covers the legal requirements relating to health and safety in the UK construction industry. The syllabus is heavily aligned with the CDM Regulations. This alignment aids the delegate in advising and implementing change that complies with the law and industry best practices. Thus, reducing the number of accidents and incidents on construction sites.

Upon completing the NEBOSH construction certificate, an individual will be ready to make a construction site healthier and safer!