{"id":78982,"date":"2020-09-14T08:00:18","date_gmt":"2020-09-14T06:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/production.defectradar.com\/how-can-cscs-cards-help-drive-construction-site-safety\/"},"modified":"2023-01-19T18:19:02","modified_gmt":"2023-01-19T16:19:02","slug":"how-can-cscs-cards-help-drive-construction-site-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.planradar.com\/gb\/how-can-cscs-cards-help-drive-construction-site-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"How can CSCS cards help drive construction site safety?"},"content":{"rendered":"
One of the key foundations for safe construction is to ensure that all workers are capable and competent in their chosen field and that each person has a clear understanding of the health and safety rules. Although each site is unique, health and safety are universal. The Government\u2019s Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015<\/a> (CDM 2015) detail what companies and employees need to do protect themselves and others from harm. One step towards meeting these requirements is to insist on all workers carrying a relevant Construction Skills Certification Scheme<\/a> (CSCS) card.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is a CSCS card?<\/strong><\/p>\n CSCS cards enable individuals to demonstrate their competence to undertake construction tasks safely. Cards are awarded by the CSCS following a thorough check of relevant qualifications, as well as independent testing of health and safety skills. Although CSCS cards aren\u2019t legislative – construction companies and clients to demonstrate that sites meet Government requirements for health and safety – the cards can be a simple way to demonstrate compliance without detailed in-house checks and testing. For this reason, many contractor companies and clients rely on CSCS cards and many enforce their use for all staff on site.<\/p>\n A different CSCS card for every role and responsibility <\/strong><\/p>\n There are many CSCS card types available, depending on the level of qualification, experience and job requirements. Most require a level of recognised qualification and\/or proven experience on the job, and all require the cardholder to sit the Construction Industry Training Board<\/a> (CITB) Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test. A pass on this independent test demonstrates that the cardholder can be safe on a construction site.<\/p>\n CSCS card types range from Trainee and Apprentice levels, where cardholders are working towards particular construction qualifications, through to general Labourer cards, demonstrating RQF Level 1 in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (or equivalent), right the way through to Managerial, Academic and Professional cards. Each CSCS card type validates the qualifications needed to work at that level and shows competency in working safely within the Government\u2019s regulatory framework.<\/p>\n A wide range of partner card schemes are also validated through CSCS and are permitted to use the CSCS logo. These cards are typically for more specialised roles or tasks, such as asbestos removal, demolition, scaffolding, construction plant operation and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) installation.<\/p>\n Every construction worker has a responsibility to work within health and safety guidelines, to keep themselves and their co-workers safe. We know that health and safety is everyone\u2019s responsibility, but overall site safety sits firmly with the construction company and its client<\/a>, particularly when it comes to specific requirements such as COSHH<\/a>. By ensuring all workers carry a valid CSCS card, managers can take a step towards meeting their health and safety regulations on-site.<\/p>\n