Health and safety are critical in the civils and groundworks sector, where workers face daily risks from heavy machinery, deep excavations, and hazardous materials. Without proper training, accidents can lead to serious injuries, legal consequences, and project delays.

To ensure a safe working environment, all civils and groundworks operatives must complete essential health and safety training. Here’s a breakdown of the key courses and qualifications that every worker should have to stay compliant and protected on-site.

1. CSCS Card – Proving Your Competence on Site

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card is the most basic requirement for working on a construction site in the UK. It proves that a worker has the necessary health and safety awareness for their role.

✔️ Most groundworks jobs require at least the Green Labourer CSCS Card
✔️ Skilled workers (e.g., plant operators, supervisors) need Blue, Gold, or Black CSCS Cards
✔️ To obtain a CSCS card, workers must pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test

Why It’s Essential:
Without a valid CSCS card, workers may be denied access to a construction site.

2. NPORS or CPCS Training – Safe Plant & Machinery Operation

Many civils and groundworks roles involve working with heavy machinery, such as 360 excavators, dumpers, rollers, and telehandlers.

✔️ NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme) and CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) offer training and certification for safe operation.
✔️ Workers who operate 360 excavators, dump trucks, or lifting equipment must have the relevant plant card.
✔️ NPORS is a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to CPCS for plant operators.

Why It’s Essential:
Proper training ensures machinery is operated safely, reducing the risk of accidents and damage to equipment.

3. Manual Handling Training – Preventing Long-Term Injuries

Civils and groundworks workers often lift, carry, and move heavy materials. Manual handling training teaches the correct lifting techniques to prevent back and muscle injuries.

✔️ Covers safe lifting techniques, weight limits, and mechanical aids
✔️ Reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders
✔️ Required under The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

Why It’s Essential:
Incorrect lifting can lead to long-term injuries, affecting productivity and career longevity.

4. CAT & Genny Training – Avoiding Utility Strikes

Before any excavation work, it’s vital to locate underground cables and pipes to prevent utility strikes. CAT (Cable Avoidance Tool) and Genny (Signal Generator) training ensures workers can safely detect and avoid buried utilities.

✔️ Essential for workers involved in excavation, trenching, and groundwork preparation
✔️ Reduces the risk of hitting live electrical cables, gas pipes, or water mains
✔️ Complies with HSG47 guidance on avoiding underground services

Why It’s Essential:
Utility strikes can cause serious injuries, expensive repairs, and project delays.

5. Confined Spaces Training – Working Safely in Trenches & Restricted Areas

Civils and groundworks often involve working in confined spaces, such as trenches, manholes, and deep excavations. Confined spaces pose risks like oxygen depletion, toxic gases, and collapses.

✔️ Covers risk assessment, safe entry/exit procedures, and emergency plans
✔️ Mandatory for workers entering enclosed or poorly ventilated areas
✔️ Required under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997

Why It’s Essential:
Without proper training, confined space work can lead to fatal incidents due to poor air quality or structural collapses.

6. First Aid at Work – Responding to On-Site Emergencies

Accidents can happen anywhere, and having trained first-aiders on-site is crucial. The Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or First Aid at Work (FAW) courses train workers to handle injuries and medical emergencies.

✔️ Covers CPR, wound treatment, burns, fractures, and unconscious casualties
✔️ Ensures sites comply with The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981
✔️ Some roles require additional training in trauma response for high-risk environments

Why It’s Essential:
Immediate first aid response can save lives and reduce the severity of injuries before emergency services arrive.

7. Asbestos Awareness – Identifying Hidden Dangers

Older construction sites may contain asbestos, which can cause severe health issues if disturbed. UK law requires all workers in demolition, refurbishment, or ground disturbance to have asbestos awareness training.

✔️ Covers asbestos identification, health risks, and legal responsibilities
✔️ Mandatory under The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
✔️ Required for all workers who may come into contact with asbestos on-site

Why It’s Essential:
Exposure to asbestos can cause fatal lung diseases, so identifying and avoiding it is crucial.

8. Fire Safety & Fire Marshal Training

Construction sites have a high fire risk due to flammable materials and hot works. Fire safety training ensures workers can prevent and respond to fire hazards effectively.

✔️ Covers fire prevention, extinguisher use, and emergency evacuation
✔️ Fire marshal training is required for appointed fire wardens on-site
✔️ Complies with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Why It’s Essential:
Fires on construction sites can cause severe injuries, fatalities, and massive project delays.

Health & Safety Training is Non-Negotiable

Civils and groundworks projects can’t function safely without properly trained workers. Whether you’re a groundworker, machine operator, or supervisor, investing in essential health and safety training protects both yourself and those around you.

At Venture Construction, we ensure that all our workers meet industry training and compliance standards. Looking to hire qualified and safety-trained operatives? Get in touch with us today!

Looking for skilled temporary construction workers? Get in touch to access our extensive database of pre-vetted, qualified operatives ready to start work immediately.

Get in touch with Ryan Clarke – ryan.clarke@weareventure.co.uk