CITB is simplifying how employers access training support and making key changes to the Grants Scheme. While some funding routes are closing, others remain in place- and a new online portal will soon make applications easier. Below is a clear summary of what's changing, what's staying, and what to do next to protect your funding.

What's Changing
1. New Online CITB Grant Portal
From 24 September 2025, CITB is launching a new digital system, allowing employers to:
- Apply for a qualification and apprenticeship grants online.
- Track the status of applications in real time.
- Manage account details more easily.
2. Skills & Training Fund Closing
From 30 September 2025, the Skills & Training Fund will close. Employer Networks will become the single route for further developing businesses, while the Grants Scheme continues for day-to-day training. September funding will be paid on completion of the agreement under new payment terms.
3. Short Qualification Grant Change
From September 2025, a new grant tier applies to very short “Award” qualifications. The grant will be adjusted to £240 (previously £600), reflecting the shorter length and lower cost of these courses- but still providing valuable support for quick, efficient training.
4. Industry Accreditation Grant Uplift Ends
The enhanced grant for Management and Supervisory qualifications (linked to replacing CSCS Industry Accreditation cards) will end on 31 December 2025. After that, grants revert to the standard £600. These uplifts were introduced for a period to support the transition away from Grandfather rights to recognised qualifications.
5. End of “Suggest a Course” Feature
The “Suggest a Course” initiative is being retired, with Employer Networks now the main channel for shaping training priorities.
6. Plant Training Standards Updated
New plant training standards launched on 18 June 2025. Grants will be paid against the new standards (generally £250- £880 depending on category). These must be delivered by a CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO) and carry the CSCS logo, which in practice means operatives will then need to work towards a Vocational Qualification (VQ). Older plant training/test grants will no longer apply for achievements on or after this date.
7. “Into Work” Grant Pilot End Date
The "Into Work" grant pilot supports employers by providing financial help for both the work experience component of approved further education courses and a three-month period of direct employment. This pilot will end on 30 November 2025.
What's Staying
CITB confirms the Grants Scheme continues. Employers can still claim for short courses, qualifications, and apprenticeships across England, Scotland, and Wales. In particular:
- Long qualifications (HNC, HND, degrees, etc.) remain funded- typically £1,125 per year attendance (up to six years) and £1,875 for achievement.
- Apprenticeship grants remain in place in all three nations, with nation-specific rules and eligible standards.
- Short qualification grants still cover NVQ/SVQ (NVQ L2+/SCQF L5+), NEBOSH Construction Certificate, plant VQs, and specified units- now with an explicit £240 rate for Award-level achievements from September 2025.
Who's Affected
- Employers: will need to transition to Employer Networks and the new portal.
- Learners on short Award courses: funding reduces to £240.
- Supervisors and managers under Industry Accreditation: must complete qualifications before December 2025 to benefit from enhanced grants.
- Businesses using the Skills & Training Fund: will now need to connect with Employer Networks.
Key Dates
- 18 June 2025: Plant training standards update
- 24 September 2025: CITB Grant Portal launches
- 30 September 2025: Skills & Training Fund closes
- September 2025: £240 Award-level grant begins
- 30 November 2025: “Into Work” pilot ends
- 31 December 2025: Industry Accreditation uplift ends
What You Should Do Now
1. Audit Your Training Plans
Review which staff are partway through qualifications, plant tests, or apprenticeships, and check if they'll complete before the funding rules change. Adjust budgets where achievements fall after rule changes.
2. Register for the New Portal
Set up CITB Online access before the new system launches on 24 September. You’ll need your CITB Levy number and company details to register. Once logged in, you can manage grant claims, training records, and funding applications through the portal.
3. Join Your Local Employer Network
With the Skills & Training Fund ending, ENs are now the channel for business development support and training priorities.
4. Align UK and Scottish Routes
Map NVQ/SVQ/SCQF pathways to maximise grant opportunities and identify which quals remain at £600 vs £240.
5. Update Plant Training
Make sure all training and testing follows the June 2025 standards to remain eligible for grants.
How Can Raeburn Training Help?

- Funding Check: speak to us about your training needs and we’ll map available grants, and flag any risks around deadlines.
- Scotland & UK coverage: we deliver training across Scotland and the UK, so can help align SCQF and NVQ/SVQ routes so mixed workforces remain compliant, and you maximise grants across borders.
- Employer Network Guidance: unsure which EN is best for your business? We work with a range of CITB Employer Networks and will connect you with the right one and help you influence local priorities.
If you’re looking to maximise access to CITB funding, Raeburn Training can support you from start to finish- from identifying the right grants to managing claims and delivering approved training. Contact our team today on 01592 724 797 or email [email protected].
CPCS Renewal Changes for Construction Professionals
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) has recently introduced a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module, replacing the traditional renewal tests. This change marks a significant shift in how construction professionals maintain their CPCS Blue Competent Operator cards. Let’s look at what these modules entail and why the process has changed.
What is a CPCS CPD Module?
The new CPCS CPD modules are designed to ensure that plant operators’ knowledge and skills remain current and relevant. The modules cover a range of topics, including:
- People Plant Interface
- Sustainable Plant Operation
- Eco Operation
- Legislation Changes
- New Technologies in Plant Equipment
The modules are accessible through the NOCN Hub and can be completed on any device with internet access, offering flexibility and convenience for employers and employees alike.
Why the Change?
Accourding to NOCN, the shift from traditional renewal tests to the CPD module was driven by several key factors:
Streamlined Learning: The new CPD module eliminates the need for multiple category-specific tests, providing a more streamlined and cohesive learning experience.
Relevance and Practicality: The CPD module focuses on practical, industry-relevant topics that directly impact daily operations and safety on construction sites.
Flexibility: With the online format, operators can complete the course at their own pace and convenience, reducing downtime and disruption to their work schedules.
Cost-Effectiveness: The CPD module is priced similarly to the previous renewal tests, ensuring that the transition does not impose additional financial burdens on operators or their employers.
Industry Collaboration: The development of the CPD module involved extensive collaboration with industry stakeholders, ensuring that the content is aligned with current industry standards and practices.
How to complete your CPCS Renewal - Competent Operator
The CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card renewal process involves several key steps to ensure operators maintain their qualifications.
- Operators must hold a valid CPCS Blue Card and have passed the relevant health, safety, and environment test within the last two years.
- Complete the CPCS CPD Renewal for the categories they wish to renew. These can be completed at Raeburn Training, or remotely. Once you recieve the link to your personal NOCN Hub portal, you must register within 14-days to activiate the account. The modules can then be completed in your own time. Results take up to 48-hours to be verified and send to candidates.
- Candidates must also demonstrate ongoing practical operating experience through: a digital or paper logbook, on-site assessment, or practical test.
Applications can be submitted online or by mail, and cards are issued for five years from the last expiry date. The process also includes provisions for cards expired up to five years and the phasing out of cards obtained via Industry Accreditation by December 31, 2024.
At Raeburn Training we can support candidates through all stages of the CPCS renewal process, inlcuding hosting candidates at our premises while they complete their modules, providing IT support and guidance.
Conclusion
The introduction of the new CPCS CPD modules represents a forward-thinking approach to professional development in the construction industry. By prioritising relevant, practical learning and offering greater flexibility, this new process ensures that plant operators are well-equipped to meet the demands of modern construction sites.
If you have any questions or need further information about the new CPCS CPD module process, feel free to reach out to our team - [email protected].
Fife Council Civils Academy
Raeburn Training recently welcomed 16 students from local high schools onto the Fife Council Civils Academy. This week-long programme was designed to give school leavers an insight into life in the civils industry and help to address recruitment concerns in the industry.
Recruitment in the Civils Industry
Many industry sectors are suffering from skills shortages, more so now because of Brexit. The estimates from the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) training and development conference last year really caught our attention. They estimate by 2026, 25,250 new workers are required in the industry, due to various factors including current age demographics and planned public spending in the sector.
In response to these statistics, CECA are launching the CECA Academy, working alongside colleges to provide tailored training to candidates who are looking to enter the industry. The initiative goes live across the UK this summer with some of Scotland’s colleges taking part, including Fife College which is hugely exciting for our local area.
After attending the CECA conference Sarah Raeburn, Director of Raeburn Training, decided to create a programme targeted at high school leavers. Having had personal experience of recruiting into the civils industry, Sarah felt a frustration around this skilled role, civils operatives, being forgotten alongside the more traditional trades such as joiners, electricians, and plumbers. Working in partnership with the local employability team at Fife Council, they agreed this programme would encourage candidates to consider a career in civils.
The Civils Academy Programme
Using the skills and relationships she has built over the years, and her team at Raeburn Training, Sarah developed a civils academy programme with the following key aims –
- Provide an insight into the civil sector, the various sectors within, opportunities and entry routes.
- Allow candidates to experience some practical skills used in the industry, such as building a bridge, laying foundations, digging drainage, and hard landscaping.
- Equip candidates with vocational training to allow them to move directly into work placements or jobs.
- Facilitate site visits of live construction sites, to allow candidates to see how their training is applied in a real-world environment.
This new academy format was piloted back in October 2022, with candidates gaining qualifications which included REHIS Elementary Health & Safety and the much sought after CSCS card.
Raeburn Training were delighted to have the support from the Fife Council Pre-Employment Programme Team and the DYW who working closely with the schools, and last week welcomed our second group of candidates onto the academy programme. Candidates successfully completed the week-long academy, gaining their vocational qualifications, and we look forward to welcoming them all back for their CSCS tests.
Construction Site Visit
During the academy, the candidates had a unique opportunity to visit the new Fife College – Dunfermline Learning Campus, which is currently being built. The candidates, and staff, received a warm welcome from the team at Balfour Beatty, who provided them with an overview of the project as well as a tour of the site, which allowed them to ask questions, and see the scale and variety of work being done.
This visit was invaluable to the candidates, who even had the opportunity to be on the building itself, getting a birds-eye view of the project! It certainly was a unique experience for them all, so a huge thank you to all the team at Balfour Beatty for inspiring the candidates, and special thanks to Duncan Gardner for organising.
Speaking about the academy week, Sarah Raeburn said, “the group of candidates who embarked on this scheme impressed me with their quiet determination, and it was great to see their confidence grow throughout the week. There were some very capable candidates, and with the help of the Fife Council Pre-Employment Programme Team, I have every confidence they will succeed in finding their first role in the industry. Thank you to the Fife Council Pre-Employment Programme Team for your support pre, during, and moving forward supporting these youngsters into construction roles.”.
Employability Project Officer, Marion Molloy, added that “feedback from our participants was that it was a great programme for young people, giving a good introduction and insight to the civils industry. Participants also felt that gaining recognised qualifications was useful for them in decision making for their future in the industry, that the academy provided good life skills, and they particularly liked the practical aspects of the week, along with the site visit.”.
If any local employers within Fife or CECA members can offer work placements to candidates, or have vacancies at entry or apprenticeship level, please contact [email protected] and Brian, Marion or Mei would be delighted to chat.
What is ITA funding?
ITA is short for Individual Training Accounts, a scheme funded by Skills Development Scotland (SDS). It gives individuals up to £200 towards a single course or training package per year. The funding is available to help build their skills, either for a new job or to help with their personal development within an existing role. The best part is, ITA funding is not a loan, so you don’t have to pay it back!
Am I eligible for ITA funding?
ITA funding is available if you are:
- Aged 16 or over
- Resident in Scotland
- Unemployed and looking to get back into work
- Not in education or involved in any other SDS funded programme
If you are working, you can still apply if you earn £22,000 or less and want to upskill, or reskill, for your present job or a new one
What courses are available?
SDS maintains a register of approved training providers including colleges and local training companies. The My World of Work website lists all the courses available, which are very varied and are based across Scotland.
With so many courses listed, we suggest using the search functions to find the right course for you.
Keyword – this is useful if you have a course in mind
Location – add the radius you are able to travel
Qualification type – vocational, undergraduate, HNC/HND etc
How you wish to study – online, distance learning, evening, weekend, etc
How do I apply for an ITA?
There are 4 key steps involved in accessing ITA funding.
- Search and select an ITA course, using the link above.
- Apply online for ITA - click on the button “Apply for ITA funding” on the course page as highlighted below.
- Receive confirmation – note of documents accepted as income provided
- Contact the training provider to confirm and book your course (within 4 weeks of receiving your confirmation email)
You will be required to provide proof of income or benefit status. Should you have a special requirements, or a disability, and would like additional help in applying for ITA funding, please call the SDS ITA helpline on 0800 917 8000 or email [email protected].
What training does Raeburn Training provide?
We currently offer fully funded training in the following areas –
CSCS test and card – this includes is the CITB Health Safety and Environment test for either operatives, specialists and managers and professionals. Funding fully covers the cost of the test, card and the card application service. Note – for CSCS green labourers cards, a H&S qualification is also required, see the CSCS Essentials course group for more details.
REHIS Elementary Health and Safety – this is a one day course that provides an introduction to a wide variety of health and safety aspects. Valuable to anyone working within a business, small businesses owners, office managers, etc.
CSCS Essentials – this is a combination of courses that is required to apply for the CSCS labourers green card and includes the one day REHIS Elementary Health and Safety qualification, the CSCS test, card and card application.
The following courses will be added very shortly –
Qualsafe Emergency First aid at work – this accredited one day course teaches the essentials of first aid that may be required within the workplace in an emergency setting.
Qualsafe First aid at work - this accredited three day course teaches the first aid for the workplace in more detail and is often sought by higher risk industries and settings. Please note, this course costs £250 +VAT therefore a £50 VAT fee is required to be paid by the candidate.
Unsure what you need? Give the team a call on 01592 724797 or read more about these courses on our website.
The CITB Skills and Training fund enables medium-sized construction companies, with up to 250 directly-employed staff, to improve their training programmes. The fund helps employers meet the more complex needs of their developing business. There are many different types of training eligible for funding, including health and safety courses, plant and access equipment qualifications, and management and leadership training, the full list of grant eligible courses can be found on the CITB website.
Small and Micro Businesses
You can apply for the CITB Skills and Training fund if:
- you are a CITB-registered employer
- you have 1-99 directly employed staff on the payroll (employees must be in addition to yourself / business owner)
- any previous project paid for by the Skills and Training fund has been signed off as complete.
How much can you apply for
CITB-registered employers can apply for funding related to how many direct employees they have:
- Employers with 1 to 49 directly employed staff can receive up to £5000.
- Employers with 50 to 74 directly employed staff can receive up to £7500.
- Employers with 75 to 99 directly employed staff can receive up to £10000.
You can apply for funding once every 12 months. If you are not a CITB-registered employer, find out if you are eligible and complete the online application via the CITB website.
Medium Sized Businesses
You can apply for the CITB Skills and Training fund if:
- you are a CITB-registered employer
- you have between 100 and 250 directly-employed staff on the payroll
- any previous project paid for by the Skills and Training fund has been signed off as complete.
How much can you apply for
CITB-registered employers can apply for funding related to how many direct employees they have.
- between 100 and 149 directly-employed staff can receive up to £15,000.
- between 150 and 199 directly-employed staff can receive up to £20,000.
- between 200 and 250 directly-employed staff can receive up to £25,000.
You can apply for funding once every 12 months. If you are not a CITB-registered employer, find out if you are eligible and complete the online application via the CITB website.
Applying for the CITB Skills and Training Fund
Companies can apply on an annual basis to reflect their training needs. The application will be considered in line with CITB’s key objectives and there is a window of opportunity at the end of each month. Typically, CITB provide response the middle of the following month. Businesses will then typically receive part of the cost upfront for each eligible course, receiving the remaining grant payments on completion of training. This allows companies to invest in training, with financial support from CITB.
It’s important to note that only training that has not been booked or delivered can be included in the application.
How can Raeburn Training help?
Applying for the CITB Skills and Training fund is often an intensive, time consuming job for organisations. By utilising our expertise, we take on the time and effort required with minimal input from the customer. at key stages of the process to ensure we are meeting requirements. We offer a free consultation, thereafter, we charge a 10% consultancy fee based on the funding awarded to the customer.
We offer a free consultation, thereafter, we charge a 10% consultancy fee based on the funding awarded to the customer. For more information please email our Client Services Manager, Jen Hancock - [email protected].
What are Emergency Procedures
It is important to have emergency procedures or plans in place. It enables you to quickly deal with emergencies that can pose a risk to your people or property. For smaller businesses this may be a serious injury or fire. For other businesses it could be an explosion, electrocution, poisoning, release of radioactivity or chemical spill.
Every business needs a plan in place that is developed, implemented, and tested. This allows incidents to be brought back under control quickly. Business are then able to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
In emergencies people are more likely to respond reliably if they are well trained and competent, take part in regular and realistic practise and have clearly agreed plans and responsibilities. These should be recorded, and rehearsed regularly.
Why are Emergency Procedures needed?
The development of emergency procedures is required by Regulation 8 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR) 1999.
“Every employer shall – (a) establish and where necessary give effect to appropriate procedures to be followed in the event of a serious and imminent danger to persons at work in his undertaking.”
Companies that work within the ISO accreditation framework are also required under ISO 45001:2018 to meet clause 8.2 which covers Emergency preparedness and response. If you work on a site where at least 25 tonnes of dangerous substances are held, The Dangerous Substances (Notification and Marking of Sites) Regulations 1990 applies to you.
Typical Scope of an Emergency Procedure
Emergency procedures should cover -
- What might happen and how the alarm would be raised
- The communication of the emergency when it arises
- The planned response to the emergency
- The people that will be involved in the procedures and they will need eg first aiders, fire marshals, confined space rescue teams
- What equipment is needed during the emergency
- Who will lead in the emergency? Often referred to as the competent person
- Who else needs to be involved to support the plan
- Site specific plans including shutting down electrics, water, plant, etc
- How people will be evacuated, including special consideration for vulnerable people and those with disabilities
- Ensure there are enough emergency exits
- How to reduce the effects of the emergency
- Actions to clean up and return to normal operation
Other points to consider -
- Make the plan, document it, and communicate it within your business
- Train those with specific responsibilities within on the plan
- Arrange specialist training for key roles such as fire wardens, first aiders etc
- Factor in shift working or people required to work out with normal opening hours including those that have to work on their own
- Decide on a place of safety and provide emergency lighting
- Use signage within the building to help workers, clients, and all visitors
- Ensure there are enough emergency exits, ensure they are clearly marked and are unobstructed
- Notify fire and rescue services if 25 tonnes or more of hazardous substances are on the premises and arrange clear signage
Summary
Emergency procedures help businesses to react in an emergency. They are required by law and are there to mitigate losses and bring the event under control quickly. The impact of not getting the response right could result in major loss of life, long term ill health, environmental effects, and significant damage to buildings/equipment. Without an emergency procedure in place, the delays and cost involved in getting your business back to normal operations will also be much greater.
Next Steps
Need help with putting your emergency plans together? Contact Jen Hancock in the office on 01592 724797 or on [email protected].
Need specialist training? Check out the weblinks below for more information, call the office on 01592 724797 or email [email protected].
Training for Emergency Procedures
Employees are more likely to respond reliably if they are well trained and competent. The courses below are ideal for supporting this.
Fire Warden
First Aid
Supervising First Aid for Mental Health
Confined Spaces
Welcome to March! Funny how January always seems to drag on, but then February is over before we really know what's happened. Those missing couple of days make a big difference!
Here at Raeburn Training we have a packed month of training ahead, with excellent availability for both open and closed courses.
What's On In March
We are delighted to continue working with Kingdom Works, delivering the training aspect of their Employability Academies.
An academy offers those aged 18-24 who are Interested in a career in construction or security, the opportunity to access a range of free training courses in the construction industry. Successful completion of the academy gives individuals certificates in emergency first aid, working at height, abrasive wheels, manual handling, asbestos awareness, health and safety and a CSCS card. Find out more about how to join the next academy - here.
Open Courses
10th March - REHIS Elementary Health and Safety
14th March - Emergency First Aid at Work
16th March - REHIS Elementary Health and Safety
21st March - REHIS Elementary Health and Safety
22nd March - Working at Height
22nd March - Preparing for your CSCS HSE&E Ops Test
23rd March - Manual Handling
23rd March - Abrasive Wheels Awareness
24th March - First Aid at Work (3-Day)
30th March - Health and Safety Awareness
CSCS Testing
We have multiple slots available throughout March for CSCS tests. The dates are all available on our website, but if the date you need is not show, please get in touch. Where available, we can open up additional slots on demand.
Closed Courses
We have instructors and candidates heading all over Fife and Central Scotland for training this month. The most popular courses for the month ahead are the NPORS accredited N403 Vehicle Marshal, and SMSTS training. We also have courses running on Abrasive Wheels, Telehandler, PAT Testing, NPORS Quick Hitch, Streetworks, Temporary Works Supervisor and Confined Spaces.
These are all courses we can deliver or source through our trusted third party providers. If you are looking to book a course to be held on your site, or at a training centre, get in touch with our team.
Looking Ahead
Site Management Safety (SMSTS) Refresher
We are delighted to be holding our first in-house SMSTS Refresher, on the 21st and 22nd April. This two-day course is designed for project managers, site managers and supervisors, business owners and clients who already hold a valid SMSTS certificate.
The course is available to book online, but if you need any further information, please get in touch.
Mental Health First Aid
We are also delivering another Supervising First Aid for Mental Health from the 27th-29th April, at the Carnegie Conference Centre in Dunfermline.
First Aid for Mental Health training ensures there is support within your workplace, for anyone dealing with a mental health issues. The course is suitable for all persons within a workplace but is aimed at those who hold a supervisory/managerial level position and have responsibility for implementing a positive mental health culture and responsibility within their organisation.
Together We Achieve More.
Asbestos is an extremely hazardous substance that causes serious ill-health to anyone who disturbs or damages it. Workers can come across asbestos when carrying out construction and maintenance tasks. Asbestos Awareness training will give operators and supervisors the knowledge and information required to identify asbestos, and how to avoid disturbing it.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre used in used in building insulation, flooring, roofing, and was also sprayed on walls as floors. Although using asbestos is now banned in the UK, it was commonly used in the 1990's. The three types of asbestos most often used in the UK were blue (crocidolite), brown (amosite) and white (chrysotile).
Why is Asbestos Dangerous?
According to the HSE, Asbestos kills around 5,000 people each year. It is also believed 20 tradesmen die each week, as a result of past exposure.
The risk from asbestos come from breathing in the fibres when they become airborne. Exposure to asbestos containing materials can lead to serious and fatal diseases such as lung cancer, scarring of the lungs or pleural thickening.
Are My Employees at Risk?
The risk from asbestos comes from breathing in the fibres when asbestos is disturbed or damaged.
Workers at risk are generally those in jobs involving building refurbishment, maintenance and similar trades. They are most at risk when working on an unfamiliar site or a house built prior to 2000. The risk increases when workers are unable to identify or flag asbestos-containing materials to the relevant people on site.
Employers are required to assess the risks facing their workers. If asbestos could be encountered this needs to be included in your risk assessment. The assessment should be carried out no matter the size of the company. If you have five or more employees, you are legally required to document your risk assessment.
Within the risk assessment, consideration should be given as to how to reduce the risk to workers. Employees need to be given the relevant information, instruction and training to keep them safe at work. Supervision is also required to ensure that workers follow the controls laid out within the risk assessment, and processes in place.
Types of Training
Asbestos Awareness training can be an accredited course approved by a safety organisation, or an in-house course delivered by a training company.
The purpose of the training is to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Operators and supervisors will develop their understanding of what asbestos is and where they may encounter it. Training also covers the dangers associated with asbestos exposure, and what to do if they discover asbestos. This includes work with potential asbestos containing materials, accidental discovery of asbestos, and accidental damage to asbestos and asbestos containing materials.
Asbestos Awareness training does not qualify workers to carry out work that will knowingly disturb asbestos. A higher level of training and instruction is needed to handle and remove asbestos. This further training takes into account whether the work required is non-licensed; notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW); or licensed work and should be job specific.
Asbestos Awareness at Raeburn Training
Raeburn Training offer both online or face-to-face options for Asbestos Awareness training. The face-to-face training is most commonly run as a closed course, either at your location or here at Raeburn Training. You can find more information on our classroom-based course here.
We can also book you an online course. This takes around 3 hours to complete and can be undertaken in the computer suite within our offices in Kirkcaldy. We can also arrange for this training to be undertaken remotely in any location, so long as there is access to a stable internet connection. Further information on our ROSPA approved course is available on our website, along with prices.
If you need non-licensed; notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW); or licensed work asbestos training, we work with a large number of carefully selected third party providers. Please contact us with your required dates, and we will source a training solution for you.
What is Working at Height?
Working at Height doesn't just cover roofers and scaffolders. Working at Height covers work in any place where you could fall a distance liable to cause injury.
This includes work above ground level, falling from an edge or through an opening or fragile surface and even falling from ground level into a hole or opening are also included. However, falls from height must involve a fall from one level to a lower level. It doesn't include any slip/trip causing the fall or walking up and down a permanent staircase in a building or climbing in/out of a machine.
There are regulations which you must comply with. This includes ensuring all work being done at height is planned and organised. The people carrying out the work also need to be knowledgeable. There must be appropriate safety equipment and the risks of the individual job need to be properly managed.
The HSE has a huge amount of information on this issue, common myths surrounding work at height and the legal issues.
In The News
Statistics from 2021 found 35 workers had fatal falls from height while working. The construction industry alone has had multiple cases of businesses being fined, after employees were injured or killed while working at height.
In Merseyside, a roofing company owner has been given a suspended sentence after a concern regarding unsafe work at height was reported. An incident has also been reported where a scaffolder fell approximately eight meters through partially dismantled scaffolding. He suffered two brain haemorrhages, six vertebra fractures, a fractured shoulder blade and multiple rib fractures. After an investigation by the HSE, the business was fined £16,667.
These are just two of the stories that made it into the recent HSE news bulletin. It's impossible to know how many near-misses workers have had. Lack of training, lack of suitable safety equipment or negligence by employers and employees, are all factors in falls from height.
What does an Employer need to do?
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require controls to be put in place to manage the risk of falling, whatever the height. This legislation applies to workplaces in general, not only the construction industry. The legislation asks that work at height must only be undertaken when it is not reasonably practicable to carry out the work in another way.
Where it is necessary, suitable, and sufficient measures are required to prevent a fall of any distance. This includes precautions to minimise the distance and consequences of any fall liable to cause injury.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also require that employers carry out a risk assessment, this should be in writing for companies with 5 or more employees.
Special considerations should be made for the following –
- Roofs
- Fragile roofs
- Sloping roofs
- Deterioration of materials such as aging roofs
- Unprotected edges
- Access equipment being used – maintenance and training on safe use
- Weather conditions
- Falling materials
If you are need support in this area, client services can advise further, they can be contacted by clicking here.
Working at Height Training
Depending on the nature of the work you do at height, Raeburn Training have a range of solutions.
- Access training includes PASMA and IPAF courses, available at a range of locations across central / eastern Scotland
- QualSafe accredited Working at Height courses, run monthly from Kirkcaldy.
- Elearning ROSPA Working at Height course, can be undertaken at a time to suit at our IT suite in Kirkcaldy
Get in touch for more information or to book onto a course.
The current regulations for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at work are changing. From the 6th April 2022 the new Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (PPER 2022) regulations will replace the current Regulations. These changes are intended to protect more workers and extending the duties of employers, and employees, regarding PPE at work.
What is PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is defined within the regulations as “all equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects the person against one or more risks to that person’s health or safety, and any addition or accessory designed to meet that objective.”.
Simply put, PPE is equipment that protects your health and safety at work. Equipment includes, but is not limited to, glasses or googles, hard hats and helmets, ear defenders, respiratory protection such as masks, gloves, appropriate footwear and suitable jackets.
The exact PPE you need depends on your job or industry. For example, a construction worker may be required to wear a high-visibility jacket on site, while a nurse is required to wear a medical gown on their ward.
What Are The Regulation Changes?
The amendment in the PPER (2022) extends the interpretation of a "employee". The previous regulations stated that PPE only needed to be provided to employees. So, this originally only covered workers who entered into a contract of employment.
The amendments extend the obligation to provide PPE to "limb (b) workers". These workers tend to have a more casual employment relationship, and often work under a contract for service. Generally, a limb (b) worker will come under one of the following:
- carry out casual or irregular work for one or more organisations.
- after 1 month of continuous service, receive holiday pay but not other employment rights such as the minimum period of statutory notice.
- only carry out work if they choose to.
- have a contract or other arrangement to do work or services personally for a reward (the contract doesn’t have to be written). They only have a limited right to send someone else to do the work. For example, swapping shifts with someone on a pre-approved list (subcontracting).
- are not in business for themselves (they do not advertise services directly to customers who can then also book their services directly).
Who Is Responsible For PPE?
Employers have a duty towards the provision and use of PPE at work. However, everyone in the workplace has a responsibility towards keeping themselves, and others, safe. Having the correct PPE is just a small part of workplace safety.
This is why training such as Working at Height, Elementary Health & Safety or Health & Safety Awareness is so important, regardless of the industry you work in. Some workplaces, the risks and hazards are more obvious and the risks higher, but accidents can happen anywhere and anytime.
While the amendments may not apply to your business, it's an opportunity to check your existing health and safety standard. Regularly checking your existing policies and procedures around PPE provision and general workplace safety, ensures they remain fit for purpose. Make sure all employees, new and existing, are aware of their responsibilities and provide training where required.
Our Courses
Raeburn Training offer a wide range of health and safety training. We offer general First Aid and Health and Safety, as well as more specialised Plant and Access Equipment courses. We run multiple courses each month, both open courses which anyone can join, or closed courses which are just for your employees.
If you can't find the training course you are looking for on our website, please get in touch. We have a great network of experienced instructors and third party providers across the central belt of Scotland and beyond. So if we don't already do the course, then we will know someone who can.