In this guide we explore the benefits of IOSH Managing Safely for construction managers, including how you can apply for funding through the CITB grant scheme to cover up to 70% of the course cost.
The IOSH Approved Managing Safely in Construction course is essential training for those responsible for managing health and safety on site. HSE figures show that 51 fatal injuries occurred in the construction sector in 2023/24, which is over a third of all workplace deaths in Great Britain, underscoring the importance of comprehensive safety training for managers.
What are a construction managerโs health and safety responsibilities?
Construction managers hold significant legal and moral responsibilities to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of those working on or affected by their sites. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM Regulations), managers must ensure that risks are properly assessed and controlled, that safe systems of work are in place, and that legal duties are fulfilled throughout the lifecycle of a project.
Given the complexity and high-risk nature of construction work, structured, role-specific training is essential. The IOSH Approved Managing Safely in Construction course provides managers with the practical knowledge and confidence to meet their responsibilities, improve safety performance, and lead by example on site.
What is IOSH Managing Safely for construction managers?
The IOSH Approved Managing Safely in Construction course is a practical, scenario-based training programme specifically for those responsible for managing health and safety at a construction site. It provides managers with the knowledge and skills to assess and control risks, understand legal responsibilities, investigate incidents, and measure safety performance.
The course covers a broad range of topics, including the principles of risk assessment, selecting and implementing suitable control measures, legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act and CDM Regulations 2015, and common site-specific hazards such as working at height, excavations, lifting operations, and hazardous substances. It also explores the importance of leadership, effective safety culture, environmental considerations, and performance monitoring.
Key course benefits
These benefits demonstrate how IOSH Approved Managing Safely in Construction gives managers the competence and confidence to lead safer, more efficient, and more sustainable building projects:
Improved safety culture
Module 1 โ Introducing Managing Safely and Module 4 โ Understanding Responsibilities, highlight the importance of strong leadership and accountability in promoting a positive safety culture. Managers are encouraged to lead by example and create an environment where employees feel empowered to raise concerns and work safely.
IOSH research shows that embedding safety into leadership practices improves engagement and reduces unsafe behaviours. The course provides managers with the knowledge and skills to influence their teams and drive long-term cultural change.
Risk management skills
Modules 2 and 3 โ Assessing Risks and Controlling Risks, provide a structured framework for identifying and managing hazards on site.
Managers learn how to define and assess risks using a five-step process, apply a risk matrix, and prioritise actions based on likelihood and consequence. The use of the hierarchy of risk control helps in selecting the most effective measures to eliminate or reduce risk. This structured approach is essential for high-risk environments where incidents often result from poor risk assessment or ineffective controls.
Improved legal understanding
Through Module 4 โ Understanding Responsibilities, managers explore what the law requires to protect workers and others, including duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM).
The course explains key legal concepts such as “reasonably practicable”, “reasonably foreseeable”, and the difference between criminal and civil liabilities.
Understanding these responsibilities helps managers stay compliant, avoid enforcement action, and create safer working environments.
Environmental awareness
Module 5 โ Understanding Hazards, covers environmental hazards and introduces topics such as waste management, pollution control, and sustainability. This helps managers align their responsibilities with growing environmental expectations in construction.
The course reinforces the importance of considering environmental impact when planning and managing site activities, supporting compliance with CDM regulations and ISO 14001 standards.
Incident investigation skills
In Module 6 โ Investigating Incidents, managers develop the skills to respond to and learn from incidents by identifying root causes and implementing appropriate corrective actions.
The course covers how to differentiate between incidents, accidents, and near misses, and how to conduct structured investigations. This not only supports continuous improvement but also ensures compliance with reporting obligations under RIDDOR.
Effective incident investigation can prevent recurrences, reduce downtime, and improve safety culture across the organisation.
Cost savings
When safety improves, so does efficiency. The course content across all modules (covering risk control, incident investigation, and performance monitoring) helps reduce incidents, leading to fewer claims, less disruption, and lower insurance premiums.
According to IOSH, organisations that invest in effective health and safety training can reduce the cost of accidents and ill health by up to 40%. OSHA has also reported that for every $1 invested in safety, organisations can expect a return of $4โ$6 in cost savings. Moreover, Health and Safety Executive data shows that many accident-related costs, such as lost productivity and uninsured losses, can significantly exceed the direct costs.
Who should take IOSH Approved Managing Safely in Construction?
The IOSH Approved Managing Safely in Construction course is for anyone who holds responsibility for influencing or managing health and safety at a construction site. As the course is practical and scenario-based, it is suitable for a wide range of professionals, from on-site managers to client representatives and those involved in the planning and design phase of construction projects.
Site managers, project managers, and site supervisors stepping into management
People who have direct oversight of day-to-day operations on a construction site are the first line of defence for preventing accidents. IOSH managing safely for construction managers ensures they:
- Understand their legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and CDM Regulations 2015.
- Can carry out effective risk assessments.
- Can lead safety initiatives and respond appropriately to incidents.
For supervisors moving into managerial roles, the course provides a solid foundation in the strategic and operational aspects of construction health and safety.
Contractors or client-side representatives responsible for on-site safety
Principal contractors, subcontractors, and client-appointed health and safety representatives play a key role in coordinating safe working practices, especially where multiple parties are involved. This course enables them to:
- Recognise overlapping duties and how to manage them.
- Ensure effective communication and cooperation across contractor teams.
- Monitor compliance and maintain high safety standards.
This is especially useful for those acting as Principal Contractor under the CDM Regulations or overseeing multiple contractors on complex builds.
Designers or planners with duties under CDM Regulations
Under Regulation 9 of CDM 2015, designers must โeliminate, reduce or control foreseeable risksโ through design choices. This course helps design and planning professionals:
- Understand the risks their decisions may create further down the line.
- Engage meaningfully in design risk assessments.
- Fulfil their legal duties and work collaboratively with contractors and clients.
The course bridges the knowledge gap between office-based planning and on-site realities, improving communication and risk control from the design stage onwards.
Anyone who needs an introduction or refresher on construction health and safety management
Whether someone is new to a managerial role or looking to refresh their knowledge, this course offers a current, comprehensive insight into key responsibilities, legislation, and best practices. It is particularly suitable for:
- New starters in supervisory or management roles.
- Those returning to construction after time away.
- Professionals transitioning from other industries into construction management.
The flexibility of the course, which is available through Praxis42 as face-to-face, virtual classroom or eLearning, makes it accessible for busy professionals and dispersed teams.
Can the CITB Levy be used to fund IOSH Approved Managing Safely in Construction?
CITB-registered employers can claim a ยฃ240 grant per learner when staff complete the IOSH Approved Managing Safely in Construction course.
This funding is part of CITBโs Short Course Grant Scheme, which supports employers to cover the cost of approved training. The grant applies whether the course is delivered face-to-face, virtually, or online.
Who can claim?
You can apply if your organisation:
- Is registered with CITB
- Has submitted your Levy Return
- Employs staff (or subcontractors on PAYE) who complete the course.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) might also be eligible for extra support through the CITBโs Skills and Training Fund.
Ready to lead on health and safety in construction?
If you are responsible for managing health and safety at a construction site, IOSH managing safely for construction managers is the practical, recognised training you need to stay compliant, manage risk effectively, and build a positive safety culture on site.
Whether you are a site manager, contractor, designer, or stepping into a new supervisory role, this course will give you the knowledge and confidence to meet your responsibilities.
And if you are a CITB-registered employer, you can claim a ยฃ240 grant per learner to help cover the cost of training.
To find out about IOSH Approved Managing Safely in Construction, or talk to our friendly team on 0203 011 4242/ info@praxis42.com to find out how we can tailor courses to your organisation and activities.Top of Form
Adam Clarke
Managing Director (Consulting)
