E-learning

Aligned with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), this course promotes a proactive approach to safety and helps build long-term organisational resilience.

The construction sector carries a high level of risk, accounting for a significant proportion of workplace fatalities. Effective health and safety management is therefore essential—not only to prevent harm to individuals, but also to avoid legal issues, financial losses, project delays, and damage to reputation.

By completing the IOSH Managing Safely in Construction course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the ethical, legal, and financial importance of managing health and safety in construction
• Understand management responsibilities under key legislation, including CDM Regulations 2015
• Conduct risk assessments using a structured step-by-step approach
• Choose and apply appropriate control measures based on what is reasonably practicable
• Recognise common construction hazards and recommend suitable controls
• Understand legal requirements related to lifting operations (LOLER)
• Carry out effective incident investigations to identify root causes and prevent recurrence
• Monitor and improve health and safety performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) and auditing methods

• Supports compliance with current health and safety legislation
• Encourages a positive and proactive safety culture
• Helps learners identify risks and apply safe working practices
• Developed by experienced health, safety, and environmental professionals
• Delivered by an IOSH Approved Partner, ensuring high quality standards

Module 1 – Introduction to Managing Safely

This module introduces the key reasons for managing health and safety effectively, including moral, legal, and financial considerations. It highlights the responsibilities and accountability of managers in maintaining safe working environments, and explains how leadership plays a vital role in building a positive safety culture.

Module 2 – Risk Assessment Principles

Learners will gain an understanding of key terms such as hazard, risk, likelihood, and consequence. The module explains the purpose of risk assessments and outlines a structured five-step approach to carrying them out. It also introduces risk rating systems to help prioritise actions and demonstrates how effective risk assessment contributes to preventing incidents and improving overall safety.

Module 3 – Managing and Reducing Risk

This section focuses on selecting and applying appropriate control measures. Learners will explore the meaning of “reasonably practicable” when making decisions about risk controls. The module covers the use of risk matrices and the hierarchy of controls to manage risks effectively, as well as the concept of residual risk and why it must be considered.

Module 4 – Roles, Responsibilities, and Legal Requirements

This module explains the legal obligations placed on organisations to protect employees and others. It examines responsibilities under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and what these mean in practice. Learners will also explore the concept of what is “reasonably foreseeable,” the difference between civil and criminal law, and the potential consequences of failing to comply. In addition, it highlights the value of structured safety management systems and the importance of strong leadership.

Module 5 – Identifying Construction Hazards

Learners will explore key hazard categories and understand that some risks may fall across multiple areas. The module also covers the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), including its relevance to construction work and compliance requirements. A wide range of common hazards are examined, along with their effects and appropriate control measures, including:

• Biological risks
• Excavation work
• Safe access and egress
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Manual handling
• Stress and mental health
• Fire risks and firefighting equipment
• Hazardous substances
• Working at height
• Electrical hazards
• Noise and vibration exposure
• Confined spaces
• Workplace aggression and bullying
• Drugs and alcohol misuse
• Asbestos and radiation
• Vehicle and transport risks
• Environmental factors such as lighting, temperature, and housekeeping

Module 6 – Incident Investigation

This module introduces key terms such as incident, accident, and near miss. It explains why investigating incidents is important and outlines a structured approach to reporting and investigation. Learners will understand how to identify immediate, underlying, and root causes, and the steps required to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.

Module 7 – Measuring and Improving Performance

Learners will discover how performance indicators can be used to enhance workplace safety. The module explains the difference between proactive and reactive measures, and what makes an effective key performance indicator (KPI). It also explores the role of audits, including internal and external processes, and the types of evidence used to evaluate performance.

To successfully complete the IOSH Managing Safely in Construction course, learners must pass two components: an online examination and a practical risk assessment project.

Online Examination

The course concludes with an online multiple-choice test consisting of 30 questions covering the key topics studied.

• The exam is completed remotely, with no requirement to attend a training centre
• Learners are given 45 minutes to complete the assessment
• A minimum score of 36 out of 60 is required to achieve a pass
• Participants have two attempts to pass the exam; if both attempts are unsuccessful, the full course will need to be retaken

Risk Assessment Project

In addition to the exam, learners must complete a practical project involving a risk assessment of their own workplace or a familiar environment.

• A minimum score of 23 out of 38 is required to pass
• The project demonstrates the learner’s ability to identify hazards, assess risks, and recommend suitable control measures using the methods taught in the course
• The completed assessment is submitted online via email to IOSH-approved tutors for marking

A structured three-page template is provided to support completion:

• Page 1: Overview and scope of the assessment
• Page 2: Completed risk assessment in a standard format
• Page 3: Guidance notes to assist with completing the project

Learners also have the option to submit a draft version for feedback before sending their final submission.

The IOSH Managing Safely in Construction course is designed for individuals who have responsibility for health and safety within construction environments. This includes site managers, supervisors, project managers, and those with duties under CDM regulations.

It is suitable for a wide range of construction settings and can be taken by both on-site personnel and those managing projects remotely. No prior health and safety qualifications are needed to enrol.

Is this course suitable for those without previous health and safety qualifications?

Yes, this course is designed for managers, supervisors, and duty holders working in construction who have responsibility for health and safety, regardless of their prior experience or qualifications.

What sets this course apart from other construction health and safety training?

This programme is specifically tailored to the needs of those managing safety on UK construction sites. It focuses on the requirements of the CDM Regulations 2015, highlights common site hazards, and provides practical tools for managing risks effectively in real-world construction environments.

Is the course recognised by employers and regulatory bodies?

Yes, the course is IOSH-approved and widely regarded by employers, clients, and regulators as a trusted standard in construction health and safety training. Completing it demonstrates a strong commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and compliance.

Can progress be tracked when enrolling a team?

Yes, if delivered via the SHINE learning platform, managers can monitor learner progress, completion rates, and performance. The course is also available in SCORM format, allowing it to be uploaded and tracked within your organisation’s own learning management system.

Is the course content kept up to date with current regulations?

The course is aligned with current UK legislation, including the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. It is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes in legal requirements and industry best practices.