IOSH

Thinking of working in construction? If so, you’ve probably heard of the CSCS Labourer Card—an essential qualification for anyone looking to start a career on UK construction sites. This card proves that you have the basic health and safety knowledge required to work safely and responsibly.

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) was introduced to help improve safety and standards across the construction industry. The Labourer Card is the entry-level CSCS card and demonstrates that the holder has met the minimum requirements for working safely on-site.

Whether you’re starting out in general labouring, site support, or simply exploring opportunities in construction, the CSCS Labourer Card is your first step.

Why Do You Need One?

Most employers, contractors, and recruitment agencies will insist on a valid CSCS card before allowing workers onto site. Without it, you may find it difficult to secure even entry-level construction roles.

Holding a CSCS Labourer Card shows you:

• Understand site health and safety responsibilities

• Meet industry standards

• Are committed to safe working practices

How to Get a CSCS Labourer Card

To apply for the card, you must:

1. Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Test – a short multiple-choice test focusing on safety on-site.

2. Complete a recognised Level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction Environment qualification – this can be done online or in a classroom setting.

Our Safety Passport Core H&S training day is an accepted course that meets the CSCS Labourer Card training requirements, allowing you to progress to the next stage of your application.

Important Update (Effective February 2025)

Starting 1st February 2025, the initial Green CSCS Labourer Card will only be valid for 2 years instead of the previous 5 years.

After the 2-year period, you’ll be eligible to renew your card for 5 years, but you must provide proof that you are still employed in a labouring role.

This change is part of CSCS’s aim to improve standards across the industry and ensure that cardholders continue to progress in their roles.

Note: The CITB HS&E Test is now valid for 3 years, so you won’t need to retake it for your first renewal (provided it’s still in date).

Progressing Your Career

The CSCS Labourer Card is just the beginning. As you gain experience and additional qualifications, you may become eligible for higher-level CSCS cards that reflect your role—whether that’s skilled worker, supervisor, or manager.

Many candidates go on to gain trade-specific qualifications or move into more specialised areas of construction, such as plumbing, bricklaying, electrical, or site management.

Take the First Step Today

If you’re serious about working in construction, don’t delay. Get qualified, get tested, and get your CSCS Labourer Card. It’s not just a piece of plastic—it’s proof that you’re ready to work safely and professionally on-site.

Start your journey into the construction industry now—your future begins with a CSCS card.

IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) is the world’s largest chartered body for health and safety professionals. Based in the UK with members in over 130 countries, IOSH works to raise standards in workplace safety, health, and wellbeing across all sectors—including construction.

As a respected, independent organisation, IOSH:

• Develops industry-recognised training courses

• Supports health and safety professionals through chartered membership

• Influences policy and best practice worldwide

IOSH qualifications are widely recognised by employers, government bodies, and construction industry leaders. Completing an IOSH-accredited course shows that you take safety seriously and meet recognised standards of competence.

The IOSH Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers course is specifically designed to meet CSCS Labourer Card training requirements, making it an excellent route for those starting out in the construction industry or working towards their Green Card.

HSE training refers to Health, Safety and Environment training—a vital part of preparing individuals to work safely and responsibly, particularly in high-risk industries like construction.

The aim of HSE training is to:

• Prevent accidents and injuries

• Promote safe working behaviours

• Protect the environment

• Ensure everyone on site understands their legal responsibilities

For those entering the construction industry, completing a recognised HSE course is often a mandatory requirement before stepping onto site. It helps workers identify hazards, follow safe systems of work, and contribute to a positive safety culture.

The IOSH Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers course delivers practical, engaging training that covers everything from working at height and manual handling to environmental protection and personal responsibility. It meets the training requirement for the CSCS Green Labourer Card, making it an ideal first step for those starting a career in construction.

Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to strengthen your safety knowledge, HSE training gives you the tools and awareness needed to stay safe—and keep others safe—on site.

The IOSH Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers course is a one-day training programme designed to give workers a solid foundation in site safety and environmental awareness.

This practical, engaging course focuses on real-world risks and responsibilities faced by construction workers. It helps candidates understand the essential safety behaviours expected on modern UK construction sites and prepares them to work confidently and responsibly from day one.

Key topics covered during the training day include:

• Recognising common construction hazards and how to manage them

• Understanding risk assessments and safe systems of work

• Site transport safety, including plant and vehicle movements

• Working at height, slips, trips and manual handling risks

• Health hazards, such as dust, noise, vibration, and hazardous substances

• Environmental protection, including waste management and pollution prevention

• Personal responsibility for safety, health and wellbeing on site

• Legal duties of workers under UK health and safety law

The course is fully accredited by IOSH, and successful delegates receive an official IOSH certificate, which is accepted by CSCS as meeting the training requirement for the Green Labourer Card.

Whether you’re entering the construction sector for the first time or refreshing your safety knowledge, this course equips you with the skills to work safely and support a positive safety culture on-site.

Date: Example January 1st, 2010

Start Time: Registration opens at 08:15 AM, and the training begins promptly at 08:30 AM.

End Time: We aim to conclude around 4:00 PM, although this may vary based on candidate needs.

Breaks and Refreshments: Scheduled breaks, including a 30-minute lunch break, will be provided during the training.

As your course will be conducted via MS Teams as Virtual Instructor-Led Training (vILT), it’s crucial to set up your equipment and learning space in advance.

Please Prepare the Following:

• A desktop computer, laptop, or tablet with a functioning camera and audio (speakers and microphone). Note: mobile phones are not allowed.

• Stable internet connectivity

• A quiet, distraction-free space for optimal learning

• Access to the email account provided in the delegate’s enrollment

• Photographic proof of ID, such as a Driving Licence or Passport

Before the course commences, please complete and return the IOSH Delegate Information Form. Additionally, email a digital passport-style head and shoulders photograph, along with your full name and course date(s), to:

📧 simon.hodge@mjelectricaltraining.co.uk

Before the IOSH Course Date, you’ll receive:

• An email containing the Microsoft Teams link for course access

• Your IOSH digital course workbook

If you haven’t received the email link or course workbook at least three working days before the course start date, please get in touch with us immediately.

On the Day of the Course:

• Arrive promptly for registration and have your photographic proof of ID (Driving Licence or Passport) ready for the trainer’s review

• Bring your IOSH workbook and any necessary supplies: glasses, pen, paper, and a drink

During the Course:

• Keep your camera and microphone on for clear visibility and communication

• Mobile phones should remain off, except in the case of connectivity issues when you need to communicate with the trainer

• Maintain a quiet, focused environment to enhance your learning experience

• If you encounter connectivity issues lasting more than 20 minutes, inform the trainer—you may be redirected to an alternative course to minimise disruption

Assessment: When it’s time for your assessment:

• Clear your desk of all course materials, notes, or course books

• Expect to receive an email with a link to a Microsoft Form to begin your assessment

• During the assessment, ensure your microphone is muted

Please note that successful candidates must have a National Insurance (NI) number for certificate processing, which is contingent on cleared payment.