CSCS and IOSH collaborate to improve data verification measures
Published: August 7, 2023
The CSCS Labourer card was introduced in 2014 and applicants are required to obtain a Level 1 qualification.
The main qualification is the RQF Level 1 (SCQF Level 4) Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, but several approved alternatives are available which includes the Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers course – owned by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and delivered to delegates by its network of training providers.
As part of our ongoing commitment to improving security standards, CSCS have revised the criteria around acceptance of IOSH certificates from this training course effective from Monday 7 August 2023.
IOSH, as a responsible organisation dedicated to workplace safety and the elimination of harm, have responded by committing to introduce additional security improvements for certificates issued to delegates who successfully complete its Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers course.
Whilst IOSH are undertaking these security improvements, and until their successful completion, their network of training providers may continue to offer the Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers course but certificates of completion will not be considered eligible for CSCS card applications.
Ruth Lake, Director of Strategic and Commercial Development at IOSH, said: “We are committed to monitoring and improving all aspects of security surrounding the issuing of our training course certificates. In partnership with CSCS, we have identified areas of improvement around the verification of the Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers course.
“While this work takes place, we have agreed with CSCS that certificates issued to our delegates for successful completion of the Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers course will not be eligible for CSCS card applications.”
Course delegates concerned at how this change may affect them should contact IOSH by email: [email protected] or call: +44(0)116 350 0900.
Sean Kearns, Chief Executive at CSCS, said: “CSCS welcomes the collaborative approach taken by IOSH to improve their verification processes. When completed, the work undertaken by IOSH will provide the industry with a greater confidence that workers hold the correct training for the role they do on site.”
While IOSH complete this work, CSCS will cease accepting card applications using a Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers course certificate.
Sean Kearns continued: “We look forward to IOSH completing their security improvement, at which time CSCS will once again accept the course as a valid route to the Labourer card.”
For the avoidance of doubt, direct applications for CSCS cards remain open to all qualified current IOSH members. This temporary withdrawal ONLY affects the IOSH Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers course.
For further information on the CSCS green Labourer card and a full list of approved alternatives to the RQF Level 1 Award Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, visit: www.cscs.uk.com/labourer.