Introducing the new NEBOSH Construction Certificate

As with everything in life, change is inevitable. Sometimes change just gradually happens over time; other times, change occurs for the better. 

With health and safety training, we can confidently confirm that the change is enforced for the better. With everything that has happened in the past eighteen months and regulation changes relating to construction, updates to accreditation are necessary. 

This blog will dissect all the changes to the NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction. The blog will provide a deep dive into the new amendments giving you the best insight into how the new qualification works.
 

What's different?

Make no mistake. The course is still considered the ideal course for the transition into construction management. But the changes that have been made have all been considered for the benefit of the learner. 

To begin with, the 2021 course only requires approximately 116 hours of study, whilst the former syllabus requires 164 hours. A 48-hour reduction in study time ensures the minimalisation of information and work overload. Our goal is to provide learners with a world-class experience whilst ensuring that the training is not too intensive and overwhelming. This adaption will help learners understand the training in a more concise and less overbearing way.

The course format has been altered slightly to feature one larger unit, NC1, instead of several different units. This generates more flexibility for the learner. Knowing one unit has one exam to pass can make this much more straightforward than revising for multiple exams. 

It must also be said the course remains a level three qualification. The reduction in study time does not downgrade the quality of training whatsoever. If anything, it intensifies the grade, giving the learner more concentrated information by only providing learners with what's important. 

Learners will not be expected to have passed the NEBOSH General Certificate when studying the 2021 NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction. In addition, learners won't be required to have any previous knowledge or experience. Ensuring our courses are accessible remains one of our most important goals; this change helps maintain that mantra. 

Why is the course so important?

Accidents in the workplace can be preventable. However, the day to day grind and the requirements that go with it means workers are too busy doing their job to eliminate risks before they become apparent. 

In the construction industry, accidents often need more than just a plaster to help remedy and heal. This is why this course has been cited as the accreditation required for construction management. It ensures compliance with workplace health and safety regulators.

The course was engineered with the latest Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, emphasising individual roles and responsibilities.

More importantly, however, the course saves lives.

The course covers 13 critical health and safety issues, including CDM regulation, risk management, culture, and hazard control. All 13 features will gift learners a comprehensive understanding of the future of construction health and safety. 

Upon finishing the course successfully, learners will be able to;

• Advise on duties and manage construction risks under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015;
• Justify the need for health and safety improvements;
• Produce or contribute to a construction phase plan;
• Help your organisation to manage contractors;
• Positively influence health and safety culture and behaviour;
• Carry out a risk assessment of a construction site and manage a range of construction hazards;
• Recognise workplace changes and their impacts and understand how to minimise these impacts;
• Develop basic safe systems of work that include emergency arrangements and know when to use a permit-to-work system; and
• Take part in incident investigations.

Who is the course for?

The course is designed to train learners with a comprehensive understanding of construction management. Typical learners are usually;

• Construction Site Managers
• Contract Managers
• Site workers with health and safety responsibilities
• Construction health and safety advisors

However, the new course warrants no previous experience, meaning if you are interested, nothing should hold you back. 

What's covered in the course?

As highlighted above, the updated syllabus features one unit (NC1). NC1 is made up of 13 individual elements covering an extensive and comprehensive understanding of essential topics. 

Element 1: The Foundations of Construction Health and Safety

Element 2: Improving Health and Safety Culture and Assessing Risk

Element 3: Managing Change and Procedures

Element 4: Excavation

Element 5: Demolition 

Element 6: Mobile Plant and Vehicles

Element 7: Working at Height

Element 8: Musculoskeletal Health and Load Handling 

Element 9: Work Equipment

Element 10: Electricity

Element 11: Fire

Element 12: Chemical and Biological Agents

Element 13: Physical and Psychological Health
 

Once learners have completed the course, the natural transition has always led many studying for the NEBOSH Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals. The Construction Certificate provides a perfect bedrock for the philosophies and principles later taught in the Diploma. 

The NEBOSH Diploma is widely regarded as the gold standard in Health and Safety training. It gifts successful learners with the mindset required to take the next steps in their careers. 

If you want more information on the new online NEBOSH Construction Certificate, be sure to check our website for the latest advice and guidance. 

If you want more information regarding the NEBOSH Construction Certificate Exams, be sure to view our Exam Hub.

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