Green card changes

From 1st July 2014 the green Construction Site Operative (CSO) card is no longer being issued. There is a new green CSCS card only available for people working in labouring occupations.

CSCS’ role is to provide a scheme for the construction industry that confirms site workers’ training and qualifications.

Many site workers who are carrying out skilled occupations have been applying for the green CSO card as the easiest route to gain access to construction sites.

This makes it difficult for contractors to use CSCS cards as a reliable method of checking that site workers have the appropriate skills to work on construction sites safely and effectively.

How to Gain the CSCS Green Labourer Card

Route 1

Complete the Cskills Site safety Awareness course & Cskills H&S operative test which will get you the 5 year card – both course renewable after 5 years.

Site Safety Awareness Course

This course highlights potential hazards when working on site and provides practical advice on keeping yourself and your colleagues safe.

It covers your individual and employer’s responsibilities, including what you can do if you think anyone’s health and safety is being put at risk.

At the end of the course you will have an understanding of:

  • the need to prevent accidents

  • health and safety law

  • how your role fits into the control and management of the site

  • risk assessments and method statements

  • performing safely and asking for advice

  • how to report unsafe acts to prevent an accident

Route 2

Complete the Level 1 Award Health & Safety in a Construction Environment & Cskills H&S operative test which will get you the 5 year card – H&S test renewable after 5 years only.

Health and Safety in a Construction Environment – To achieve this qualification, you must successfully complete the single Mandatory Unit relaying to Health and Safety in a Construction Environment

Outcome 1 – Identify the principles of Risk Assessment for maintaining and improving Health and Safety at work.

Outcome 2 – Identify the importance of safe manual handling in the workplace

Outcome 3 – Identify the importance of working safely at heights in the workplace

Outcome 4 – Identify risks to health within a Construction environment

Outcome 5 – Identify the importance of working safely around plant and equipment