Close
Get in touch

Top Construction Hazards Covered in the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course

Construction sites are busy, high-risk environments. Without the right training, accidents can happen quickly, often with serious consequences. That’s why hazard awareness isn’t optional. It’s the foundation of a safe, productive site. 

If you’re new to construction or returning after time away, understanding the risks around you is essential. From lifting materials to working at height, every task brings its own safety considerations. Knowing how to spot hazards, follow procedures, and take responsibility for your own safety can make all the difference.

At 3B, we offer the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course to help you build that foundation. It gives you the core knowledge needed to work safely and confidently on site.

The course also meets the training requirement for applying for a CSCS Green Labourer Card, your first step towards legally working in construction.

health and safety checks

 

Key Hazards Covered in the CITB Awareness Course

Working at Height

Falls from height remain the biggest cause of fatal accidents on construction sites. That’s why we take this topic seriously. On the course, we walk you through your responsibilities under the law and the practical steps you need to take before working at height.

This includes assessing the area, selecting suitable access equipment, using fall protection correctly, and understanding the limits of what’s safe. You’ll also learn how to stop others from putting themselves at risk through poor planning or shortcuts.

Manual Handling Injuries

Manual handling is part of everyday site life, but it’s also one of the most common causes of injury. We show you how to take a proactive approach, from assessing the load to choosing the safest lifting method.

You’ll gain awareness of how posture, preparation and teamwork all affect your risk level. By the end, you’ll know how to move materials safely and when to speak up if a task feels unsafe or excessive.

Fire and Electrical Safety

Fires and electrical accidents are rare, but the consequences can be devastating. On the course, we explain how fires start on construction sites and the best ways to prevent them, including correct storage of flammable substances and proper housekeeping.

We also highlight the dangers of working near live electrical systems, damaged tools, or trailing leads. You’ll come away knowing how to spot risks and take early action to prevent incidents.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Even something as simple as a loose cable or muddy walkway can cause a serious fall. We help you spot these hazards before they cause harm. You’ll learn how to keep walkways clear, maintain good lighting, and report uneven surfaces.

We also talk about how to challenge unsafe behaviours, like rushing or working in poor conditions, and why small improvements make a big difference.

Hazardous Substances and COSHH

Construction work often involves materials that can harm your health, whether it’s silica dust, solvents, paint fumes or cement.

We explain how to recognise these substances, what labels and signs to look for, and how to minimise exposure.

You’ll also learn about COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and your part in following safe systems of work, like using PPE, proper ventilation and good hygiene practices.

Asbestos Awareness

Asbestos remains a deadly threat, especially on older sites. We give you a clear introduction to what asbestos is, where it’s likely to be found, and the serious health effects linked to exposure. 

You’ll understand why disturbing it is dangerous and what to do if you suspect asbestos is present. While this course won’t qualify you to handle asbestos, it gives you the awareness needed to avoid accidental exposure.

Respiratory Hazards

Breathing in dust, fumes or fine particles over time can cause lasting damage to your lungs. That’s why respiratory protection is essential on many jobs.

We explain how these hazards arise, when respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is required, and why fit and maintenance are critical. You’ll learn the risks of ignoring symptoms and the long-term consequences of failing to protect your airways.

Noise and Vibration

Loud machinery and vibrating tools might seem like just part of the job—but over time, they can cause hearing loss and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

We teach you how to recognise the early signs of damage and what steps you can take to reduce exposure. From using hearing protection to managing tool use across a team, we help you take practical control of these risks.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE isn’t just about ticking boxes. We help you understand when it’s needed, how to use it correctly, and why it should always support, rather than replace, other safety measures. 

Whether it’s gloves, boots, hard hats or goggles, you’ll learn what’s appropriate for the task and how to raise concerns if equipment isn’t available or fit for purpose.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

Reacting quickly in an emergency can prevent injuries from becoming life-threatening. On the course, we cover what to do if something goes wrong, whether it’s an accident, fire or near-miss.

You’ll learn the importance of reporting incidents promptly and accurately, not just for compliance, but to help your team prevent similar issues in the future. We also cover why following site procedures protects everyone on site, not just the person involved.

PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. This protects you from health and safety risks in the workplace.

Beyond Hazards: Your Legal and Personal Responsibilities

Understanding Health and Safety Law

On every construction site, the law expects you to take responsibility for your actions. Health and safety regulations apply to everyone, not just site managers.

We explain what your legal duties are and why saying “I didn’t know” won’t protect you if something goes wrong. You’ll leave the course with a clearer understanding of where you stand and what you’re accountable for.

Building a Safer Culture on Site

Creating a safe working environment isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about people looking out for each other. On the course, we explore how you can play your part in building a culture where safety is second nature.

We encourage open communication, shared responsibility, and the confidence to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

Course Delivery Options and Benefits

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for anyone starting out in construction or applying for their CSCS Green Labourer Card. It’s also a great refresher for those returning to site work after time away. Whatever your background, we help you build a solid foundation for safer working.

How We Deliver the CITB HSA Course

You can take this course in a way that suits your schedule. We run regular classroom and remote Zoom sessions across the UK, or you can book it for your team as an in-house course. Prefer to learn at your own pace? Our eLearning option is flexible and fully accredited.

What You’ll Gain

By completing the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course, you’ll earn a recognised certificate valid for five years.

You’ll also gain the knowledge and confidence to work safely, reduce risk, and meet your legal responsibilities on site. If you’re a CITB-registered employer, you can also claim grant funding for each successful delegate.

CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course FAQs

How long does the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course take?

This is a one-day course and usually lasts around 7.5 hours, including breaks and the final assessment.

Do I need to take this course to get a CSCS Green Labourer Card?

Yes. It’s one of the minimum requirements you’ll need to meet before you can apply for the Green Labourer Card.

What format is best – online, classroom or eLearning?

That depends on how you prefer to learn. We offer the course as a live Zoom session, in a classroom, or as a flexible eLearning option.

What if I’ve done the course before?

Your certificate is valid for five years. If it’s expired, you’ll need to retake the course to stay compliant.

Can my employer claim funding?

Yes. If your employer is CITB registered, they can claim a grant for each delegate who completes the course successfully.

Find a course

Our accreditations

  • PASMA logo
  • GQA logo
  • CITB Logo
  • IPAF logo
  • Highfield Approved Centre
  • iosh-Logo
  • NEBOSH Logo
  • UKATA logo
  • C&G logo. 3B Training is an accredited provider for City and Guilds courses.
  • EUSR Logo
  • ProQual logo
  • NPORS Logo
  • CISRS logo
  • Fit2Fit logo
  • CABWI logo