Construction is a high-risk industry and according to HSE reporting, remains the sector with the highest number of work-related fatalities. When it comes to operating plant machinery, common site accidents include struck-by object incidents and vehicle collisions. *

When working with plant machinery on site, it’s imperative that construction operatives are competent to do so, operating the equipment both safely and efficiently. In guidance issued by the Strategic Forum for Construction Plant Safety Group, one of the ways to assess competence is to evidence plant operator training relating to the equipment they are to use. This is where we can help.

We offer a number of accredited courses designed for plant operators working in the construction industry. Upon successful training and testing, and subject to having passed the required Health & Safety tests, the operator will be issued an NPORS CSCS card, to evidence training on site.

* https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/assets/docs/construction.pdf

NPORS CSCS cards are designed for plant operators and machinery roles in construction, and fully comply with the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) framework. NPORS is one of 38 CSCS alliance card schemes that meet the CLC’s requirements – and one of only two specific to the plant sector.

Both the NPORS ‘Red’ Trained Operator Card and the ‘Blue’ Competent Operator Card are authorised to display the CSCS logo.

• The Trained Operator Card is a transitional card valid for two years from the date the operator is tested. Within this period, the operator must successfully complete the requisite vocational qualification (either SNVQ or NVQ) to progress to the Competent Operator Card.
• The Competent Operator Card is valid for five years. During this time, operators are expected to maintain regular CPD (continuing professional development), supported by their employer. CPD activities and plant category working hours should be logged in the operator’s logbook issued with the card.

For either card, the operator is required to have passed the NPORS or CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. NPORS also offers a Supervisor Safety Course and a Construction Site Safety Manager course.

Construction plant tasks are diverse and depend on the type of project – from major infrastructure builds to the construction of new factories and housing developments. Plant operatives on construction sites can be tasked with the digging of trenches and foundations through to demolition.

Subsequently, the construction operative plant training we offer is wide ranging encompassing earthmoving machinery, transportation, cranes, lift trucks and access equipment. Several of our categories have been mapped and approved with the CITB and are eligible for funding.

Our training is delivered through an accredited training provider network, with instructors trained to NPORS standards and audited.
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