SMSTS Training Updates: What Site Managers Need to Know in 2026
The construction industry continues to evolve rapidly, and with it, expectations around site management, safety leadership and legal compliance.
As we move through 2026, keeping up to date with SMSTS training updates is essential for site managers who want to remain compliant, competent and confident in their role.
The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) remains the gold-standard qualification for site managers across the UK. However, the way SMSTS courses are delivered, the emphasis of course content, and the responsibilities placed on SMSTS-qualified professionals have continued to develop in response to legislation, enforcement trends and industry best practice.
Understanding what has changed—and what remains critical—is key for anyone undertaking an SMSTS course online, renewing via an SMSTS refresher course, or planning training for the year ahead.
Why SMSTS Training Remains Essential in 2026
The CITB SMSTS course continues to be a core requirement for site managers working on construction, civil engineering and infrastructure projects. Major contractors and Build UK members still expect site managers to hold a valid SMSTS qualification, reflecting its importance in maintaining safe and compliant sites.
In 2026, the role of the site manager is more complex than ever. Managers are expected to balance productivity with safety, oversee diverse workforces, manage contractors, and ensure compliance with health, safety, welfare and environmental legislation. SMSTS training equips site managers with the knowledge and decision-making skills needed to manage these competing demands effectively.
Importantly, enforcement action and individual accountability remain high. Site managers are often personally accountable for failings on site, making up-to-date SMSTS training courses a vital safeguard—not just for workers, but for managers themselves.
SMSTS Training Content Updates for 2026
Leadership and Behavioural Safety Now Central to SMSTS Training
One of the most significant developments in SMSTS courses online is the increased focus on leadership and behavioural safety. In 2026, site managers are expected to do more than enforce rules—they are expected to lead safety culture from the front.
Modern SMSTS training courses now explore how leadership style, communication and behaviour directly influence safety outcomes. Site managers are trained to recognise unsafe behaviours, challenge poor practices confidently and create an environment where workers feel able to raise concerns without fear of blame.
This shift reflects the reality that many incidents occur not because rules are missing, but because behaviours drift over time. SMSTS online training increasingly equips managers to identify early warning signs, address complacency and reinforce safe working practices consistently across site operations.
Environmental and Sustainability Responsibilities Expanded
Environmental management has become a far more prominent element of CITB SMSTS courses in 2026. Site managers are now expected to understand and actively manage environmental risks alongside traditional health and safety concerns.
Updated SMSTS training places greater emphasis on legal environmental responsibilities, including pollution prevention, waste management, noise and dust control, and protection of surrounding communities. Managers are trained to recognise environmental hazards, implement appropriate controls and respond effectively to environmental incidents.
With sustainability targets and environmental performance increasingly scrutinised by clients and regulators, this expanded focus ensures SMSTS qualified managers are prepared to meet modern expectations and avoid costly breaches.
Mental Health, Fatigue and Wellbeing Awareness
Another key development within SMSTS courses is the continued integration of mental health and wellbeing awareness. Construction remains a high-pressure industry, and site managers are often responsible for managing long hours, tight deadlines and complex workforce dynamics.
In 2026, SMSTS training online places greater emphasis on recognising signs of stress, fatigue and mental health concerns among workers. Site managers are trained to understand how mental wellbeing affects safety, productivity and decision-making.
The course explores practical steps managers can take to support wellbeing on site, manage fatigue risks and signpost workers to appropriate support. This reflects the growing understanding that effective site management must address both physical and psychological safety.
Online SMSTS Training Fully Embedded as Industry Standard
The continued growth of online SMSTS courses is one of the most notable trends leading into 2026. Live, instructor-led SMSTS online training courses are now widely accepted across the industry as a credible and effective alternative to classroom delivery.
High-quality SMSTS course online delivery allows site managers to complete training without travel, reducing disruption while maintaining engagement and assessment standards. When delivered live by experienced instructors, online SMSTS training offers real-time discussion, group work and practical scenario-based learning.
For many professionals, completing an online SMSTS course is now the most efficient way to gain or renew their qualification without compromising on quality.
SMSTS Refresher Course Updates in 2026
For those already holding an SMSTS qualification, timely renewal remains essential. The SMSTS refresher course continues to provide a streamlined route for renewing certification—provided the original certificate is still valid.
In 2026, SMSTS refresher courses online focus heavily on legislative updates, changes in enforcement trends and evolving best practice. The refresher reinforces leadership responsibilities, environmental management and behavioural safety—ensuring experienced managers remain aligned with current expectations.
It is important to note that if an SMSTS certificate expires, learners must complete the full SMSTS training course again. Plan and book your refresher training early to avoid unnecessary cost, time commitment and disruption.
What Has Not Changed About the SMSTS Course
Despite ongoing updates, the core purpose of the CITB SMSTS course remains unchanged. The course continues to ensure site managers understand their legal duties, can plan work safely, manage risk effectively and protect workers, visitors and the public.
The SMSTS qualification remains a benchmark of competence within the construction industry, demonstrating that a site manager has the knowledge and authority to manage health and safety effectively.
In 2026, holding a valid SMSTS certificate continues to be a clear signal of professionalism, competence and commitment to safety.
Who Should Complete SMSTS Training in 2026?
An SMSTS training course is designed for individuals with responsibility for planning, organising, monitoring and controlling work on site. This includes site managers, project managers, construction managers and senior supervisors with overall site responsibility.
For those progressing into site management roles, completing an SMSTS course online provides essential grounding in legal duties, risk management and leadership expectations. For experienced managers, refresher training ensures knowledge remains current and aligned with modern standards.
Why Choose SAMS LTD for SMSTS Training Online?
SAMS LTD delivers professional, instructor-led SMSTS online courses designed to reflect real site conditions and current industry expectations. Our SMSTS training online combines expert tuition with practical examples, discussion and assessment support.
Learners benefit from structured guidance, clear explanations of complex legislation and strong trainer engagement. Whether completing a full SMSTS course online or an SMSTS refresher course online, SAMS LTD ensures training is relevant, compliant and confidence-building.
Book Your SMSTS Online Course for 2026
With increasing expectations placed on site managers, staying up to date has never been more important. Completing an SMSTS training course in 2026 helps ensure you remain compliant, capable and ready to manage modern construction sites safely.
View and book the SMSTS Online Course with SAMS LTD to secure your place and stay ahead of industry changes.