30 December 2025
IOSH SHE for Construction Workers Green CSCS Labourers Card. If you’re looking to work on a construction site in the UK, one of the first things most employers will ask for is proof that you understand basic health and safety. In practice, this usually means holding a Green CSCS Labourers Card. Without it, access to site is often refused, regardless of experience.
One of the most recognised and efficient ways to meet the qualification requirement for the Green Card is by completing the Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers (SHECW) course delivered by IOSH. This course is widely respected across the construction industry and is accepted as a route to the Green CSCS card when completed correctly.
This article explains what the IOSH SHE for Construction Workers course covers, who it is for, and how it supports your application for a CSCS Green Labourers Card, based directly on IOSH’s official course fact sheet.
The IOSH SHE for Construction Workers course is a one-day qualification designed specifically for people working in construction. It is suitable for workers carrying out a wide range of tasks, from basic labouring roles through to more complex construction activities.
Unlike many short health and safety courses, this programme is designed to help workers understand how safety and health responsibilities apply to them personally, not just what the rules are. The focus is on practical knowledge that can be used immediately on site, rather than abstract legislation alone.
The course is delivered through a structured scenario and case study that runs throughout the day, allowing learners to apply what they’ve learned to realistic construction situations. This approach helps reinforce understanding and improves long-term retention of key safety principles.
To apply for the Green CSCS Labourers Card, applicants must meet two core requirements:
Hold a recognised health and safety qualification
Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test for Operatives
The IOSH SHE for Construction Workers course meets the qualification requirement for the Green Card. IOSH confirms that successful in-person completion of this course is accepted as a route to CSCS for a Green Labourers Card.
The course has also been mapped by CITB as equivalent to the RQF Level 1 / SCQF Level 4 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, aligning it with the Build UK Training Standard. This mapping gives employers and card schemes confidence that the qualification meets industry expectations.
The IOSH SHE for Construction Workers course covers the core safety, health, and environmental issues that construction workers are expected to understand on site.
Topics include managing health and safety risks to workers, contractors, neighbours, and others who may be affected by construction activities. Learners gain an understanding of the basics of local health and safety law and why compliance matters in everyday work.
A strong emphasis is placed on risk assessments and method statements, including why they are used, how they are developed, and how workers should follow them on site. Site welfare requirements are also covered, ensuring workers understand what standards must be provided and maintained.
The course addresses common construction hazards and appropriate control measures, including working at height, confined spaces, and the safe use of tools and equipment. Environmental responsibilities are included as a core element, covering waste management, environmental protection, and ecology.
Importantly, IOSH highlights that completion of this course removes the need for separate environmental training, saving time and cost while still delivering comprehensive coverage.
Assessment is carried out via an end-of-course exam. Successful candidates receive an IOSH certificate, which is recognised and respected across the construction industry.
Learners must have a good standard of written and spoken English to complete the course successfully, as the content and assessment require clear understanding and communication.
For individuals, completing the IOSH SHE for Construction Workers course provides clear benefits. It demonstrates to employers that you understand your responsibilities on site and can work safely within a team. It also improves confidence when starting on new sites, particularly for those new to construction or returning after time away.
Holding an IOSH certificate alongside a CSCS Green Card can make candidates more attractive to agencies and contractors, as it shows commitment to safety and professionalism.
From an employer’s perspective, IOSH highlights several positive business outcomes linked to this training. These include improved productivity due to fewer accidents and reduced sickness absence, as well as a stronger safety culture across teams.
Employers can also benefit from proactive staff involvement in improving workplace safety and an enhanced reputation throughout the supply chain. The course is quality-assured by IOSH, the Chartered body for safety and health professionals, offering reassurance that training standards are consistently high.
The IOSH SHE for Construction Workers course is delivered by IOSH’s network of approved training providers. This ensures consistency in content, assessment, and certification, regardless of where or how the course is delivered.
When choosing a provider, it’s important to ensure they are IOSH-approved and experienced in construction-specific training.
Once you have successfully completed the IOSH SHE for Construction Workers course and received your certificate, the next step is to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Operatives Test. After passing both elements, you can apply online for your Green CSCS Labourers Card.
This combination satisfies CSCS requirements and allows you to access most construction sites across the UK.
The IOSH Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers course is a well-established, industry-recognised qualification that plays a key role in the Green CSCS Labourers Card application process. It provides practical, relevant training for construction workers, covers both safety and environmental responsibilities, and is mapped to recognised UK qualification frameworks.
For anyone serious about starting or continuing a career in construction, it remains one of the most effective routes to meeting site entry requirements safely and professionally.
You can learn more by visiting IOSH directly: click here
Visit the CSCS Green Labourer Card web page: click here
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