ABOUT
Health & Safety Training Courses for Contractors
Contractors across the UK are expected to work safely, follow current regulations, and demonstrate competence on site. Health and safety training plays a key role in meeting these responsibilities, helping individuals understand risks, follow correct procedures, and protect both themselves and others.
SSOWA promotes recognised training courses that support safe working practices across a wide range of trades. Whether you are self-employed, managing a team, or working within larger projects, having the right training in place is essential for compliance, credibility, and day-to-day safety on site.
COURSES
Common Courses to Stay Compliant
The mandatory course: construction safety and health
This free online course covers the health and safety management practices and recommendations for contractors and employers. You will learn how to plan and carry out your work in a way that protects construction workers and the people around a worksite. This online course will teach you how to develop safety plans, accurately assess risks and noise on worksites, and carry out construction and demolition tasks safely and effectively.
2–3 hrs.
Asbestos awareness
2–3 hrs.
Ladder and scaffold safety
2–3 hrs.
Safe practices for working at height
2–3 hrs.
Fundamentals for a handy person
3–4 hrs.
Risk assessment and control health and safety
2-3 hrs.
Importance of ladder safety
2–3 hrs.
Mastering power tools for trades
3–4 hrs.
Fundamentals of manual handling
2–3 hrs.
Safety in construction, fall hazards
2–3 hrs.
Our Purpose
The core purpose of SSOWA is to raise awareness of safe systems of work and provide a framework that helps members demonstrate their commitment to safety and professionalism. Through structured membership levels, guidance, and access to industry resources, the association supports individuals and companies who want to improve how safety is communicated and implemented within their business.
Members benefit from being part of a recognised association that values consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement. By encouraging structured documentation and professional presentation, SSOWA helps members strengthen their credibility when working with clients, insurers, and industry partners.
Supporting Contractors and Businesses
SSOWA works with contractors and businesses from a variety of sectors, including trades, industrial services, maintenance, cleaning, scaffolding, and other specialist industries where safety and risk management are essential. The association recognises that each industry has its own challenges, which is why guidance is designed to be adaptable rather than restrictive.
Whether a business is well established or looking to improve how safety practices are presented, SSOWA aims to offer practical support that reflects the realities of modern working environments. The goal is not simply compliance for its own sake, but encouraging systems that genuinely improve clarity, reduce risk, and enhance professional reputation.
Membership and Professional Standards
Membership within SSOWA reflects a commitment to structured safety practices and ongoing professional development. Different membership levels recognise varying degrees of experience, qualifications, and documented systems of work. This structure helps clients and partners understand the level of professionalism and preparation a member brings to their work.
By promoting clear standards and encouraging continual improvement, the association helps members present themselves with confidence while giving clients reassurance that safety remains a core priority.