Health and safety are paramount in the construction industry, where the nature of the work poses numerous risks on a daily basis. For those entering the industry, understanding how to work safely is not just a legal requirement, it’s essential for protecting lives.
One of the foundational qualifications for this is the Level 1 NVQ Health and Safety in a Construction Environment. Whether you're starting your career or looking to apply for your CSCS Green Labourer Card, this qualification is often the first step.
This guide explores what the qualification involves, who it’s for, what to expect, and how to get started.
What Is the Level 1 NVQ Health and Safety in a Construction Environment?
The Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment is a nationally recognised qualification in the UK designed to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding needed to work safely on construction sites. It forms a key part of the process to obtain the CSCS Green Labourer Card, which is required to access most construction sites in the UK.
This qualification was developed in response to the Construction Leadership Council's requirement that all labourers working on construction sites must hold a valid CSCS card supported by a regulated qualification.
You can learn more about CSCS cards in our informative article CSCS Cards – Everything You Need to Know.
Who Is It For?
This course is ideal for:
- New entrants to the construction industry with little to no prior experience.
- Labourers and general operatives who need a CSCS Green Card.
- Individuals looking to refresh or update their knowledge on construction site health and safety practices.
- Unemployed individuals seeking to improve their job prospects in the construction sector.
No prior qualifications are required, making it accessible for learners from all backgrounds.
Course Content and Learning Outcomes
The qualification covers key areas of health and safety in a construction setting. Upon completion, learners will understand:
- The importance of health and safety on a construction site.
- Legislation and responsibilities of employers and employees.
- Hazards and risks typically found on construction sites (e.g., working at height, manual handling, noise, dust, and moving vehicles).
- Accident reporting and emergency procedures.
- Safe manual handling practices.
- Working safely with tools and equipment.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
By the end of the course, learners should be able to demonstrate their understanding of basic safety procedures and how to apply them practically on site.
Assessment Process
The assessment is designed to be straightforward and accessible. It typically includes:
- Multiple-Choice Test or Online Assessment: Usually 30–40 questions covering all units of the course.
- Practical Observation or Portfolio of Evidence: In some cases, especially if part of a longer course or training programme.
To pass, learners must demonstrate sufficient understanding of health and safety protocols relevant to a construction site.
Duration and Delivery Format
The course duration is flexible depending on the provider, but it usually takes:
- 1 day in an intensive classroom setting.
- 2–5 days in a blended learning format.
- Self-paced when taken online, which can be beneficial for those with other commitments.
Providers may offer this course:
- In-person at a training centre.
- Online via e-learning platforms.
- Through colleges and community learning hubs.
Costs and Funding
The cost of the Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment course typically ranges from £70 to £150, depending on the provider and format.
In some cases, funding may be available:
- Through Jobcentre Plus if you are unemployed.
- As part of Skills Bootcamps, adult education budgets, or local authority schemes.
- Through ECLAS funding for ex-members of the UK Armed Forces and veterans.
Always check with local providers or training brokers to see if you qualify for reduced or fully funded access.
Why Is It Important?
Beyond being a requirement for the CSCS Green Card, the Level 1 NVQ qualification has several benefits:
- Increases employability in a competitive job market.
- Builds a culture of safety, reducing accidents and legal liabilities.
- Provides confidence for new workers entering potentially hazardous environments.
- Acts as a foundation for further training and NVQ progression in construction disciplines.
Next Steps After Completion
Once you’ve successfully completed the Level 1 course, you can:
- Book and Pass the CITB HS&E Test: This is a separate multiple-choice test that complements the qualification.
- Apply for Your CSCS Green Labourer Card: Submit your NVQ certificate and HS&E test pass to the CSCS scheme.
- Begin Work on a Construction Site: Gain employment as a general operative.
Progress to Higher NVQ Levels: Complete an NVQ Level 2 in trades such as bricklaying, carpentry, plastering or tiling to name a few..
Final Thoughts
The Level 1 NVQ Health and Safety in a Construction Environment is more than just a tick-box qualification. It provides essential, life-saving knowledge for anyone starting in construction. With flexible learning options, no prior entry requirements, and tangible benefits in employability and safety, it’s an ideal first step into a thriving industry.
Whether you’re looking to start a new career or gain formal recognition of your understanding of health and safety, this qualification opens the door to many opportunities, and more importantly, helps ensure that you and those around you stay safe on site.
Why Choose PIP Services for Your Construction Training?
We offer a wide range of construction NVQs, including the entry level NVQ Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment. By completing this course you will be able to apply for your green labourer CSCS card.
A natural step upon completion is to then complete a relevant course to obtain your CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card and increase your earning potential as a skilled worker.
Our NVQ Level 2 construction qualifications include;
- Tiling.
- Bricklaying.
- Carpentry.
- Construction.
- Dry lining.
- Joinery.
- Painting and decorating.
- Plastering.
There are also higher levels of construction NVQs designed for those wanting to obtain their Black CSCS Card and progress into supervisor and senior management roles. The courses we offer include.
- Level 3 NVQ Construction Contracting Operations.
- Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Supervision.
- Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations Management.
- Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Management.
- Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management.
About Us
We’re an accredited CITB, NEBOSH, IOSH, IWFM & CITB training centre as well as a ProQual approved NVQ centre.
We provided a wide national training solution that specialise in delivering NVQs from Level 1 to Level 7 covering trades such as carpentry right through to Construction Supervision, Construction Management and Health and Safety.
Since launching in 2005 we have rapidly progressed with thousands of clients coming through our training centre in the heart of Dagenham each year, as well as providing online options where available.
We are rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot and you can read our reviews here. If you would like speak to us about your training needs, please get in touch using the button below.