What are the responsibilities of a construction site manager?

Site managers—also known as construction managers, project managers, and site agents—play a critical role in the success of a construction project. So, it’s no surprise that this role comes with a variety of responsibilities and duties, especially when it comes to Health & Safety.

Whether it’s assessing safety hazards on-site, managing workers, liaising with clients or helping the projects run smoothly, it’s down to site managers to make sure compliance and safety standards are met on every level.

Let’s take a closer look at site manager responsibilities in construction, along with the skills and qualifications they might need.

 

What does a site manager do?

Site managers, as it says in the name, often manage construction projects from start to finish. They are usually responsible for supervising construction sites and taking control of construction projects, making sure that the correct procedures are followed by all workers. Essentially, they act as on-site leaders to make sure everything runs effectively and safely.

 

What skills do site managers need?

Site managers need a range of skills to do their jobs well. As the responsibilities of a site manager rely on a mix of technical, managerial and interpersonal skills, they need to be competent at project management and good at working closely with people to get the job done.

Additional skills that site managers need include:

• Knowledge of construction, building and regulations
• Blueprint reading and interpretation
• Great leadership skills
• Excellent time management
• Business management skills
• Verbal communication skills
• Can show initiative and logical thinking
• Problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with project management software and tools

What qualifications do site managers need?

There are a few different routes to becoming a site manager. Some focus on university courses, while others choose apprenticeships or apply directly to an organisation they want to work with.

For those who choose the university route, they’ll typically need a mix of formal qualifications, including:

• A Higher National Diploma (HMD)
• A foundation degree, or a degree in a relevant construction field
• Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) certification
• A Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card

It can also be helpful for site managers to take Health & Safety courses to meet compliance regulations and manage risks effectively, such as:

• CITB training courses
• BSA training courses

What does the career path of a site manager look like?

Site managers will typically start out as site workers or assistant site managers. As responsibilities increase, they’ll begin to develop skills in areas like scheduling, budgeting and Health & Safety.

Over time, budding site managers will become more specialised. They can start building up project management experience, which can include planning, coordinating, and overseeing projects from start to finish, or focus on areas like estimating (quantity surveying) or building inspection.

The role of a site manager

Site managers, including senior site managers, will maintain standards of Health & Safety, quality, cost control, and environmental impact. They’ll supervise and coordinate the progress of the project, and will generally have a high amount of control over the construction site.

However, they often won’t just manage and oversee the progress of a project, which is a big task in itself. Site managers will also be well-rounded in their own construction skills to cover any labour shortages that may occur from sickness or injury, and talk to contractors on a construction or building site, clients, and the general public if needed.

What do site managers need to know about Health & Safety?

Site managers need to have a detailed understanding of Health & Safety, including legal requirements, risk assessments, hazard identification, and implementing safety measures.

This means they need to make sure all workers are properly trained, equipped, and supervised, and that safety procedures and best practices are followed at all times.

Health & Safety responsibilities of site managers

Health & Safety in construction is more than a legal obligation. It’s about doing what’s right to protect everyone on site.

Because of this, the Health & Safety responsibilities of a site manager are broad, so they need to know how to:

• Carry out site inspections to identify hazards and stay compliant with safety regulations, such as The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
• Implement emergency procedures, including first aid, accident reporting and fire evacuation
• Make sure site facilities and equipment are properly maintained and looked after to prevent accidents
• Develop and implement site safety plans for emergency procedures, safety protocols, and training requirements
• Identify, assess, and control site risks such as machinery accidents, falls from height, etc.
• Monitor, review and update safety procedures and plans so they remain effective
• Communicate with workers, supervisors, contractors and stakeholders to ensure they understand safety information
• Provide detailed site inductions for new workers
• Consult with workers, stakeholders, contractors and representatives on Health & Safety matters
• Maintain accurate records of accidents, near misses, and safety inspections.

The specifics of site manager roles and responsibilities

The responsibilities of a site manager can be split into three key areas:

1. The site

Site managers must supervise and take control of the site at all times. This involves things like assessing safety hazards and making changes to minimise the possibility of an accident happening. If a safety hazard can’t be fixed straight away, then the issue should still be raised with someone who can resolve it. These inspections should be carried out regularly so any dangers can be quickly assessed and dealt with.

Construction sites require a lot of Health & Safety checks, and it’s the responsibility of the site manager to make sure these are completed to a high standard. It’s important to take all of these inspections seriously, because even one missed issue could result in a serious accident, injury or death on the construction site.

The biggest on-site responsibilities of a site manager are:

• Making sure all necessary safety inspections have been carried out
• Assessing and minimising risks
• Making sure the project is completed in line with company policy and statutory requirements
• Ensure the project is completed in line with statutory requirements

2. Workers

No matter how many inspections have been carried out on-site, managers must make sure that the workers are fully aware of hazards and best practices so that they can carry out their work in the safest way possible. Site manager responsibilities in construction are often focused on making sure workers follow the site rules at all times, remain compliant, and know how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) properly.

With this in mind, site managers are the go-to people for any questions about the project, site, or Health & Safety practices, so they must always be available if workers need to get in contact with them. Workers may have a question about the direction of the project, or need to get in touch to notify them of an injury. Either way, site managers need to be there to give information and advice.

The worker-specific responsibilities of a site manager include:

• Communicating effectively with workers
• Ensuring all workers are aware of the safety standards expected of them
• Checking workers follow best practices and site rules
• Regularly training staff and providing guidance on new procedures

3. Managing

The main site manager’s responsibilities are focused on Health & Safety, but it’s also sometimes important for them to liaise with, motivate, and even discipline staff, too. This is essential for creating an efficient, motivated workforce that gets projects done on time and on budget.

Site managers are also involved with a lot of planning and feedback. While these responsibilities don’t always take centre stage, they’re an important part of the job. After all, site managers are the ones who see most of what goes on with the day-to-day running of the project, so they’re well-placed to steer workers in the right direction.

Some of the management responsibilities of a site manager are:

• Liaising, motivating, and disciplining staff
• Reporting back to the client and providing updates
• Planning and finding the right resources
• Negotiating contracts and gaining necessary permits and licenses

Keeping your site safe and compliant with Smas Worksafe

The responsibilities of a site manager in the construction industry are grounded in Health & Safety. It’s at the heart of everything they do. So, if you’re looking to further improve the safety of your sites and projects , you can book your Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) course today to take your business to the next level. All our courses are delivered fully remote via Zoom, and hosted by CITB-qualified instructors.

You can also get your hands on the UK’s SSIP certificate of choice to show your commitment to Health & Safety standards.

Let Smas Worksafe help keep your business compliant, safe, and secure.To find out more, get in touch with our friendly team today . We’re always happy to chat and help boost your business to new heights.