The Construction Safety Training System (CSTS) is a free course in Alberta. Keep reading to learn more about the course, what it covers, and the benefits of completing it.
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An overview of the Construction Safety Training System
The Construction Safety Training System is a self-paced course that covers a variety of topics, including:
- personal physical care
- correct usage of personal protective equipment
- assessing hazards in the field
- responding to workplace hazards appropriately
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS)
- creating appropriate worksite conditions
- preventing falls
- responding to emergencies on job sites
- proper usage of ladders and scaffolding
- maintaining safety while using machinery and equipment
- defensive driving
The latest version of the course (CSTS-2020) also offers a list of add-on topics that includes the following:
- basic ladder safety
- basic scaffolding safety
- awareness when working in tight spaces
- basic respiratory protective equipment usage
- awareness while using mobile equipment
- working safely near concrete trucks
- working safely at great heights
- drywall safety
These add-on topics are designed to offer training for more specialized construction roles, whereas the core modules are geared towards a more general audience for new construction workers.
The Alberta Construction Safety Association oversees the Construction Safety Training System, which is maintained to reflect Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.
After completing the Construction Safety Training System, the certification does not expire.
What is the benefit of completing the Construction Safety Training System?
Many employers in Alberta require completion of the Construction Safety Training System (and often specific modules based on the job requirements). Consequently, completing the course imparts significant professional benefits and may even be a prerequisite for finding work, depending on the type of construction you wish to engage in.
How long does the Construction Safety Training System take to complete, and what is its cost?
According to the Alberta Construction Safety Association, the Construction Safety Training System’s core modules take only two to three hours (cumulatively) to complete. Each additional module takes between five and 15 minutes to complete.
The Construction Safety Training System is cost-free.
How long is the Construction Safety Training System good for?
The Construction Safety Training System’s certificate of completion does not expire. This is also true for the older version of the course (CSTS-09). Its certificate of completion remains valid even though the course has been changed substantially since then (although individual employers may have their own requirements regarding which certification you need).
Can I complete the Construction Safety Training System online?
The Construction Safety Training System can indeed be completed online. The latest version of the course (CSTS-2020) is also mobile-friendly.
Other construction training systems worth exploring
While the Construction Safety Training System is a valuable and comprehensive course, it’s not North America’s only construction safety training course. Here are some additional courses worth exploring.
Occupational Health and Safety Administration courses
Occupational Health and Safety Administration certifications are, in many ways, the gold standard of construction safety courses for construction professionals in the United States.
Certifications you can receive from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration include:
- OSHA 10 (a 10-hour certification course that covers basic construction safety topics)
- OSHA 30 (a 30-hour certification course that explores construction safety topics in greater detail)
- Certified Occupational Safety Specialist
- Healthcare Safety Technician
- Safety Foundations
See the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s full list of certifications.
ClickSafety
ClickSafety is widely recognized as one of the construction industry’s leading online safety training platforms. It reports being the first website to offer online versions of the OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certification courses.
Other construction safety courses offered by ClickSafety cover topics such as:
- fall protection
- electrical safety
- environmental hazards
- general safety
- HR Compliance
- handling chemicals and other hazardous substances
PURE Safety
PURE Safety is a software suite of construction safety training courses and monitoring tools. Construction safety courses offered by PURE Safety include:
- OSHA 10
- OSHA 30
- general construction industry safety
- confined space hazards
- advanced safety orientation
PURE Safety’s courses are paid. The company also offers safety training for firms in industries other than construction.
RedVector
RedVector is a continuing education platform that offers a library of courses specifically for construction professionals, including:
- general contractors
- residential building contractors
- electrical contractors
- plumbers
- HVAC contractors
RedVector also offers online versions of the OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 courses.
The site operates based on a subscription model; one fee grants you access to all construction courses.
CareerSafe
CareerSafe is another continuing education platform. One of its core offerings is the OSHA 10 certification, which is tailored to professionals in various sectors, including the construction industry, healthcare, manufacturing, and automotive.
CareerSafe also offers other courses that may be of interest to construction professionals, including courses on communication, time management, and HR management.
360training
360training works with various regulatory bodies to offer courses geared towards professionals in various industries. The company’s construction-specific courses fall under its “OSHACAMPUS” package, which includes courses such as:
- OSHA 10
- OSHA 30
- environmental compliance and workplace safety
- miner training
- confined space entry training
AdvanceOnline
AdvanceOnline is an established online provider of construction safety courses, including:
- OSHA 10
- OSHA 30
- asbestos management
- crane safety
- electrical safety
- fire safety
- forklift safety
- ladder safety
- personal protective equipment usage
Manage your personnel to ensure safety with Bridgit Bench
Bridgit Bench is a resource management tool that construction professionals can use to manage personnel and ensure optimal safety on job sites.
With Bridgit Bench, construction management professionals can:
- schedule labor efficiently (ensuring professionals with the necessary certifications are assigned to projects requiring their expertise)
- maintain project databases
- maintain human resource databases containing relevant information about each worker’s skill set and safety certifications
- forecast demand for resources (including labor) and ensure enough resources are on hand to complete tasks efficiently and safely
- easily run resource management reports
Receive a demo of Bridgit Bench. You can also read more about how construction professionals use Bridgit Bench via our case studies.
Brandon-Richard Austin
Brandon-Richard Austin is a writer and content strategist focused on the construction sector. He’s passionate about educating readers on construction management techniques and best practices.
