Supervising Utilities: SSSTS & SMSTS May Not Be Enough

When supervising utilities work—especially in high-risk areas like breaking the ground—the supervision of these tasks is critical. Whether it’s redirecting, reinstating cables and pipes, locating underground services, or exposing them, the risks remain high. These tasks impact not only health and safety but can also cause costly delays, disrupt work schedules, and hurt the economy. Of course, the SMSTS provides a solid basic understanding and its a great overall introductory course to managing construction sites in the modern era.

If you’re involved in utilities work in construction operations, it’s imperative that supervisors possess the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage these tasks effectively. This includes liaising with stakeholders and statutory undertakers, managing permits and competencies, locating and identifying services, and overseeing excavation and much much more... Holding a black hat or completing an SMSTS qualification alone does not automatically equip individuals with the substantial knowledge and confidence required to supervise utilities work effectively. It’s critical that we go beyond basic qualifications to ensure that supervisors are thoroughly prepared for the unique challenges of managing utilities operations. And are happy and know when to stop works, query tasks and mitigate risks effectively.

We must embed deeper knowledge and ensure that organisational policies, procedures, and requirements are not only understood but also followed to the letter. The stakes are incredibly high—failure to adhere to these standards can result in:

• Serious injury or loss of life
• Costly damage to pipes, cables, or service lines
• Significant delays and economic repercussions

Proper supervision isn’t optional

EUSR-Approved Supervision of Utilities – Construction Operations

The EUSR-approved Supervision of Utilities Works – Construction Operations course is designed to equip supervisors with the necessary skills to oversee utilities work effectively, whether on a single site or across multiple locations.

As the only EUSR-approved provider, this course sets the benchmark for supervising utilities work. It provides insights into safe planning, CDM, The Utilites Lifecycle, Permits, detection methods and data, and excavation practices and handrails the following National Occupational Standards (NOS):

• EUSMUNC12 – Supervise Utilities Networks Construction Operations Across Multiple Sites
• EUSMUNC06 – Locate & Avoid Utility Services for Utilities Networks Construction
• EUSPU3044 – Locate and Identify Underground Utility Services in the Electricity Power Sector
• EUSMUNC043 – Work on Underground Cables in the Electricity Power Environment
• EUSMUNC07 & EUSMUNC007 – Excavate and Maintain Holes and Trenches for Utilities and Gas Network Construction

The course also aligns with HSE Guidance, including:

• HSG47: Avoiding Danger from Underground Services
• GS6: Overhead Services
• HSG150: Health and Safety in Construction
• HSG65: Management Systems
• Best Practice Guidance (BPAUS, USAG, LSBUD)

Course Modules

1. Standards, Legislation & Support - Key statistics, legislation (Primary and Secondary, including CDM), and supporting guidance.
2. Hazards and Risks - Recognize hazards, assess risks, and implement control measures specific to utilities work.
3. Planning and Communication - Understand management systems, CDM, Permits, planning principles, safe systems of work, statutory undertakers, and effective communication.
4. Supervising Detection and Safe Digging - Expectations for locating services and safe digging, plus the supervisory role.
5. Accident and Near-Miss Reporting - Principles of accident and strike investigation, proactive culture development, and senior review advice.

This course is not intended to replace an SMSTS or EUSR 1 & 2 certification. Instead, it is designed to add immense value by enhancing the knowledge and skills of the individuals you trust to conduct these critical works.

By participating in this course, supervisors gain the depth of understanding required to meet the high standards and expectations your organisation demands. It bridges the gap between foundational qualifications and the expertise.

This course isn’t mandatory—it’s optional. However, if you’ve faced strikes, issues, or failures, then why not take proactive steps to address them? Or just go above and beyond the norm, bog standard Cat and Genny course;-

Take Rock Civil Engineering, for example—a highly respected and innovative civil engineering organization based in Nottinghamshire. They recently decided to make this course mandatory for all their supervisors. Why? Not because it was required, but to ensure their standards remain consistently high and aligned with their expectations. This decision reflects a proactive and positive attitude that resonates throughout their workforce, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. As a client or PC, this would be a dream right? A forward thinking contractor doing much more than just your bang average training. One of several contractors now making this course part of their matrix of competence, but they were the 1st.

Comprehensive Competency Framework

To ensure competence in and around utilities, we recommend the following training competency framework:

For Client/Contracts/Managers/Supervisors -

• EUSR Supervision of Utilities – Construction Operations

For Operatives Using Locating Equipment (CAT & Genny) -

• EUSR Category 1 – Locate Utility Services (HSG47)

For Operatives Excavating (Safe Digging) -

• EUSR Category 2 – Implement Safe (Excavation) Digging Practices

This framework provides a clear path to competency, approved by EUSR, and ensures your teams are well-prepared to handle utilities work safely and effectively.

Additional Resources and Tools

As mentioned above, there are numerous free resources available to help enhance safety and performance when working around utilities. Organizations like USAG, LSBUD, and HSE provide invaluable guidance and tools—take full advantage of them!

We’ve also shared some of our top tips for working around services in a recent blog. Make sure to check out our “Prevent Strikes” blog and see if you’re doing enough to achieve your safety goals.

?? Read the blog and learn more here: Prevent Strikes Blog

For more information about our courses, please visit our website or get in touch:

• ?? Website: https://pglmidlands.com/eusr/supervision-of-utilities-works/
• ?? Email: [email protected]
• ?? Call: 0121 240 0375

Why Work With PGL

We deliver the full suite of EUSR courses, all to the highest standards:

• EUSR 1, 2, Combined 1&2, 3, 4, and 5
• Our bespoke EUSR Supervisors Course

Courses are run around the UK and on site. Let us help you achieve a zero-strike target this year—it’s possible.