As construction activity across the North East continues to grow, so too does the need for skilled, safety-conscious workers. At the forefront of this effort is Northern Bear Safety, a key part of the Northern Bear PLC group, providing comprehensive health and safety training and consultancy services tailored to the construction and property sectors.
Operating as a CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO), Northern Bear Safety plays an important role in supporting contractors, subcontractors, and workers across the region in meeting their training requirements, from entry-level qualifications to specialist site safety accreditations.
CITB-Accredited Training: Building Competence and Compliance
Northern Bear Safety is approved to deliver the CITB Site Safety Plus (SSP) suite of courses, which includes:
- Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
- Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
- Health & Safety Awareness (a key starting point for anyone new to the construction industry)
They also provide refresher courses for both SSSTS and SMSTS, ensuring that supervisors and managers stay up to date with best practices and legislative changes. In addition, Northern Bear Safety delivers accredited training in high-risk areas such as:
- Asbestos Awareness (including refresher)
- Abrasive Wheel Safety (including refresher)
These qualifications ensure that workers have the knowledge to identify, manage, and mitigate some of the most common site-based hazards.
In-House Safety Training: Practical Skills for Everyday Risks
Beyond its accredited CITB programmes, Northern Bear Safety has developed a focused suite of in-house training courses designed to address everyday safety challenges faced on construction and property maintenance sites. These practical courses are tailored to meet the needs of operatives, supervisors, and managers, helping reduce risks and promote a consistent culture of safety across projects.
Here’s a closer look at some of the key in-house offerings:
- Manual Handling
This course equips workers with the knowledge and techniques to lift, carry, and move loads safely, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Delegates learn how to assess lifting tasks, use proper posture, and understand weight distribution, critical in environments where manual handling is routine.
- Working at Height
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious injury in construction. This training covers safe use of ladders, scaffolds, harnesses, and other access equipment. It also helps workers assess risk, inspect equipment, and comply with Work at Height Regulations 2005, giving employers peace of mind and workers the confidence to operate safely above ground.
- Qualitative Face Fitting (RPE)
Correct use of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is vital in environments with dust, fumes, or other airborne hazards. Northern Bear Safety offers qualitative face fit testing to ensure that each user’s mask forms a proper seal and provides effective protection. This is especially relevant for tasks involving asbestos, silica dust, or chemical exposure.
- Ladder to Wall / Ladder to Roof Safety
Ladders remain widely used in construction, but improper use can lead to serious incidents. These courses cover the safe setup, positioning, and use of ladders in various scenarios, whether accessing a wall, roofline, or temporary structure. The training reinforces correct technique and promotes risk awareness, particularly in tasks involving short-duration or frequent ladder use.
These courses are practical, hands-on, and scenario-based, ensuring that learners can apply what they’ve learned directly on site. By offering training that addresses specific, high-risk activities, Northern Bear Safety helps organisations meet their legal duties, reduce accident rates, and build a safety-first culture that supports both productivity and well-being.
Partnered Programmes: Expanding the Training Portfolio
To provide even greater value to clients, Northern Bear Safety works in partnership with other training bodies to offer:
- PASMA (for mobile access tower safety)
- IPAF (for powered access platform use)
- Scaffold Inspection and Refresher Courses
- Emergency First Aid and First Aid at Work
To provide even greater value to clients, Northern Bear Safety works in partnership with other training bodies to offer: This partnership approach allows them to deliver a one-stop solution for construction health and safety training — from basic first aid to high-risk access training — all under one roof.
Supporting the Industry Through CITB and Beyond
By aligning their training services with CITB standards and participating in its Construction Training Register, Northern Bear Safety ensures that client organisations are eligible for grant funding where applicable. They also help companies navigate CITB levy requirements, adding value through practical support as well as training delivery. Importantly, the training provided contributes to:
- Fewer site accidents
- Improved legal compliance
- Better project efficiency
- Stronger contractor reputations
In a recent CITB audit, Northern Bear Safety received a clear outcome for its Site Safety Plus course delivery. This is a reflection of the high standards maintained across their operations.
Meeting the Needs of a Changing Workforce
As construction projects become more complex and safety regulations continue to evolve, companies need a training partner that understands both the regulatory landscape and the realities of day-to-day site work. Northern Bear Safety meets that need, combining nationally recognised qualifications, practical in-house training, and strong industry partnerships to deliver a complete health and safety solution.
For more information on available courses or to discuss your organisation’s training requirements, visit: northern-bear-safety.com
