British Safety Council cracks down on fraudulent Level 1 Award certificates

Published: February 27, 2018

It is CSCS’s firm belief that for construction sites to remain safe and productive all workers should hold the correct qualifications and training for the type of work they carry out.

The CSCS Labourer card was introduced in 2014 and applicants are required to obtain the QCF Level 1 (SCQF Level 4) Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment.

In recent weeks the British Safety Council (BSC), who deliver the Level 1 Award, have confirmed a rise in the number of fraudulent certificates been used to apply for the CSCS Labourer card.

To combat this activity CSCS have taken the decision to stop accepting any BSC certificate issued prior to February 2017.

Please be aware that this may affect your ability to apply for a CSCS card.

Historically the fraudsters have focused on the production of fake cards, or as highlighted by the BBC Newsnight investigation broadcast in October 2015, cheating the examination system.

Angeleen Hill Scheme Manager at CSCS said “As we restrict the capacity of these fraudsters to operate they are turning to other means in which to obtain a card. Recently we have noted an increase in the production of high quality fake certificates, which if not properly checked would lead to a legitimate CSCS card.”

CSCS takes the issue of fraudulent activity extremely seriously and it is essential that steps are taken to prevent it. People obtaining qualifications fraudulently are not qualified to do their job and cannot demonstrate the required level of health and safety needed to operate safely on a UK construction site.

Angeleen Hill continued “CSCS will continue to share intelligence and work with the authorities when the evidence suggests criminal activity is taking place. CSCS remains confident that the vast majority of cards issued are a result of obtaining a qualification legitimately.”