CJ staff pass CSCS safety test

A dozen journalists from Contract Journal passed the controversial Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) health and safety test today (Friday). As a result each member of staff qualifies for a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) yellow visitor's card.

It was announced in May that the CSCS wanted to make all sites safe by introducing cards for all site visitors. There are two different types of visitor card: one for regular visitors (such as the professions and delivery drivers, and in this case journalists) and another for occasional visitors. 

Earlier this year, CJ reported contractors' criticism of the questions, some of which were described as too ambiguous or too easy.

CJ editor Rob Willock said: "This was an opportunity not only to get CJ staff certified, but also to experience at first hand the quality of questions being asked of site operatives."

The CITB has confirmed that the contentious questions are subject to a constant process of revision. David Nichols, the CITB's product manager for health and safety testing, said: "Every single one of the 800 questions has been reviewed. It's an ongoing product, and making improvements is part of the process."