Shuttering joiners build and dismantle timber and plywood formwork for concrete structures. The role involves heavy manual handling, power tool use, working at height on freshly built decks, and the hazards of striking formwork when concrete has cured. Nail gun injuries, splinter wounds, and falls during deck construction are common risks. This talk covers the key safety measures for shuttering joiners on UK sites.
Key Hazards
Nail gun injuries from accidental discharge or ricochet off steel
Falls from height during formwork deck construction before guardrails are fitted
Manual handling injuries from carrying heavy plywood sheets and timber beams
Struck by falling formwork panels during striking and dismantling operations
Control Measures
Wear safety glasses, hard hat, and steel-toed boots at all times during formwork operations.
Use nail guns only if trained and never point the tool at anyone or bypass the safety contact tip.
Install edge protection as the deck progresses; use harness and lanyard where edge protection is incomplete.
Use mechanical aids such as forklifts and crane skips to move heavy formwork materials to the work area.
Ensure formwork is not struck until the concrete has reached the required strength confirmed by cube tests.
Establish an exclusion zone below formwork striking areas to protect workers from falling panels.
Inspect all power tools including circular saws and nail guns before each use.
Remove protruding nails from stripped formwork immediately to prevent puncture wounds.
Brief the team on the striking sequence and confirm the permit to strike has been issued.
Remember
Never point a nail gun at anyone and never bypass the safety contact tip mechanism
Install edge protection as the formwork deck progresses to prevent falls at height
Do not strike formwork until cube test results confirm the concrete has reached design strength
Remove protruding nails from stripped formwork immediately to prevent puncture injuries
Establish an exclusion zone below all formwork striking areas before dismantling begins
Applicable Legislation: Work at Height Regulations 2005 · PUWER 1998 · CDM 2015 · Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992