Temporary Works Awareness

Temporary works are structures or procedures used during construction that are not part of the final build.
Examples include formwork, falsework, propping, shoring, temporary earth support, and access platforms.
Temporary works failures cause catastrophic collapses, killing and seriously injuring workers on site.
BS 5975:2019 sets out the code of practice for managing temporary works on construction projects.
Every temporary works item must be designed, checked, and approved before it is built or installed.
A Temporary Works Coordinator must be appointed on every project to manage the temporary works process.
Temporary works must be formally handed over to the user with a permit to load before any loads are applied.
Removal of temporary works must be planned, authorised, and supervised — premature removal causes collapses.
All temporary works must be recorded on the Temporary Works Register and tracked throughout the project.
Inspections must be carried out at agreed intervals and after any event that could affect stability.

Prevent collapse	Temporary works failures cause sudden structural collapses that kill and seriously injure workers — proper design prevents this.
Legal duty	CDM 2015 requires temporary works to be designed and managed; failures lead to HSE prosecution and custodial sentences.
Protect the permanent structure	Poorly managed temporary works can damage the permanent structure, causing costly rework and programme delays.

Do

Don't

Follow the temporary works procedure and ensure all designs are checked and approved.
Confirm a permit to load is issued before applying any load to temporary works.
Build temporary works exactly as designed — do not deviate from the approved drawings.
Inspect temporary works regularly and after any event that could affect stability.
Record all temporary works on the project Temporary Works Register.
Obtain formal authorisation from the Temporary Works Coordinator before removal begins.
Report any damage, movement, or concerns about temporary works to your supervisor.
Ensure foundations and bearings for temporary works are on firm, adequate ground.
Check that all components are the correct specification and in good condition before use.
Brief all workers on the temporary works in their area and any restrictions that apply.

DON'T install temporary works without an approved design and design check certificate.
DON'T load temporary works before the permit to load has been formally issued.
DON'T alter, modify, or deviate from the approved temporary works design on site.
DON'T skip inspections — undetected movement or damage can lead to sudden collapse.
DON'T omit temporary works from the register — every item must be tracked and managed.
DON'T remove any temporary works without written authorisation and a removal sequence.
DON'T ignore signs of distress such as cracking, deflection, or unusual movement.
DON'T place temporary works on soft, waterlogged, or inadequately prepared ground.
DON'T substitute components with different sizes or specifications without design approval.
DON'T assume temporary works are someone else's concern — everyone must stay alert.

See also: Temporary Works Coordinator Role | Formwork & Falsework

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