TRD/Civils/TBT-TRD-009

Shuttering Joiner Safety

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Shuttering Joiner Safety

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-TRD-009  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Shuttering joiners build and install timber and steel formwork to contain wet concrete during pours.
  • The work involves using power saws, nail guns, and hand tools in exposed and elevated positions.
  • Striking formwork (removal) after concrete has cured exposes workers to falling panels and debris.
  • Formwork systems are heavy; large panels require crane handling and precise positioning on site.
  • Nail gun injuries including nail penetration of hands, feet, and body are a significant risk.
  • Protruding nails and tie wires from stripped formwork create puncture and laceration hazards.
  • Working at height on wall and column formwork requires safe access and fall protection systems.
  • Silica dust from cutting plywood and timber generates respirable particles harmful to lung health.
  • Release agents applied to formwork faces contain chemicals requiring COSHH assessment and PPE.
  • PUWER 1998, the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and CDM 2015 apply to all shuttering operations.

Why?

Falls from heightShuttering joiners work at height on walls, columns, and elevated slabs. Falls during erection and striking cause serious injuries.
Nail gun injuriesNail guns fire at high velocity and penetrate hands, feet, and limbs when misfired or used carelessly.
Formwork collapseInadequately designed or prematurely struck formwork collapses under the weight of wet concrete, crushing workers below.
Do Don't
  • Use safe access platforms when erecting or striking formwork at height.
  • Follow the nail gun safety rules: never point at anyone, use sequential trigger.
  • Remove protruding nails and bend over tie wires as soon as formwork is struck.
  • Wear safety boots with midsole protection against nail puncture at all times.
  • Follow the temporary works design for formwork erection and striking sequences.
  • Use dust extraction when cutting plywood, timber, or composite formwork materials.
  • Apply release agents using appropriate PPE as specified in the COSHH assessment.
  • Inspect crane lifting accessories before each formwork panel lift operation.
  • Store formwork panels securely to prevent toppling in wind or from impact.
  • Brief the team on the pour sequence and formwork striking schedule.
  • DON'T fire a nail gun towards another person or into unsupported material.
  • DON'T leave protruding nails or tie wires exposed after striking formwork.
  • DON'T strike formwork before the concrete has reached the required strength.
  • DON'T work at height on formwork without fall protection measures in place.
  • DON'T cut plywood or timber without dust extraction or water suppression.
  • DON'T stand below formwork panels being lifted, swung, or positioned by crane.
  • DON'T modify the formwork design without temporary works coordinator approval.
  • DON'T use a nail gun without checking it is set to sequential fire mode.
  • DON'T leave unsecured formwork panels standing where they could topple over.
  • DON'T carry a nail gun with your finger on the trigger while moving.

See also: Formwork Erection and Striking | Rebar Impalement Prevention
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