Temporary Works – Health & Safety Guidance

Managing Temporary Structures Safely in Construction

Temporary works refers to engineered structures or supports used during construction to assist permanent works, provide access, or protect workers, equipment or the structure itself. Although they are temporary, the same level of care must be applied as for permanent works to ensure safety and stability.

What Are Temporary Works?

Temporary works are typically used in construction and include scaffolding, falsework (formwork supports), shoring for excavations, propping, working platforms, hoarding, haul roads and other temporary structures. They enable access, support loads, protect excavations and facilitate safe progress of work.

Key Hazards & Risks

  • Structural failure or collapse due to inadequate design, unexpected loads or modifications.
  • Unauthorised changes made onsite without design checks or supervision.
  • Poor coordination with other works, leading to overloading or unsupported structures.
  • Ground or weather conditions affecting stability (e.g., water‑logging, frost, high winds).
  • Insufficient inspection, maintenance or removal planning of temporary works.

Legal Responsibilities & Good Practice

There is no specific law exclusively for temporary works, but the duty to ensure safety lies with all parties under broad health and safety legislation. For example:

[FAQs: HSE]

Best practice guidance is also captured in standards such as BS 5975 (“Code of practice for temporary works procedures and the permissible stress design of falsework”), which provides a useful framework for safe management.

Managing Temporary Works Safely – Key Measures

Planning & Design

  • Identify where temporary works are needed, what loads and conditions will apply, and how they integrate with other works.
  • Appoint a competent individual (e.g., a Temporary Works Coordinator) to oversee design approvals, installation, inspection and removal.
  • Ensure design calculations (or approved standard solutions) are applied and checked, particularly for complex or bespoke temporary works.

Installation, Use & Supervision

  • Erect the temporary works in accordance with the design, under competent supervision.
  • Ensure any changes (e.g., modification of form-work, shifting props) are authorised, re‑designed or documented properly — unauthorised changes significantly increase risk.
  • Monitor environmental and ground conditions (e.g., weather, water, soil settlement) that can affect stability.

Inspection, Maintenance & Monitoring

  • Inspect temporary works prior to first use, after any significant event (weather, loading change) and at regular intervals appropriate to the risk.
  • Use a Temporary Works Register or log to record design, installation, changes, inspections and removal.
  • Ensure maintenance is undertaken when needed — e.g., replacement of damaged components, securing braces, checking foundations.

Removal & Decommissioning

  • Plan the safe removal or unloading of temporary works so as not to compromise the permanent structure or leave hazards behind.
  • Ensure removal is done under supervision and in accordance with approved procedures — sudden removal or load changes can trigger collapse.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Client / Employer: Ensure arrangements are in place to manage temporary works, and that competent people, systems and procedures are used.
  • Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC): Appointed person responsible for administration and control of temporary works throughout their lifecycle.
  • Designer: Prepare the design or specify standard solution; ensure it is checked and suitable for the intended purpose.
  • Constructor / Contractor: Build, erect, use and maintain the temporary works safely in accordance with design and instructions.
  • Supervisor / Inspector: Carry out inspections, monitor conditions and ensure compliance with procedures and logs.

Practical Checklist – Temporary Works Safety

  • Has a risk assessment been completed for the temporary works task?
  • Has a competent TWC or equivalent been appointed and are responsibilities clearly defined?
  • Is the design (or standard solution) available, approved and documented?
  • Is installation supervised and in accordance with design/specification?
  • Are inspection and maintenance regimes in place and documented?
  • Are changes to the temporary works system properly authorised and recorded?
  • Is environmental/ground condition monitoring in place (weather, soil, water)?
  • Is there a plan for safe removal or unloading of the temporary works?

Relevant Training Courses

Temporary works may exist for a short period, but the risk they carry is significant. Proper planning, design, supervision, inspection and removal are essential to prevent structural failures, protect workers and safeguard the integrity of the permanent works. By implementing effective systems, appointing competent roles and maintaining rigorous processes, you can ensure temporary works are managed safely, efficiently and compliantly.

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