About this course
Temporary works are an essential part of almost every construction project. They include scaffolding, excavations, shoring, formwork, falsework, propping, temporary roofs, hoardings, crane platforms, haul roads, edge protection and support to partially completed structures.
Although temporary works may only remain in place for a limited period, they must receive the same level of planning, design, control and inspection as permanent works. Poorly planned or incorrectly altered temporary works can lead to structural collapse, serious injury, project delays and enforcement action.
This one-day course has been developed specifically for construction supervisors, site managers and others responsible for monitoring work on site. It explains how temporary works should be identified, recorded, designed, checked, installed, inspected, used and dismantled safely.
Delegates will examine the responsibilities of the Temporary Works Coordinator, Temporary Works Supervisor, designers, contractors and site management team. Particular attention is given to recognising unauthorised alterations, departures from the approved design, changing ground conditions, weather exposure, overloading and interfaces with other construction activities.
The course is aligned with current HSE guidance and BS 5975-1:2024, which covers management procedures for temporary works. The HSE recommends formally appointing a Temporary Works Coordinator with sufficient authority to control the process and stop unsatisfactory work. HSE temporary-works guidance, BSI BS 5975-1:2024 overview
Course content What constitutes temporary works Common temporary works used on construction sites Consequences and common causes of temporary-works failure CDM 2015 responsibilities Introduction to BS 5975-1:2024 Temporary Works Coordinator and Supervisor roles Formal appointments and authority Temporary-works policies and procedures Preparing and maintaining the temporary-works register Design briefs, design checks and design categories Managing drawings, calculations and manufacturers’ information Installation in accordance with the approved design Inspections, hold points and permits to load or use Managing changes, damage and unauthorised alterations Ground conditions, loading, stability, wind and weather Interfaces between temporary and permanent works Control of subcontractors and specialist suppliers Dismantling and removal procedures Emergency arrangements and reporting concerns Practical site scenarios and case-study exercise Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, delegates should be able to:
Recognise temporary works and understand why they require formal control Explain the responsibilities of key temporary-works personnel Understand the purpose of a temporary-works register and design brief Identify the information that should be available before work begins Monitor installation against an approved design Recognise common defects, changes and unsafe practices Understand when work should be stopped and referred to the TWC Assist with inspections, permits, handovers and dismantling controls Communicate temporary-works requirements effectively to site teams Who should attend? Site managers Assistant site managers Construction supervisors General forepersons Clerks of Works and site inspectors Project managers Health and safety professionals Quality managers and inspectors Engineers requiring temporary-works awareness Subcontractor supervisors