Temporary Works Legislation in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

• Temporary works (e.g., scaffolding, formwork, shoring) are crucial for the construction of permanent works but require proper design, installation and removal.
• The most important temporary works legislation comes from the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, although other laws apply.
• Clearly defined roles and responsibilities are essential, with roles like the temporary works coordinator overseeing safety and management.
• Comprehensive risk assessments and implementation of safety measures prevent accidents and ensure structural integrity.
• Adequate training for workers and managers involved in temporary works is vital to maintain safety and compliance.

Temporary works are short-term features that facilitate the construction of permanent works. Most are removed once construction is complete.

Examples of temporary works include:

• Scaffolding: Platforms and frameworks to support workers.
• Shoring and Falsework: Temporary supports for structures under construction, like bridges or buildings.
• Temporary Bridges and Roads: To enable access to sites with large earthworks or complex construction.
• Formwork: Moulds used to cast concrete during the construction of permanent structures.

These temporary structures are often subject to extreme loading and environmental conditions. Without proper design, installation and oversight, temporary works can fail, leading to serious accidents, damage to property or even loss of life.

Multiple acts and regulations apply to temporary works safety.

Key legislation includes:

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) places a duty on employers to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all employees.

The HSWA is supported by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. These regulations set out employers’ primary health and safety duties, with risk assessment the most important.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) are the most significant piece of legislation when it comes to construction work in Great Britain. These regulations require the coordination of health and safety across all stages of a project, including the design, planning and execution phases.

Temporary works are covered explicitly under CDM, which imposes duties on clients, designers, contractors and other stakeholders involved in the project.

• Designers must ensure that temporary works are safe to construct, use and remove. They must also account for potential hazards in the design process.
• Contractors are responsible for managing temporary works on-site. This includes ensuring they are installed correctly and that they meet the design specifications.
• The principal contractor must coordinate the construction and removal of temporary works on-site, ensuring that the risks are controlled and managed effectively.

PUWER governs the safe use of work equipment, including specialised equipment used for temporary works.

These regulations require employers to ensure that all the work equipment used is:

• Suitable for the task
• Maintained in a safe condition
• Used by trained personnel

If temporary works facilitate working at height, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply.

These regulations provide a framework for managing the risks associated with working at height. Employers must ensure that any temporary structure used for work at height, such as scaffolding, is planned, designed and maintained to prevent accidents.

The BS 5975:2019 standard offers detailed guidance on the design and management of temporary works. It also covers the structural integrity of temporary works such as falsework, formwork and shoring.

Key provisions include:

• Procedures: Outlines formal processes for managing temporary works, including safety checks and inspections.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Provides guidance on accountability for design, installation and safe use of temporary works and suggests a temporary works coordinator be appointed to oversee safety.
• Design Standards: Guides on ensuring structural integrity, including permissible stress design for falsework.
• Inspections and Monitoring: Emphasises the importance of regular checks to maintain the safety and stability of temporary structures.
• Risk Management: Focuses on safety measures such as fall protection, stability checks and mitigating environmental risks.

Everyone’s roles and responsibilities should be clearly defined. This includes the client, principal contractor, temporary works coordinator and designers. Establishing clear lines of communication and accountability is key to ensuring that safety and quality are maintained throughout the project.

Before any temporary work is implemented, a detailed risk assessment must be carried out. This will identify potential hazards and help determine appropriate control measures. The design of temporary works should also consider the specific conditions of the site, including ground stability, environmental factors and load-bearing capacity.

TWP is a formal document outlining the process for managing temporary works. It details the stages of design, approval, implementation and removal of temporary works. This record ensures that each step is well documented and that there is a clear procedure for managing potential risks.

Temporary works need to be regularly inspected throughout their lifecycle to ensure they remain in safe working condition. Inspections should be carried out by qualified personnel, and any identified issues must be addressed promptly.

Additionally, regular maintenance schedules should be established to address wear and tear from site conditions and everyday use.

Everyone involved in the design, installation and management of temporary works must be adequately trained and competent. This includes not only the workers on-site but also those responsible for overseeing the temporary works, such as coordinators and managers.

Temporary works are essential for the safety and success of construction projects, but managing them properly is essential to avoid accidents, delays and legal issues. Understanding the key roles, responsibilities and requirements associated with temporary works is crucial to ensure compliance and safety throughout construction.

Our online Temporary Works Awareness Training course provides an overview of the key roles, legal duties and risk management principles. The IIRSM-approved course helps users understand vital safety procedures, documentation requirements and compliance obligations to ensure the safety of temporary works.