What are Temporary Works in Construction?

• Temporary works are short-term solutions used to support the building of permanent structures. Common examples include scaffolding, shoring and formwork.
• The purpose of temporary works is to enable key construction activities, such as stabilising materials, providing access and protecting workers.
• Compliance with CDM 2015 requires temporary works to be designed, implemented and supervised by competent individuals who can properly assess and manage risks.

Temporary works are the short-lived solutions used during construction to build the permanent works or finished structure.

More often than not, temporary works are removed after construction is finished. In other situations, they’re built into the final structure. Either way, they’re separate from the permanent works.

Common examples of temporary works in construction include:

• Scaffolds for access and work at height
• Shoring to prevent walls from collapsing during excavations or alterations
• Falsework to support structures being built
• Formwork for above-ground concrete pours
• Temporary access roads and bridges

Other examples aren’t used for actual construction but for contractors on site, such as:

• Site offices
• Welfare facilities (e.g., toilets, canteens, changing rooms)
• Temporary lighting
• Fencing and hoarding

Temporary works are critical for the successful delivery of construction projects. Without them, it would be impossible to ensure the quality, safety and continuity of building work.

• Structural support: Temporary works, like falsework and formwork, stabilise permanent works as they’re being built. This support is essential as materials cure or reinforcement is added.
• Precision: Temporary works allow contractors to perform essential tasks with accuracy, such as shaping concrete or supporting beams, which directly impacts the overall build quality of the finished structure.
• Enabling complex designs: Complex architectural elements often need temporary supports to realise the final design.

• Risk management: Temporary works like shoring in trenches protect contractors from collapses, while scaffolding provides a safe platform for work at height.
• Controlled environment: Structures such as temporary roofs protect workers and the worksite from adverse weather, reducing hazards.
• Compliance: Temporary works facilitate safety measures required by law, such as edge protection or traffic control.

• Site access: Temporary access roads and material hoists make it easier to deliver materials and workers to the right place at the right time.
• Avoid delays: Temporary works minimise project disruptions and avoid costly delays like collapses or falls.
• Worker productivity: Welfare facilities like site offices and rest areas are necessary to  keep contractors comfortable and productive.

Just because something is temporary doesn’t mean it’s not important. Temporary works must be handled with the same level of care as permanent structures.

All temporary works must comply with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM). CDM compliance for temporary works can be achieved by following British Standard 5975:2019.

Under CDM, duty holders must ensure all aspects of temporary works are properly planned, managed and coordinated. Compliance depends on risks being assessed and managed throughout the lifecycle of the temporary works.

Designers must ensure temporary works are planned with safety in mind. Contractors are responsible for implementing and inspecting them during construction. Everyone involved must be competent and follow the general principles of accident prevention, which prioritise eliminating risks where possible.

BS 5975 provides a code of practice for managing temporary works. It outlines how to ensure temporary works are designed, installed and dismantled safely, with a temporary works coordinator (TWC) appointed to oversee the process.

The standard underlines that temporary works should only be handled by trained personnel and must be checked for stability before use.

Construction sites are also subject to general health and safety legislation, including:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA)
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Management Regulations)

Together, the HSWA and Management Regulations set expectations for workplace safety.

The HSWA places a “duty of care” on employers to protect employees and prevent work-related harm. The Management Regulations make it necessary to assess and manage workplace risks. Since temporary works are necessary for safety during construction, they’re required by law.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) are also relevant. Under PUWER, all on-site equipment, including that used for temporary works, must be:

• Suitable for the intended task
• Maintained in safe working order
• Inspected regularly for faults by competent people

Depending on the type of temporary works, the Lifting Operations and Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) can also apply.

LOLER sets similar requirements to PUWER for lifting equipment (suitable, well-maintained, regularly inspected) with additional regulations for lifting operations to be planned, carried out and supervised by competent people.

There’s no one role responsible for temporary works in construction.

Under CDM 2015, there’s no strict definition of who must take charge. In theory, anyone could take responsibility for temporary works safety as long as they have the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and training to do so.

These qualities are collectively known as “competence,” which is what matters most when it comes to temporary works safety. Competence must also be demonstrable, with clear evidence that the person or team can fulfil their role effectively. This flexibility allows for tailored solutions, provided all parties involved can prove their competence to manage the relevant risks.

Even though formal qualifications aren’t needed, temporary works safety is still typically handled by trained designers, contractors and specialists with the relevant expertise.

BS 5975 recommends appointing a Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) to oversee temporary works. While this role isn’t a legal requirement, it’s considered best practice within the industry. The TWC’s job is to ensure temporary works are planned, supervised and implemented safely.

Whether or not a TWC is appointed, the key focus remains on ensuring safety and compliance with CDM 2015.

If you work in construction, you need to understand temporary works safety.

Our online Temporary Works Awareness Training course provides an overview of temporary works in construction, including duties, risks and compliance requirements. You’ll understand safety standards and recognise your role in ensuring temporary works are built and used in line with legislation.