Purpose of the Temporary Works Coordinator Course
In any construction project, the proper design, installation, maintenance, and removal of temporary works are absolutely essential, not just for the success of the project but also for the ensured safety of everyone on-site. If temporary works are improperly managed, the consequences could be significant, so the role of the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) is one of the most important roles on site. That’s why the TWC course exists: to ensure those in charge of temporary works have the knowledge and the competence required.
In today’s blog, we’ll look at why temporary works are so vital to construction sites, the key responsibilities of a TWC, the skills you gain from the TWC course, and more.
Why Temporary Works Need Careful Planning
Temporary works are integral to almost every construction project, and often carry a disproportionately high risk. Unlike permanent structures, which are designed for long-term stability, temporary works are built for a specific, often short, duration and must withstand various transient loads and conditions, sometimes in complex sequences. They are frequently altered, dismantled, and re-erected, increasing the potential for errors.
The failure of temporary works can lead to severe consequences. Without rigorous planning, design, and execution, the risks associated with ground collapse, structural instability, falls from height, or equipment failure can quickly escalate. So, careful planning, meticulous design, and robust management of temporary works are not just good practice, but a fundamental necessity for safety and project viability.
Key Responsibilities of a Temporary Works Coordinator
The TWC holds a pivotal role in managing temporary works on a construction site. Their core responsibility is to ensure that all temporary works are properly designed, constructed, maintained, and dismantled safely and competently. This involves acting as a central point of contact for all temporary works matters, coordinating communication between the permanent works designers, temporary works designers, contractors, and site teams.
They are responsible for establishing and implementing a robust temporary works management system, ensuring that risks are identified and managed effectively at every stage. This includes checking designs, verifying calculations, and ensuring that all statutory requirements and industry best practices are adhered to.
The Role of Risk Management in Construction
Risk management is the backbone of all safe, and successful, construction projects. It’s about systematically identifying potential hazards, and implementing control measures to eliminate or reduce those risks. Effective risk management doesn’t just protect workers and the public, but it also keeps project timelines and budgets in line by preventing costly delays.
Why the Temporary Works Coordinator is Crucial for Site Safety
The TWC is crucial for site safety because they centralise the management of inherently high-risk temporary structures. Without a dedicated TWC, responsibilities for temporary works can become fragmented, leading to communication breakdowns, design errors going unchecked, or construction being carried out incorrectly. The TWC ensures a systematic approach, verifying that designs are suitable for purpose, that construction follows those designs precisely, and that all changes are properly controlled. Their role brings clarity, accountability, and expertise, directly mitigating the significant risks associated with falsework, scaffolding, shoring, and other critical temporary systems, thereby protecting lives on site.
Skills You’ll Gain from a Temporary Works Coordinator Course
The course is designed to equip delegates with the specialised knowledge and practical skills required to competently manage temporary works on a construction site. Participants gain a deep understanding of the legal framework governing temporary works, including relevant sections of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) 2015 and other pertinent legislation. The course provides comprehensive training in establishing and implementing a robust temporary works management procedure, covering key stages from initial identification and brief development to design, checking, erection, maintenance, and dismantling.
Candidates learn how to effectively coordinate communication between all parties involved in temporary works, including designers, erectors, and site teams, ensuring clear lines of responsibility and information flow. A significant focus is placed on risk management specific to temporary works, teaching participants how to identify potential hazards, assess risks, and implement appropriate control measures throughout the lifecycle of the temporary structure. The course also enhances candidates’ ability to understand and interpret temporary works designs, ensure their suitability for the intended purpose, and verify that construction is carried out safely and competently according to those designs, and industry best practices.
Who Should Take This Type of Safety Training?
The TWC course is designed for professionals who are, or are about to be, TWCs. Temporary Works Supervisors may also benefit from the course, but there is a Temporary Works Supervisor course which would typically be more relevant. It’s not just TWCs that can take the course, though. Other workers who might benefit include:
- Site Managers
- Project Managers
- Engineers
- Site Supervisors
- Construction Managers
- Anyone with responsibility for managing the temporary works process
How the Temporary Works Coordinator Ensures Compliance
The TWC is pivotal in ensuring compliance with a myriad of regulations and standards governing temporary works. They establish and enforce a rigorous management procedure, often based on BS 5975, the industry standard for temporary works management.
The TWC maintains a comprehensive temporary works register, documenting every stage from brief to dismantling, providing a clear audit trail. By overseeing regular inspections, managing design changes, and ensuring proper handovers, the TWC proactively manages risks and diligently maintains compliance throughout the entire lifecycle of the temporary structure, mitigating legal and safety liabilities for the project.
The Temporary Works Coordinator’s Role in CDM Regulations
The TWC’s role is intrinsically linked to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) 2015. Under CDM, all those involved in construction projects have duties to plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate health and safety. The TWC is key to fulfilling these duties specifically regarding temporary works. They assist the Principal Contractor in their duties to ensure that temporary works are properly planned and managed throughout the project.
The TWC will also typically contribute to the Construction Phase Plan, particularly on sections relating to temporary works. They ensure designers’ duties regarding temporary works are met, that information is shared effectively, and that the temporary works design and construction integrate safely with the overall project. Their role is a practical manifestation of CDM principles, ensuring that health and safety risks associated with temporary structures are systematically identified, assessed, and controlled from conception through to dismantling.
Improving Communication Between Design and Site Teams
A critical function of the Coordinator is to significantly improve communication between design teams and site teams regarding temporary works. Often, a disconnect can occur where designers develop plans without a full understanding of site practicalities, or site teams implement structures without fully grasping design intricacies. The TWC acts as a bridge.
They translate complex design concepts into clear, actionable instructions for the site workforce, ensuring that the temporary works are built as intended. Conversely, they provide crucial feedback from the site back to the designers, highlighting any unforeseen ground conditions, logistical challenges, or practical issues that may necessitate design alterations. This continuous, effective dialogue, facilitated by the TWC’s specialist knowledge, minimises misunderstandings, prevents errors, and ensures that all temporary works are executed safely and efficiently, aligning design intent with site reality.
What Makes a Good Temporary Works Coordinator?
An effective Coordinator combines a strong technical understanding with both organisational and interpersonal skills. Some of the key attributes of a TWC would typically include:
- In-depth technical knowledge: A comprehensive understanding of various types of temporary works
- Strong organisational skills: Attention to detail when it comes to keeping records and register management
- Strong communication skills: An ability to effectively convey complex technical information to diverse audiences (designers, engineers, site operatives etc)
- Problem-solving: The capacity to identify potential problems early, and propose solutions to those problems
- Leadership skills: Ability to influence decisions and properly enforce best practices, and procedures
Taking Ownership of Temporary Works Safety
The TWC course instills a sense of ownership regarding temporary works safety. It moves beyond merely assigning tasks, to empowering the TWC to emphasise safety throughout the lifecycle of every temporary structure. This means taking personal responsibility for the integrity of the temporary works register, ensuring all checks are diligently performed, and having the authority to halt work if safety is compromised. It’s about becoming the definitive authority on temporary works on site, fostering a culture where every decision prioritises the safety of personnel and the stability of critical temporary structures. This level of ownership is what ultimately mitigates risk, and prevents potentially catastrophic failures.
Conclusion: Purpose of the Temporary Works Coordinator Course
The purpose of the TWC course is to equip designated individuals with the specialised knowledge, skills, and understanding required to manage temporary works safely and effectively on a construction site. By doing so, it directly addresses one of the most high-risk aspects of construction.
This training ensures that those in charge of temporary works possess the competence to coordinate complex designs, manage their construction and dismantling, and enforce rigorous safety protocols, thereby preventing accidents and safeguarding lives. It creates a centralised point of accountability and expertise, vital for the seamless and secure progression of any construction project.
If you still have any questions regarding the course, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
