Temporary works on UK construction projects require not only design, coordination and control, but also independent verification that these systems are functioning effectively in practice. In London, where projects operate under programme pressure, multiple interfaces and constrained conditions, failures often occur where procedures exist but are not properly implemented.
Under BS 5975, organisations are required to establish and maintain systems for managing temporary works, supported by competent personnel and clear procedures. However, evidence from site investigations shows that compliance is not achieved through documentation alone, but through active auditing, monitoring and verification.
This article explains how temporary works audit and compliance processes work under BS 5975, what must be checked, and how audits help prevent failures by ensuring that control systems are actually applied on site. While temporary works procedures may exist, evidence shows that failures occur where control systems are not audited, verified or enforced on site.
Verifying Control Systems on Site
Temporary works audit and compliance under BS 5975 refers to the process of verifying that temporary works systems, including design checks, risk assessments, inspections and permits, are correctly implemented in practice.
This involves reviewing documentation, observing site activities and confirming that responsibilities are clearly defined and followed. The purpose of audit is not only to confirm compliance but to identify gaps in coordination, communication or implementation that could lead to unsafe conditions.
In practice, audit acts as an assurance mechanism, ensuring that the temporary works management system functions effectively from design through to removal.
Why Audit and Compliance Are Critical
Temporary works failures are rarely caused by absence of procedures. In most cases, procedures exist but are not followed, misunderstood or bypassed under pressure. Temporary works operate within dynamic environments where conditions, loads and sequencing can change rapidly. Without verification, it is possible for:
BS 5975 establishes the requirement for structured procedures, but it also implies the need for assurance that those procedures are effective. Industry guidance emphasises that organisations must have systems in place to control temporary works and sufficient competent resources to implement them .
Audit provides the mechanism to confirm that these systems are working in practice.
Temporary works failures are rarely caused by absence of procedures. In most cases, procedures exist but are not followed, misunderstood or bypassed under pressure. Temporary works operate within dynamic environments where conditions, loads and sequencing can change rapidly. Without verification, it is possible for:
- Designs to be implemented incorrectly
- Inspections to be missed
- Permits to be issued without verification
- Risks to be unmanaged
BS 5975 establishes the requirement for structured procedures, but it also implies the need for assurance that those procedures are effective. Industry guidance emphasises that organisations must have systems in place to control temporary works and sufficient competent resources to implement them .
Audit provides the mechanism to confirm that these systems are working in practice.
What Is Temporary Works Audit?
Temporary works audit is a structured review process that assesses whether temporary works procedures are:
Temporary works audit is a structured review process that assesses whether temporary works procedures are:
- Defined correctly
- Implemented effectively
- Followed consistently
- Recorded and documented
Audits typically involve:
- Reviewing design documentation and approvals
- Checking the Temporary Works Register
- Verifying inspection and permit records
- Observing site implementation
- Interviewing personnel
The aim is to confirm that the system aligns with BS 5975 requirements and that it is functioning in reality, not just on paper.
How Audit Fits Into the Temporary Works System
Audit is not a standalone activity. It verifies the effectiveness of the entire temporary works control system. As explained in Temporary Works Risk Assessment (BS 5975): How to Identify and Control Risks risk assessment identifies hazards and required controls. Audit checks whether those controls are actually implemented and maintained.
Audit is not a standalone activity. It verifies the effectiveness of the entire temporary works control system. As explained in Temporary Works Risk Assessment (BS 5975): How to Identify and Control Risks risk assessment identifies hazards and required controls. Audit checks whether those controls are actually implemented and maintained.
Similarly, Temporary Works Inspections (BS 5975): When, Who and What Must Be Checked explains that inspections are a critical control stage. Audit verifies that inspections are being carried out at the required stages and recorded properly.
Design verification is another key control. Temporary Works Design Check Categories Explained (BS 5975): Category 0, 1, 2 and 3 sets out the requirements for checking designs. Audit confirms that the correct level of checking has been applied and documented.
Audit also plays a role in learning from incidents. Temporary Works Failures Explained: Why Incidents Happen on UK Construction Sites shows that failures often occur where procedures are not followed. Audit helps identify these gaps before incidents occur.
Finally, audit verifies that pre-use controls are functioning. Temporary Works Checklist (BS 5975): Pre-Loading Verification describes the final checks before loading. Audit ensures that these checks are carried out consistently.
What Should Be Audited
A temporary works audit should review the entire control system, including
Procedures and Organisation
This structured approach ensures that all control points are reviewed.
Who Is Responsible for Audit
Responsibility for audit and compliance typically sits at organisational and project levels.
The Designated Individual (as referenced in BS 5975 guidance) is responsible for ensuring that procedures are in place and resources are adequate.
The Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) is responsible for managing the system on site, including maintaining records and ensuring procedures are followed.
Independent auditors or management teams may carry out formal audits to provide assurance.
In practice, audit requires independence from day-to-day operations to ensure objective assessment.
Common Failures in Temporary Works Compliance
Audit findings often reveal similar issues across projects:
In many cases, the issue is not lack of systems but lack of enforcement or understanding.
These gaps can create a false sense of security, where documentation suggests compliance but risks remain uncontrolled.
What This Means on Site
In practical terms, audit and compliance should be treated as active control measures.
On site, this means:
Audit should not be reactive. It should be used proactively to identify weaknesses before they lead to failure.
Evidence-Based Summary
Temporary works safety is not achieved through procedures alone but through verification that those procedures are implemented effectively. Evidence shows that failures often occur where control systems exist but are not followed, monitored or enforced.
In practical terms, this means that audit and compliance under BS 5975 act as an assurance layer, verifying that design checks, risk assessments, inspections and permits are correctly applied, and ensuring that temporary works are managed safely throughout the construction process.
- Existence of a temporary works procedure
- Appointment of key roles (TWC, TWS, designers)
- Competence and training of personnel
- Design briefs and assumptions
- Design approval and documentation
- Correct application of design check categories
- Accuracy of the Temporary Works Register
- Status tracking of each item
- Completeness of records
- Identification of hazards
- Adequacy of control measures
- Updates reflecting site conditions
- Evidence of inspections at required stages
- Condition monitoring during use
- Recording of findings
- Issuance of permits before loading
- Verification prior to approval
- Control of alterations and dismantling
This structured approach ensures that all control points are reviewed.
Who Is Responsible for Audit
Responsibility for audit and compliance typically sits at organisational and project levels.
The Designated Individual (as referenced in BS 5975 guidance) is responsible for ensuring that procedures are in place and resources are adequate.
The Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) is responsible for managing the system on site, including maintaining records and ensuring procedures are followed.
Independent auditors or management teams may carry out formal audits to provide assurance.
In practice, audit requires independence from day-to-day operations to ensure objective assessment.
Common Failures in Temporary Works Compliance
Audit findings often reveal similar issues across projects:
- Procedures exist but are not followed
- Registers are incomplete or outdated
- Inspections are recorded but not carried out
- Permits issued without verification
- Design changes not re-approved
- Responsibilities unclear
In many cases, the issue is not lack of systems but lack of enforcement or understanding.
These gaps can create a false sense of security, where documentation suggests compliance but risks remain uncontrolled.
What This Means on Site
In practical terms, audit and compliance should be treated as active control measures.
On site, this means:
- Regularly reviewing temporary works procedures
- Verifying that records match actual conditions
- Challenging non-compliance
- Ensuring responsibilities are clear
- Acting on audit findings
Audit should not be reactive. It should be used proactively to identify weaknesses before they lead to failure.
Evidence-Based Summary
Temporary works safety is not achieved through procedures alone but through verification that those procedures are implemented effectively. Evidence shows that failures often occur where control systems exist but are not followed, monitored or enforced.
In practical terms, this means that audit and compliance under BS 5975 act as an assurance layer, verifying that design checks, risk assessments, inspections and permits are correctly applied, and ensuring that temporary works are managed safely throughout the construction process.
For a structured overview of how temporary works should be managed in UK
construction, including roles, design checks and compliance
requirements, see this Temporary Works UK: BS 5975 Compliance Guidance.
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Expert Verification & Authorship: Mihai Chelmus
Founder, London Construction Magazine | Construction Testing & Investigation Specialist |
