Temporary works systems on UK construction projects are only as reliable as the competence of the people responsible for designing, coordinating, supervising and verifying them. In London, where projects involve complex sequencing, multiple contractors and constrained conditions, failures often occur not because procedures are absent, but because individuals lack the knowledge, experience or authority to apply them correctly.
Under BS 5975, organisations are required to appoint competent persons to key temporary works roles, including the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC), Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS), designers and checkers. These roles are not administrative titles but critical safety functions that require appropriate training, experience and understanding of the temporary works process.
This article explains what competence means under BS 5975, how it should be assessed, and why competence is fundamental to safe temporary works delivery. While procedures may be in place, evidence shows that failures occur where competence is assumed rather than demonstrated.
Under BS 5975, organisations are required to appoint competent persons to key temporary works roles, including the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC), Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS), designers and checkers. These roles are not administrative titles but critical safety functions that require appropriate training, experience and understanding of the temporary works process.
This article explains what competence means under BS 5975, how it should be assessed, and why competence is fundamental to safe temporary works delivery. While procedures may be in place, evidence shows that failures occur where competence is assumed rather than demonstrated.
While temporary works systems rely on documented procedures, evidence shows that inadequate competence in design, coordination and supervision leads to failures in implementation, increasing the risk of unsafe conditions on site.
Temporary Works Competence Is a Safety-Critical Requirement Under BS 5975
Temporary works competence under BS 5975 refers to the combination of skills, knowledge, experience and training required for individuals to carry out their roles safely and effectively. Competence is not defined by job title alone but by the ability to understand risks, apply procedures and make informed decisions throughout the temporary works process.
Temporary works competence under BS 5975 refers to the combination of skills, knowledge, experience and training required for individuals to carry out their roles safely and effectively. Competence is not defined by job title alone but by the ability to understand risks, apply procedures and make informed decisions throughout the temporary works process.
Key roles such as the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC), Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS), designers and checkers must be appointed based on demonstrable competence, supported by training, experience and ongoing development. Where competence is lacking, temporary works systems may be incorrectly designed, inadequately checked or improperly implemented, leading to failures even where procedures exist.
In practical terms, this means that competence is a fundamental control within the BS 5975 system, ensuring that temporary works are managed safely across all stages of the construction process.
Why Competence Is Critical in Temporary Works
Temporary works differ from permanent works because they operate in changing conditions, often supporting incomplete structures and temporary load paths. This requires individuals to:
Without sufficient competence, even well-designed systems can fail during implementation.
As highlighted in Temporary Works Failures Explained: Why Incidents Happen on UK Construction Sites many incidents are not caused by calculation errors, but by failures in coordination, supervision and understanding.
Temporary works differ from permanent works because they operate in changing conditions, often supporting incomplete structures and temporary load paths. This requires individuals to:
- Understand evolving risks
- Interpret design intent
- Manage changing site conditions
- Identify unsafe situations early
Without sufficient competence, even well-designed systems can fail during implementation.
As highlighted in Temporary Works Failures Explained: Why Incidents Happen on UK Construction Sites many incidents are not caused by calculation errors, but by failures in coordination, supervision and understanding.
What Competence Means Under BS 5975
BS 5975 does not prescribe fixed qualifications but requires that individuals are competent for the tasks they perform.
Competence typically includes:
BS 5975 does not prescribe fixed qualifications but requires that individuals are competent for the tasks they perform.
Competence typically includes:
- Technical knowledge of temporary works systems
- Understanding of BS 5975 procedures
- Relevant experience on similar projects
- Ability to identify and manage risks
- Awareness of limits of authority and when to escalate
Competence is therefore a combination of: Knowledge + Experience + Training + Judgement
It must be assessed and verified, not assumed.
It must be assessed and verified, not assumed.
Key Roles and Competence Requirements
Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC)
The TWC is responsible for managing the temporary works system, ensuring that designs are prepared, checked and implemented safely. As explained in Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) Duties Explained the TWC must have sufficient knowledge and authority to coordinate all aspects of temporary works.
Typical competence requirements include:
The TWC is responsible for managing the temporary works system, ensuring that designs are prepared, checked and implemented safely. As explained in Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) Duties Explained the TWC must have sufficient knowledge and authority to coordinate all aspects of temporary works.
Typical competence requirements include:
- Formal training (e.g. TWC training courses)
- Experience in temporary works coordination
- Understanding of design and construction processes
- Ability to manage documentation and communication
Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS)
The TWS provides site-level supervision, ensuring that temporary works are implemented correctly. As outlined in Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) Duties Explained the TWS must understand installation requirements and be able to identify deviations or risks.
Competence includes:
The TWS provides site-level supervision, ensuring that temporary works are implemented correctly. As outlined in Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) Duties Explained the TWS must understand installation requirements and be able to identify deviations or risks.
Competence includes:
- Practical site experience
- Understanding of drawings and specifications
- Awareness of risks during installation and use
- Ability to report and escalate issues
Temporary Works Designers and Checkers
Designers must have the technical capability to develop safe solutions, while checkers provide independent verification. As set out in Temporary Works Design Check Categories Explained (BS 5975): Category 0, 1, 2 and 3 design checking requirements vary depending on risk and complexity.
Designers must have the technical capability to develop safe solutions, while checkers provide independent verification. As set out in Temporary Works Design Check Categories Explained (BS 5975): Category 0, 1, 2 and 3 design checking requirements vary depending on risk and complexity.
Competence requirements include:
- Structural engineering knowledge
- Experience with temporary works systems
- Understanding of design assumptions and limitations
- Ability to carry out independent verification
Competence and Risk Management
Competence is directly linked to risk management. As explained in Temporary Works Risk Assessment (BS 5975): How to Identify and Control Risks risk assessments depend on identifying hazards and implementing controls.
If individuals lack competence:
This increases the likelihood of failure.
Competence is directly linked to risk management. As explained in Temporary Works Risk Assessment (BS 5975): How to Identify and Control Risks risk assessments depend on identifying hazards and implementing controls.
If individuals lack competence:
- Hazards may not be identified
- Controls may be inadequate
- Changes may not be assessed properly
This increases the likelihood of failure.
Competence in Inspection and Verification
Competence is also critical during inspection and verification. As outlined in Temporary Works Inspections (BS 5975): When, Who and What Must Be Checked inspections must be carried out by competent persons who understand:
Without competent inspection, defects may go unnoticed.
How Competence Is Managed on Projects
Organisations must ensure that competence is actively managed.
This includes:
Competence should also be reviewed as projects evolve, particularly where conditions or complexity change.
Common Competence-Related Failures
Temporary works failures are often linked to competence issues.
Common problems include:
In many cases, individuals may be competent in general construction but not specifically in temporary works systems.
What This Means on Site
In practical terms, competence must be treated as a core safety control.
On site, this means:
Competence is not static. It must be maintained and developed.
Evidence-Based Summary
Temporary works safety depends not only on procedures and systems but on the competence of the individuals responsible for implementing them. Evidence shows that failures often occur where individuals lack the knowledge, experience or authority to apply temporary works procedures effectively.
In practical terms, this means that competence under BS 5975 is a critical control, ensuring that temporary works are properly designed, coordinated, implemented and verified. Without competent personnel, even well-defined systems can fail, increasing the risk of unsafe conditions on UK construction projects.
Competence is also critical during inspection and verification. As outlined in Temporary Works Inspections (BS 5975): When, Who and What Must Be Checked inspections must be carried out by competent persons who understand:
- Design intent
- Installation requirements
- Signs of damage or instability
Without competent inspection, defects may go unnoticed.
How Competence Is Managed on Projects
Organisations must ensure that competence is actively managed.
This includes:
- Appointing individuals based on experience and training
- Providing formal training where required
- Defining roles and responsibilities clearly
- Monitoring performance and capability
- Providing supervision and support
Competence should also be reviewed as projects evolve, particularly where conditions or complexity change.
Common Competence-Related Failures
Temporary works failures are often linked to competence issues.
Common problems include:
- Roles assigned without sufficient experience
- Lack of understanding of BS 5975 procedures
- Inadequate supervision on site
- Failure to recognise unsafe conditions
- Over-reliance on others without verification
In many cases, individuals may be competent in general construction but not specifically in temporary works systems.
What This Means on Site
In practical terms, competence must be treated as a core safety control.
On site, this means:
- Appointing competent persons to all key roles
- Verifying training and experience
- Ensuring individuals understand their responsibilities
- Providing support and supervision
- Escalating issues where competence is insufficient
Competence is not static. It must be maintained and developed.
Evidence-Based Summary
Temporary works safety depends not only on procedures and systems but on the competence of the individuals responsible for implementing them. Evidence shows that failures often occur where individuals lack the knowledge, experience or authority to apply temporary works procedures effectively.
In practical terms, this means that competence under BS 5975 is a critical control, ensuring that temporary works are properly designed, coordinated, implemented and verified. Without competent personnel, even well-defined systems can fail, increasing the risk of unsafe conditions on UK construction projects.
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 |
