Temporary works on UK construction sites require not only design and coordination, but effective supervision at site level. In London, where construction environments are often constrained, high-risk and subject to constant change, failures in temporary works are frequently linked to breakdowns in site control and implementation.
Under BS 5975, the Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) is responsible for ensuring that temporary works are installed, maintained and used in accordance with approved designs and procedures.
What Does a Temporary Works Supervisor Do?
While temporary works are designed and coordinated by engineers and Temporary Works Coordinators, evidence shows that safe performance depends on effective site supervision carried out by the Temporary Works Supervisor.
While temporary works are designed and coordinated by engineers and Temporary Works Coordinators, evidence shows that safe performance depends on effective site supervision carried out by the Temporary Works Supervisor.
The role of the Temporary Works Supervisor sits within the wider temporary works system, where design, coordination and site control must work together to ensure safe delivery. As explained in Temporary Works Explained (BS 5975): What They Are and Why They Matter on Site, temporary works provide critical support to the construction process, often carrying significant loads and maintaining stability during key stages of the build.
Understanding the Role of the Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS)
The Temporary Works Supervisor is appointed by the contractor to supervise temporary works on site and ensure that they are implemented in accordance with approved designs and instructions. The role is site-based and focuses on monitoring installation, use and ongoing condition of temporary works.
The TWS acts as the link between the design intent and the physical works on site, ensuring that what is built reflects the approved design. This includes checking that materials, installation methods and sequencing are consistent with the design requirements.
The role is particularly important where temporary works are subject to change during construction, as ongoing supervision is required to maintain safety and compliance.
Relationship Between TWS and TWC
The Temporary Works Supervisor works closely with the Temporary Works Coordinator, but their roles are distinct. The TWC manages the overall process, including design control and approvals, while the TWS focuses on site-level implementation and supervision.
As outlined in Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) Duties Explained: Roles, Responsibilities and BS 5975 Compliance, the TWC is responsible for establishing the control system, while the TWS ensures that this system is followed on site.
Effective communication between the TWC and TWS is critical to ensure that temporary works are implemented safely and that any issues identified on site are escalated and addressed.
Core Duties of the Temporary Works Supervisor
The TWS is responsible for supervising the installation of temporary works, ensuring that they are constructed in accordance with approved drawings and specifications. This includes checking that materials are suitable, connections are correctly installed, and that sequencing is followed.
The TWS must also monitor the condition of temporary works during use, identifying any damage, movement or deterioration that could affect safety. Where issues are identified, they must be reported to the TWC and appropriate action taken.
Another key duty is to prevent unauthorised changes to temporary works. Modifications on site without approval can introduce significant risk, particularly where they affect load paths or stability.
Inspection and Monitoring Responsibilities
Inspection is a critical part of the TWS role. Temporary works must be regularly checked to ensure that they remain safe and fit for purpose throughout their use.
This includes visual inspections, monitoring for signs of distress, and ensuring that loading conditions remain within the limits set out in the design. Where temporary works are subject to environmental factors such as weather or ground movement, additional monitoring may be required.
The TWS must also ensure that temporary works are not used before they have been approved under the permit-to-load or permit-to-proceed system.
Common Risks in Temporary Works Supervision
Failures in temporary works supervision are often linked to lack of awareness, inadequate inspections or failure to follow procedures. Common issues include deviations from design, poor installation practices, and use of damaged or unsuitable materials.
In some cases, temporary works are altered on site to suit programme pressures, without proper approval or assessment. This can introduce significant risk, particularly where changes affect structural behaviour.
Another common issue is lack of communication between site teams and the TWC, leading to gaps in control and oversight.
What This Means on Site
In practical terms, the Temporary Works Supervisor must maintain a visible and active presence on site, ensuring that temporary works are installed and used safely. This includes carrying out inspections, monitoring performance, and ensuring that procedures are followed.
The TWS must also ensure that operatives understand the limitations of temporary works and that they do not modify or misuse systems. Clear communication and supervision are essential to maintain control.
Where supervision is weak or inconsistent, the risk of failure increases, particularly in complex or high-risk construction environments.
Evidence-Based Summary
Temporary works safety is not driven by design or coordination alone but by a combination of supervision, communication and ongoing monitoring. While procedures and designs may be in place, evidence shows that failures often occur where site supervision is inadequate or not enforced.
Understanding the Role of the Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS)
The Temporary Works Supervisor is appointed by the contractor to supervise temporary works on site and ensure that they are implemented in accordance with approved designs and instructions. The role is site-based and focuses on monitoring installation, use and ongoing condition of temporary works.
The TWS acts as the link between the design intent and the physical works on site, ensuring that what is built reflects the approved design. This includes checking that materials, installation methods and sequencing are consistent with the design requirements.
The role is particularly important where temporary works are subject to change during construction, as ongoing supervision is required to maintain safety and compliance.
Relationship Between TWS and TWC
The Temporary Works Supervisor works closely with the Temporary Works Coordinator, but their roles are distinct. The TWC manages the overall process, including design control and approvals, while the TWS focuses on site-level implementation and supervision.
As outlined in Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) Duties Explained: Roles, Responsibilities and BS 5975 Compliance, the TWC is responsible for establishing the control system, while the TWS ensures that this system is followed on site.
Effective communication between the TWC and TWS is critical to ensure that temporary works are implemented safely and that any issues identified on site are escalated and addressed.
Core Duties of the Temporary Works Supervisor
The TWS is responsible for supervising the installation of temporary works, ensuring that they are constructed in accordance with approved drawings and specifications. This includes checking that materials are suitable, connections are correctly installed, and that sequencing is followed.
The TWS must also monitor the condition of temporary works during use, identifying any damage, movement or deterioration that could affect safety. Where issues are identified, they must be reported to the TWC and appropriate action taken.
Another key duty is to prevent unauthorised changes to temporary works. Modifications on site without approval can introduce significant risk, particularly where they affect load paths or stability.
Inspection and Monitoring Responsibilities
Inspection is a critical part of the TWS role. Temporary works must be regularly checked to ensure that they remain safe and fit for purpose throughout their use.
This includes visual inspections, monitoring for signs of distress, and ensuring that loading conditions remain within the limits set out in the design. Where temporary works are subject to environmental factors such as weather or ground movement, additional monitoring may be required.
The TWS must also ensure that temporary works are not used before they have been approved under the permit-to-load or permit-to-proceed system.
Common Risks in Temporary Works Supervision
Failures in temporary works supervision are often linked to lack of awareness, inadequate inspections or failure to follow procedures. Common issues include deviations from design, poor installation practices, and use of damaged or unsuitable materials.
In some cases, temporary works are altered on site to suit programme pressures, without proper approval or assessment. This can introduce significant risk, particularly where changes affect structural behaviour.
Another common issue is lack of communication between site teams and the TWC, leading to gaps in control and oversight.
What This Means on Site
In practical terms, the Temporary Works Supervisor must maintain a visible and active presence on site, ensuring that temporary works are installed and used safely. This includes carrying out inspections, monitoring performance, and ensuring that procedures are followed.
The TWS must also ensure that operatives understand the limitations of temporary works and that they do not modify or misuse systems. Clear communication and supervision are essential to maintain control.
Where supervision is weak or inconsistent, the risk of failure increases, particularly in complex or high-risk construction environments.
Evidence-Based Summary
Temporary works safety is not driven by design or coordination alone but by a combination of supervision, communication and ongoing monitoring. While procedures and designs may be in place, evidence shows that failures often occur where site supervision is inadequate or not enforced.
In practical terms, this means that the Temporary Works Supervisor plays a critical role in ensuring that temporary works are safely implemented and maintained on site.
Image © London Construction Magazine Limited
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Expert Verification & Authorship: Mihai Chelmus
Founder, London Construction Magazine | Construction Testing & Investigation Specialist |
