Why Temporary Works Failures Still Happen

Temporary works are essential to almost every construction project – scaffolding, falsework, formwork, props, bracing, excavation supports, and more. Yet time and again, failures occur because these structures are underestimated, poorly planned, or managed without competent supervision.

When a temporary works collapse happens, the results can be catastrophic: serious injuries, project delays, financial penalties, and lasting reputational damage. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continues to highlight “completely avoidable” collapses where proper systems, planning and training could have prevented disaster.

Recent Case: Hampstead Floor Collapse Injures Four

In June 2025, Aryn Stones Ltd was fined £50,000 after a catastrophic first-floor collapse in Hampstead left four workers injured, two seriously. The collapse occurred on 31 May 2022, during remedial work on a partially built beam-and-block floor after structural defects had been identified.

During the incident, one worker was cutting a steel beam using an oxyacetylene torch at the same time that another was removing supporting Acrow props, leaving the structure in a precarious state and causing it to fail.

An HSE investigation concluded that Aryn Stones Ltd failed to manage the temporary works, neglected to take all practicable steps to prevent danger while the structure was in a temporary weak state, and did not implement measures to maintain stability. The court found the company guilty of breaching Regulation 19(1) of the CDM Regulations 2015. £39,000 in costs were also awarded.

HSE commented that the collapse was completely avoidable had a proper system for managing temporary works been in place.

5 Lessons to Prevent the Next Temporary Works Collapse

1. Plan and Sequence Every Operation

Removing props, cutting beams, or modifying scaffolding must follow a clear, controlled sequence. Detailed method statements and risk assessments ensure no conflicting activities occur.

2. Appoint a Competent Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) or Supervisor (TWS)

BS 5975 sets out the need for competent appointments. TWCs oversee design, approvals and registers; TWSs supervise implementation on site. Without these roles, coordination breaks down.

3. Carry Out Proper Design Checks

Temporary works must be designed and verified by competent engineers. Structural weaknesses and temporary states of instability must be identified and mitigated before work begins.

4. Control Changes and Communicate Clearly

One of the biggest causes of collapse is unauthorised changes, removing supports too early, modifying scaffold, or deviating from drawings. All changes must be reviewed and approved by the TWC.

5. Understand Your Legal Duties

Under CDM Regulations 2015 and Work at Height Regulations, dutyholders must ensure safe design, supervision and execution of temporary works. HSE prosecutions demonstrate that ignorance of these duties is no defence.

Temporary Works Training: Why TWCTC and TWSTC Courses Are Essential

The difference between a safe, well-managed project and a dangerous collapse often comes down to one factor: competence. Temporary works are among the highest-risk activities in construction, and without trained personnel in key roles, mistakes can quickly lead to serious incidents.

That’s why investing in CITB-accredited Temporary Works training, such as the Temporary Works Coordinator Training Course (TWCTC) and Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course (TWSTC) is vital. These courses provide the skills and confidence needed to:

• Apply BS 5975 standards correctly, ensuring all temporary works are designed, checked and managed in line with industry best practice
• Understand the defined responsibilities of TWCs and TWSs, and how each role contributes to site safety
• Maintain and oversee the Temporary Works Register, keeping every stage documented and auditable
• Plan safe work sequences and prepare robust method statements, reducing the risk of error or oversight
• Supervise on-site activities effectively, spotting early warning signs and preventing failures before they escalate

Temporary works training isn’t just about compliance, it’s about protecting workers, safeguarding projects, and ensuring your organisation avoids costly fines and reputational damage.

Latest Developments in Temporary Works (2025)

The landscape for temporary works has shifted significantly in 2025, with new standards and growing regulatory expectations placing competence and compliance firmly under the spotlight. Key developments include:

• Major BS 5975 Update (2025) – In February 2025, BSI published revised versions of the standard, now split into two parts:
  • BS 5975-1:2024 – Management Procedures for Temporary Works
  • BS 5975-2:2024 – Design and Implementation of Falsework

The update introduces clearer requirements around training and competence, alongside more detailed guidance on falsework design (including stress limits and limit state design), wind load calculations, and the procedural control of temporary works throughout their life cycle.

• Procedures & Competence Emphasised More Strongly – The updated Part 1 sets out more specific requirements on who must be competent, the training and education expected, how procedures are documented, and how design checks should be carried out.
• Supporting Guidance Emerging – A range of industry resources have been released to help contractors and duty holders understand and implement the revised standards. These highlight the practical implications of the changes and reinforce the importance of competence, documentation, and oversight.
• HSE & Regulatory Focus Increasing, But Data Sparse – While prosecutions directly related to temporary works remain less common in aggregated data, the HSE continues to stress that structures must be “designed, installed and maintained to withstand foreseeable loads” and that competent oversight (e.g. appointed Temporary Works Coordinators (TWC)) is essential.
• Clients & Principal Contractors Demanding Proof of Competence – As awareness of the revised BS 5975 grows, more clients and principal contractors are requiring evidence that TWCs, TWSs and designers hold current training and can demonstrate compliance with the updated procedures.

Protect Your Site: Get the Right Training

Temporary works failures are avoidable, but only if the right people have the right knowledge and competence.

At Essential Site Skills, we deliver a full range of Temporary Works courses, all delivered in line with BS 5975 and the latest CITB Scheme Rules, including:

• Temporary Works Coordinator (TWCTC) – for those who are, or are about to be, appointed as the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) on site
• Temporary Works Supervisor (TWSTC) – for those who are, or are about to be, appointed as the Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS), supporting the Coordinator role day to day
• Temporary Works Coordinator Refresher (TWCTC-R) – a 1-day course that enables you to renew your TWC certificate for another 5 years (must be completed before your current certificate expires)

By ensuring your team stays trained and compliant, you can keep projects safe, efficient and free from the risks, delays, and costs associated with temporary works failures.

Preventing the Next Collapse Starts with Training

Temporary works collapses are never just “accidents.” They are the result of predictable failures in planning, coordination, and competence. The positive news is that they are also entirely preventable.

By investing in the right training, such as the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWCTC) and Temporary Works Supervisor (TWSTC) courses, you can protect your workforce, stay compliant with BS 5975, and ensure your project doesn’t become the next safety headline.

Explore our full range of Temporary Works courses today to stay compliant and keep your site safe.