New Civil Engineer flags temporary works gaps

Temporary works are the parts of a project that hold, brace, support or give access during construction, then disappear when the permanent job is done. New Civil Engineer reported on April 29 that gaps in competence around that work still persist. (hse.gov.uk) (newcivilengineer.com) The UK Health and Safety Executive says temporary works include scaffolds, excavation support, falsework, haul roads, hoardings and even site cabins and services. It says those structures must be designed, installed and maintained for foreseeable loads and inspected by a competent person. (hse.gov.uk) HSE says contractors often manage that risk by appointing a Temporary Works Coordinator, with authority to ensure designs are prepared, checked and erected correctly, and to stop unsatisfactory work. On complex jobs, that role is often filled by a chartered civil or structural engineer with relevant training and site experience. (hse.gov.uk) New Civil Engineer said awareness of temporary works has risen, but knowledge and competence still vary across design, checking and site execution. The article tied those gaps to practical failures at interfaces, sequencing and handoffs during the temporary state of a project. (newcivilengineer.com) That matters because temporary works sit underneath permanent works, plant movements and access routes at the same time. HSE says the coordinator may need to advise on build sequence, systems of work and equipment so other activity does not damage or compromise the temporary arrangement. (hse.gov.uk) The industry has also been trying to raise mental-health support, but the pressure has not gone away. The Chartered Institute of Building said in 2025 that more than three-quarters of surveyed workers had been encouraged to join support events, yet workers were still struggling. (ciob.org) CIOB’s 2025 update followed its 2020 survey of 2,081 construction workers, where 26% said they had suicidal thoughts and only 56% said their business had a mental-health policy. CIOB said the 2025 report still found high levels of poor mental health, even with more support now available. (ciob.org 1) (ciob.org 2) Mind’s construction toolkit says companies should train managers to identify poor mental health, build trust around “mental fitness,” and pass support through supply chains and clients. HSE also provides a construction stress toolkit for managers and teams. (mind.org.uk) (hse.gov.uk) The Temporary Works Forum says it exists to promote best practice across the industry and now offers e-learning, resources and a “Causes for Concern” channel. That push suggests the sector is still trying to turn raised awareness into repeatable competence on site. (twforum.org.uk) The thread running through both reports is straightforward: construction has become better at naming temporary works and mental-health risks, but projects still depend on whether trained people catch problems before the temporary stage fails. (newcivilengineer.com 1) (newcivilengineer.com 2)