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Introduction
A Temporary Works Coordinator is a key figure in construction safety management and structural risk control. This role ensures that temporary structures used during construction such as formwork scaffolding shoring falsework excavation supports and propping systems are designed installed monitored and removed safely. In 2025 this role is more important than ever as construction projects face increased regulatory pressure and higher expectations from principal contractors and clients.
At Target Zero Training we train coordinators to understand both the legal duties and the practical tasks needed to manage temporary works safely across live sites. This guide provides a complete definition with semantic depth to help learners site managers and supervisors understand the full scope of the role.
If you want to qualify you can book the course here:
Temporary Works Coordinator Course
If you already hold the qualification and need renewal:
Temporary Works Coordinator Refresher
Mock tests and practice material can be found here:
CITB Mock Tests
Core Definition Of A Temporary Works Coordinator
A Temporary Works Coordinator is the competent person appointed by the principal contractor or contractor to manage the temporary works process on site. The coordinator ensures that all temporary works are designed checked installed inspected used maintained and removed safely.
The definition includes three core attributes:
• Legal responsibility under UK construction regulations
• Technical understanding of temporary works design principles
• Behavioural leadership to ensure safe working practices
This role connects designers contractors workers and project managers into a single safety system that protects the structural integrity of the site.
Understanding Temporary Works As A Construction Entity
Temporary works include any engineered solution required to support or protect a structure during construction. They are not permanent but they must meet the same structural safety requirements during use.
Examples include:
• Falsework to support concrete pours
• Formwork systems
• Scaffolding platforms
• Propping and shoring for structural stability
• Temporary access arrangements
• Excavation support systems
• Temporary bridges or walkways
• Ground retention systems
• Temporary roofs or weather protection covers
Understanding the complexity of these systems is essential for defining the coordinator role.
Legal Entities That Shape The Role
Several legal frameworks define temporary works responsibilities in the United Kingdom:
Health and Safety at Work Act
Determines the duty to ensure safety for all persons on site.
Construction Design and Management Regulations
Outlines the responsibilities of clients designers contractors and workers in relation to temporary works.
HSE Guidance On Temporary Works
Provides best practice expectations for planning, design checks, competence, communication and monitoring.
A Temporary Works Coordinator must interpret these regulations and apply them to everyday site decisions.
Responsibilities Of A Temporary Works Coordinator
A full definition must include responsibilities which can be grouped into several semantic categories.
Planning Responsibilities
• Ensuring a Temporary Works Register is in place
• Identifying which elements require a design
• Planning the safe sequence of installation and removal
• Checking contractor competence for specialist tasks
Design Responsibilities
• Ensuring designs are prepared by competent designers
• Confirming the correct design category
• Reviewing design briefs and specifications
• Ensuring design checks are completed
Safety Responsibilities
• Verifying that installation follows design
• Conducting inspections before loading
• Monitoring temporary works during use
• Checking stability after environmental changes
Documentation Responsibilities
• Maintaining accurate records
• Recording installation inspection and completion
• Managing permits to load and unload
• Checking certificates and handover forms
Communication Responsibilities
• Coordinating between designers contractors and site managers
• Ensuring workers understand the temporary works
• Providing clear instructions and safety requirements
This combination of tasks forms the complete role definition for 2025.
How The Coordinator Interacts With Other Duty Holders
The coordinator is central to a network of roles including:
Temporary Works Designer
Creates the technical design for the structure.
Temporary Works Supervisor
Supports local supervision on site.
Principal Contractor
Has ultimate responsibility for managing the works.
Site Managers
Oversee the operational environment where temporary works are installed.
Workers And Subcontractors
Carry out installation loading and removal.
A well defined Temporary Works Coordinator understands these relationships and ensures smooth communication.
Behavioural Skills Required In 2025
Beyond technical knowledge the role requires specific behavioural skills:
• Calm judgement during high risk operations
• Strong communication with multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to challenge unsafe decisions
• Observation skills to identify early signs of instability
• Sequencing awareness to ensure safe progress
• Authority to stop work when required
These behavioural entities are part of the modern 2025 definition of a Temporary Works Coordinator.
Why The Role Is Essential For Site Safety
Temporary works often carry greater risk than permanent works because they may be loaded differently, installed quickly or removed under time pressure. Coordinators reduce these risks by ensuring:
• Correct design checks are completed
• Installed temporary works match the design
• Workers understand the structural purpose
• Inspections catch problems early
• Environmental effects are monitored
• Removal sequencing does not destabilise structures
This is why the role is central to avoiding collapses, accidents and major structural failures.
When You Should Become A Temporary Works Coordinator
You should consider this role if you are:
• A site manager responsible for complex projects
• A supervisor stepping into more responsibility
• A project leader managing structural or groundwork changes
• A construction professional wanting stronger safety credentials
To gain the qualification or progress your career, you can book here:
Temporary Works Coordinator Course
If you already have the qualification:
Temporary Works Coordinator Refresher
Conclusion
A Temporary Works Coordinator in 2025 is a legally responsible, technically competent and behaviourally skilled leader who ensures that all temporary works on a construction site are designed, installed, inspected and removed safely. This role protects workers, prevents structural failures and supports the safe progress of construction work.
By understanding the full definition presented in this guide, you can recognise the importance of the role and take the next steps toward qualification through Target Zero Training.
Prepare for your learning today with realistic practice materials:
CITB Mock Tests
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