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A recent court case has highlighted the devastating consequences of inadequate planning and supervision during temporary works. A floor collapse at a residential project in Hampstead left four workers injured, two seriously, and exposed serious failings in structural risk management.
Aryn Stones Ltd was contracted to build a residential property beginning in March 2021. Structural faults were found in early 2022, including incorrectly connected steel beams at the first-floor level. Remedial works were planned but carried out without a proper method statement or temporary works design.
On 31 May 2022, during the remedial phase, a welder was cutting a steel beam using an oxyacetylene torch while another worker simultaneously removed Acrow props that were supporting the same structure. The unsupported floor collapsed, causing a fall and injury to four workers below.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that:
The company was found guilty of breaching Regulation 19(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined £50,000, plus £39,000 in costs at City of London Magistrates’ Court.
Temporary works are just as critical as permanent structures. Projects must appoint a trained Temporary Works Coordinator to oversee all planning, design, and execution stages.
High-risk tasks like prop removal or steel cutting must follow a logical and controlled sequence. Avoid overlapping tasks unless assessed and deemed safe by a structural engineer.
Under CDM 2015, principal designers, site managers, and contractors are duty-bound to coordinate and control risks throughout a project, including during modifications. Failure to do so puts lives at risk and can lead to serious legal consequences.
Incidents like these are entirely preventable. At Lighthouse Safety, we offer certified training in:
Our courses equip delegates with the skills to manage structural risk, develop safe systems of work, and ensure compliance with CDM 2015 regulations.
Book your Temporary Works training today or contact us to learn more about available dates and group rates.
This case serves as a stark reminder: temporary works failures cost lives and careers. Proper training, planning, and supervision are not just best practice—they are non-negotiable for a safe working environment.
Lighthouse Safety is here to support your team with expert training and ongoing safety guidance. Don’t wait for a disaster to make safety a priority.
Temporary works refer to structures or supports that are used to facilitate construction or demolition, such as scaffolding, props, shoring, or formwork. These must be designed, installed, and dismantled safely to prevent collapse or injury.
A Temporary Works Coordinator should be a competent person with the relevant training, knowledge, and experience. Lighthouse Safety offers a CITB-accredited Temporary Works Coordinator course to help individuals meet this requirement.
Training ensures that individuals understand the design, risk, and procedural requirements of managing temporary works. It helps prevent incidents like structural collapse and ensures compliance with health and safety law.
Certificates are typically valid for five years. It is recommended that individuals retake the course or attend refresher training to stay up to date with current regulations and best practices.
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