Temporary works are an integral part of creating efficient and safe environments for construction projects. They provide the framework, stability and support for different stages of permanent structures. It takes a specialist to manage these temporary structures, and that is who the temporary works coordinator (TWC) is.
In this article, we take a close look at their responsibilities, the skills needed to be one, how to get into this career, and how it compares to the role of a temporary works supervisor.
What Does a Temporary Works Coordinator Do?
The TWC is responsible for overseeing all aspects of temporary works. It is their job to ensure they are planned, designed, and implemented correctly. This role is important for ensuring the safety, compliance, and efficiency of these projects.
Here are some of the key responsibilities of the TWC:
- Planning and Coordination: They must ensure all temporary works are designed, verified and installed in line with project requirements.
- Risk Assessment: The TWC must identify potential risks and implement mitigation measures.
- Compliance: Compliance with health and safety regulations falls within the responsibilities of the TWC.
- Record-Keeping: They must maintain documentation like design certificates, inspection records and permits.
- Liaison: Acting as the central point of contact between designers, site teams and contractors.
With the oversight of the TWC, temporary works can meet high safety standards with minimal risk to workers and the overall project.
You can learn more about health and safety in construction in our article Construction Site Health & Safety Explained .
What Are the Key Skills of a Temporary Works Coordinator?
A successful TWC must have the following skills and attributes:
- Expertise in temporary works design, construction methods and safety standards.
- The leadership skills to coordinate teams and ensure everyone works together cohesively.
- Analysis skills to assess complex technical plans and identify potential challenges.
- The ability to communicate effectively to explain requirements, provide guidance and collaborate effectively with teams.
- Skills to address unforeseen issues quickly through efficient problem solving.
- Attention to detail to ensure all processes comply with stringent standards.
This skill set enables TWCs to manage the complex and dynamic nature of their responsibilities.
How to Become a Temporary Works Coordinator
The journey to become a TWC involves things like gaining industry experience, undergoing training and gaining recognised certifications. Here’s how you can get started:
- Gain experience in construction: Build a strong foundation in construction work, particularly roles that involve temporary works.
- Complete training: Through accredited training courses like the CITB Temporary Works Co-ordinator (TWCTC) Course, you can gain the knowledge you need to manage temporary works effectively. These programs cover things like risk management, compliance and design principles.
- Pass a CITBÂ HSA test: This is necessary to demonstrate your health and safety knowledge. The CITB HSA test is a requirement for anyone working in construction.
- Achieve relevant certifications: Further credentials like a CSCS card for managers will help demonstrate competence and increase your employability.
By following these steps, you will gain both the skills and experience to succeed as a TWC.
Temporary Works Coordinators vs Temporary Works Supervisors
Temporary works coordinators and supervisors both contribute to the safety and success of temporary works. Both roles are critical, but the TWC oversees broader management while the TWS provides more essential support on-site.
The roles differ in scope and focus, so let’s compare them here.
The Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC)
This individual is responsible for the overall management and coordination of temporary works. Their responsibilities include approving temporary works designs and verifying that they comply with standards. In their daily operations, they liaise with designers, contractors and supervisors to ensure efficient execution, and they hold ultimate responsibility for the integrity of all temporary works.
The Temporary Works Supervisor
This role is more focused on the day-to-day monitoring and implementation of temporary works. The supervisor will ensure that on-site temporary works align with the approved design and report to the TWC with feedback on site conditions. Their job operates at a more hands-on, site-specific level.
You can learn more about Temporary Works Supervisors in our informative article Construction Jobs: Temporary Works Supervisors Explained.
Why Are Temporary Works Coordinators Important?
It is impossible to overstate the importance of a temporary works coordinator. Their work is integral to many things, including:
- Safety: They help prevent accidents through detailed planning and meticulous risk assessments.
- Compliance: They ensure all temporary works meet legal and project-specific standards.
- Efficiency: By coordinating teams and processes, their work help avoid delays and setbacks.
- Budget: The work of the TWC can reduce the financial impact of incidents of non-compliance penalties.
- Communication: They bridge gaps between different stakeholders to ensure a cohesive effort.
Through the leadership of the TWC, temporary works can be safe and align seamlessly with project goals.
Temporary Works Coordinator Career Tips
If you want to excel in this challenging and rewarding role, here are some suggestions to keep in mind:
- Keep up-to-Date: Stay familiar with the latest construction methods and standards for temporary works.
- Network: Collaborate with designers, contractors and safety officers to build relationships and gain insights.
- Keep Learning: Attend refresher courses and workshops for ongoing enhancement of your expertise.
- Keep Records: Document everything to demonstrate compliance and accountability.
- Be Adaptable: Construction is a dynamic industry and you need to be prepared to evolve to changing demands.
Conclusion
Temporary works coordinators play a crucial role in construction projects. They have ultimate responsibility to ensure temporary structures are safe, compliant, and efficiently managed.
To become a TWC, you must complete the necessary training and gain experience whilst developing key skills to succeed in this demanding role. Whether working in tandem with a temporary works supervisor or managing the process independently, the TWC is a cornerstone of safety and success in construction projects.
Why choose PIP Services for your CITB training?
We are a five star rated accredited CITB training provider who has helped countless individuals embark on a career in construction, or advance their existing skills and knowledge in order to move into more senior positions.
We offer both a Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course (TWSTC) and a Temporary Works Coordinator Training Course (TWCTC), along with a wide range of other CITB courses which you can view here.
We also specialise in construction related NVQs from Level 2 right up to Level 7. If you’d like to speak to one of our experts to discuss your construction training needs, please feel free to call us on 0800 111 6303 or get in touch using the button below.