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Construction Jobs: Temporary Works Supervisors Explained

Temporary work plays a key role in construction, facilitating the safe execution of permanent works. It includes things like scaffolding and excavation supports, and these temporary structures require oversight to ensure they are safe and effective.

This is where temporary works supervisors (TWS) come in. In this post, we explore their responsibilities, key skills, and how to become one. We will also compare their role to that of temporary works coordinators (TWC).

What Does a Temporary Works Supervisor Do?

Temporary works supervisors ensure that all temporary works on-site are safely planned, implemented and maintained. They will report to the temporary works coordinator, and take responsibility for ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Here are some of their key responsibilities:

  • Overseeing the design, installation and maintenance of temporary works.
  • Ensuring checks and inspections are conducted at appropriate stages.
  • Identifying risks and implementing solutions to mitigate them.
  • Communicating with the temporary works coordinator and liaising with contractors.
  • Keeping accurate records of all activities relating to temporary works.

By overseeing these things, the TWS plays a key role in minimising risks and ensuring projects progress smoothly. You can learn more about working safely in a construction environment in our informative article Construction Site Health and Safety Explained.

What Are the Key Skills of a Temporary Works Supervisor?

In order to truly excel in this particular role, a temporary works supervisor must have the following skills:

  • Technical Knowledge: You must understand temporary works principles as well as construction processes and design techniques.
  • Attention to Detail: Potential hazards must be spotted and temporary works plans must be implemented with precision.
  • Communication: The TWS must collaborate with the temporary works coordinator, as well as contractors and the wider project team.
  • Problem Solving: You will need to address challenges quickly and effectively to ensure ongoing safety and compliance.
  • Time Management: Checks and approvals must all be coordinated with project timelines.

These are all critical skills to thrive as a temporary works supervisor, ensuring all works meet safety and project requirements.

How Do You Become a Temporary Works Supervisor?

The path to becoming a temporary works supervisor involves gaining the necessary experience, training, and qualifications. Here are the key steps along the journey:

  1. Industry Experience: You will generally need construction experience. Try to be involved in temporary works in some way on-site.
  2. Relevant Training: A CITB Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course (TWSTC) should cover the relevant regulations, risk management, and best practices.
  3. CITB HSE Test: It is crucial to complete the CITB exam to demonstrate your safety competence. Popular options for aspiring TWS include the Specialist or Supervisors’ CITB tests.
  4. Further Qualifications: This step isn’t compulsory, but achieving an NVQ or a CSCS Card with supervisory credentials can make you a stronger candidate.

These steps represent the basic framework for a journey towards success in this vital supervisory role.

Temporary Works Supervisors vs Temporary Works Coordinators

Temporary works supervisors and temporary works coordinators are both crucial components in the management of temporary roles. Their roles differ, however, in scope and responsibility. Let’s look at a quick comparison.

Temporary Works Supervisors

As a TWS, the focus is on implementing and monitoring temporary works. As things progress, you will inspect temporary works to ensure compliance with design specifications at each stage. You will operate at a site-based level and report to the temporary works coordinator.

Temporary Works Coordinators

As a TWC, you will have management responsibility over the overall temporary works process, including design approvals. You take responsibility for coordinating multiple temporary works projects across a single site, assessing the competence of teams involved in each of them. Your role is more strategic and you will usually have broader responsibilities.

In essence, the TWC sets the overall framework and the TWS plays a more hands-on role, ensuring day-to-day safety and compliance.

Why Are Temporary Works Supervisors Important?

Temporary works supervisors are crucial for enhancing project safety. Their presence helps with the following things:

  • Minimising Risk: The TWS proactively identifies and addresses hazards.
  • Ensuring Compliance: Temporary works practices must be aligned with regulatory requirements.
  • Improving Communication: The TWS serves as a vital link between designers, contractors and on-site teams.
  • Maintaining Standards: The integrity of temporary structures must be upheld throughout their lifecycle, and the TWS is responsible for this.

By taking on these responsibilities, the temporary works supervisor reduces accidents and delays, contributing to successful outcomes in projects.

Career Tips for Temporary Works Supervisors

If this is a career path you are interested in, be mindful of the following tips:

  • The regulations and best practices in temporary works are always evolving.
  • Attend refresher courses and keep a finger on the pulse of industry developments.
  • Collaborate effectively to act as the go-between for TWCs, contactors and on-site teams to enhance project success.
  • Tailor your approach to the unique challenges of every project, as site-specific needs can differ.
  • Advance your skills with certifications and hands-on experience – it can pay to invest in personal development.

Final Thoughts

Temporary works supervisors are essential for ensuring safety, compliance and efficiency in temporary works on construction sites. Understanding responsibilities, honing skills and pursuing the right qualifications are all essential for a rewarding career in this important field.

Whether you are working independently or alongside a temporary works coordinator, your role as a TWS will help lay the foundation for safe and successful 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.

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