What is this course about?

This one-day course is designed to help those on site with responsibility for supervising all forms of temporary works. The course aims to improve the knowledge of this role and the temporary works environment.

Temporary works on both smaller and larger sites can be high-risk activities. Therefore, understanding the essentials of good risk and safety management, as outlined in BS 5975:2024, is relevant for projects of all sizes.

Temporary works are safety and business-critical and require careful co-ordination. An accepted way of achieving this is through the adoption of the management process outlined in BS 5975:2024, which introduces the temporary works supervisor (TWS) as a key figure. This course explains the role and its overall management context.

The development of this course was supported by several organisations, including the Temporary Works Forum and the Health and Safety Executive.

• The main aim of this course is to focus on the processes involved in temporary works, with particular attention on the role of the TWS.

• These courses are not technical awareness courses for temporary works, although there are elements of technical awareness that are signposted throughout and that must be included in the course exercises.

• Attendance does not demonstrate competency as a TWS: this comes from a mixture of education, training and experience, and should be judged by an appropriate senior individual, usually referred to as the designated individual (DI).

• Training is considered an essential element of TWS competence.

Is this course right for me?

This course is for those with on-site responsibility for supervising any forms of temporary works.

What are the course aims?

The course gives emphasis throughout to the importance of communication, co-ordination, co-operation and competency (the 4Cs), risk management, safety and business relations, allowing the TWS to:

• Understand the need for and duties of a TWS

• Understand the role of others

• Have a detailed knowledge and understanding of BS 5975 in respect of this role.

Are there any entry requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. However, we would recommend that learners have achieved one or more of the following:

• Six months of experience in a construction environment

• Completion of the Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) course

• Completion of the Health, Safety and Environment Test for Operatives (HS&E Test).

Where can I take this course?

This course can be taken in a classroom or via remote delivery - whatever suits you better.

How long is the certificate valid for?

Your certification lasts for five years. To keep it up to date, you will need to retake the course before the expiry date.

Further information

• Find out how to get approved to deliver this course

• Learn more about the Scheme Rules