An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a temporary works risk assessment is
A temporary works risk assessment examines structures and supports that are needed only during construction — formwork, falsework, propping, shoring, hoarding and access — where failure could cause collapse, and records the design checks, coordination and inspection that control the risk.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides what their temporary works assessment must cover.
Purpose
- Identify temporary works and the risk of failure or collapse.
- Ensure design, checking and coordination by competent people.
- Record loading, sequence and inspection before loading.
- Control the transfer between temporary and permanent works.
Who completes it
- A competent person appointed by the employer, often a temporary works coordinator.
- With input from designers and those who erect the works.
- Reviewed within the organisation’s own process.
- It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure competence throughout.
When it is used
- Before temporary works are designed and installed.
- When the design, loading or sequence changes.
- Following inspection or check findings.
- After a near miss or change in conditions.
Typical fields
- Temporary works element and its purpose.
- Failure and collapse risks and who is affected.
- Design, checking and coordination arrangements.
- Loading sequence and inspection before use.
- Removal and transfer to permanent works, and review date.
- Example fields only — adapt to the works and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Loading temporary works before they are checked and signed off.
- No coordination between design, installation and use.
- Removing supports too early.
- Treating standard solutions as fit for every situation.
Document workflow
A temporary works risk assessment links to the design and check process, the method statement and inspection records, and feeds the safe system of work. A permit to load is often used; a change or check finding triggers a review.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with a temporary works risk assessment.
Retention (high level)
Temporary works assessments and check records are generally kept for as long as they are relevant and for a period afterwards, in line with the employer’s obligations. Specific retention periods vary by jurisdiction.
This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Temporary works assessments are commonly completed and stored as PDFs alongside design, check and inspection records. Exporting to PDF supports documentation; it does not make the assessment official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Use competent people to design, check and coordinate.
- Inspect and sign off temporary works before loading.
- Control the loading sequence and removal.
- Coordinate the works and review after changes.
Worker notes
- Do not load or alter temporary works without authorisation.
- Follow the agreed sequence for loading and removal.
- Report damage, movement or any sign of distress.
Country considerations
Duties around temporary works, design checks and coordination vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is high-level and general — it is not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee that a document is valid anywhere.
Always confirm the current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for assessing and controlling temporary works and compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not determine what your assessment must contain, does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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