When several contractors are active on the same site, or when complex loads are being transferred, the safety of the entire project depends on careful coordination. If responsibilities are unclear, temporary works can quickly become a source of delay, unexpected cost pressure, or, in the worst-case scenarios, catastrophic site incidents.

In this blog, Hadeed Engineering explains the role of a Temporary Works Coordinator, when their appointment is necessary to meet industry best practices, and how structured control supports safer, more predictable outcomes on Australian construction sites, guided by experienced structural engineering experts.

When Do You Need a Temporary Works Coordinator?

What is a Temporary Works Coordinator?

A Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) is a designated professional responsible for managing the planning and execution of temporary works on a construction site. They act as the central control point for temporary structures, ensuring that nothing is built, loaded, or dismantled without proper authorization.

A TWC typically does not design temporary works. Instead, they serve as the link between the designers, site supervisors, permanent works engineers, and subcontractors.

According to BS 5975 (the British standard for the management of temporary works in construction), the TWC is responsible for ensuring that the design intent is understood and correctly implemented on site.

Core Responsibilities of a TWC on Site

A Temporary Works Coordinator provides structured control throughout the lifecycle of temporary works. Their responsibilities support safer site operations by conducting the following

1. Planning and design brief oversight

The TWC reviews the design brief and confirms that all requirements are clearly defined. They check that the temporary works designers have the necessary skills and experience for the specific task.

2. Coordination with site teams

Temporary works involve multiple subcontractors who may not be talking to each other. For example, a concreting crew might need to load a formwork deck that was installed by a scaffolding team. The TWC ensures that each party understands the design intent and the correct sequence of work, and that no unapproved changes are made during installation.

3. Verification before loading

Before a temporary structure is brought into a project, the TWC confirms that it has been built in accordance with the approved design. They physically check that materials and installation methods match the drawings.

4. Maintaining the Temporary Works Register

An important tool used in temporary works management is the Temporary Works Register. This is a live document that tracks every item of temporary works on the project. The TWC records design details, certificates, inspection records, and removal procedures. The register provides traceability and legal compliance, enabling project managers to track the status of each structure in real time.

5. Inspection and dismantling

Temporary structures can be affected by weather, site movement, or changes in loading. The TWC arranges inspections at appropriate intervals (e.g., after a storm) and acts on any concerns raised. Finally, when the works are no longer needed, they oversee the safe dismantling sequence to prevent hazards as the structure is removed.

When Does a Project Need a Temporary Works Coordinator

While the specific job title is not always mandatory in Australian construction, appointing a competent TWC is considered industry best practice to meet WHS standards. For medium- to large-scale projects or those involving high-risk activities, operating without a TWC can leave a project vulnerable to safety breaches and legal liability.

You should appoint a Temporary Works Coordinator when:

1. The Risk Profile is High

This includes Deep or complex excavations, where ground conditions vary or depths increase. Large formwork systems and any temporary structure (such as hoardings or gantries) that protects public zones; they carry greater consequences if something goes wrong.

2. Multiple Contractors are Involved

On sites where responsibilities overlap, information can become fragmented. If the groundworks contractor, the formworker, and the steel fixer are all working in the same zone, who is checking the stability of the access platforms? Construction safety roles like the TWC bridge these gaps.

3. Overlapping Construction Stages

It is highly recommended to appoint a TWC when project stages overlap. For example, if excavation and façade installation are running in parallel, each team may depend on temporary works that support different loads at different times. A coordinator helps the project maintain control as conditions change, ensuring that a structure designed for one purpose isn’t dangerously repurposed for another without review.

4. Complex or Non-Standard Designs

If your project requires bespoke engineering rather than off-the-shelf equipment, the margin for error is smaller. A TWC ensures that the specific engineering requirements of the bespoke design are communicated clearly to the installation crew.

How Hadeed Engineering Contributes to Safe Temporary Works

At Hadeed Engineering, we specialise in the design of temporary works, delivering safe, compliant solutions tailored to the unique requirements of construction and infrastructure projects across Australia. From concept development to detailed design and certification, our focus is on minimising risk and ensuring structural integrity under all anticipated load conditions.

Proven Capability on Major Projects

Our Temporary Works Design expertise has been integral to some of Australia’s most complex and demanding infrastructure builds. We work closely with project teams and Temporary Works Coordinators to deliver precise, high-quality documentation.

Princes Freeway Interchanges Upgrade

A major project involving new bridges and additional lanes. Hadeed Engineering designed and detailed gantries, barrier rails, and aluminium screens (128 tonnes of structural steel) that maintained traffic flow and construction site safety.

The West Gate Tunnel Project

A major infrastructure initiative providing an alternative to the West Gate Bridge. Hadeed provided 3D models and shop drawings for gantry stairs and barrier rails for the entire elevated roadway and twin tunnels. This involved detailing 2,750 tonnes of structural steel, ensuring safe access and stability during construction.

South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication

A critical rail upgrade to enable more frequent services. We delivered 3D models and shop drawings for gantries and guardrails (109 tonnes of structural steel), to provide secure temporary support for the rail corridor works.

For more on the value of temporary works, read our article: The Unseen Hero of Construction: Temporary Works Design Explained.

Secure Your Project with Expert Support

When a project involves complex temporary structures or several contractors working through shared areas, early planning is the only way to mitigate risk. Having a Temporary Works Coordinator and supporting them with high-quality engineering designs can prevent delays, protect workers, and support smoother site operations.

At Hadeed Engineering, we provide the practical advice and precision design services that help your Temporary Works Coordinator maintain total control.

Contact Hadeed Engineering today to discuss your project needs.