Temporary Works: Key Facts & Standards

BS 5975:2024

In February 2025, BSI split the former BS 5975:2019 standard into two parts: BS 5975-1:2024 (management procedures for the control of temporary works) and BS 5975-2:2024 (falsework design and implementation) — the update every UK contractor now needs to comply with.

Source: BSI, 25 February 2025.

Construction remains the UK's highest-fatality sector

HSE recorded 25 construction worker deaths in work-related incidents in 2025/26, with falls from height the leading cause across all sectors.

Source: HSE, 2025/26 work-related statistics.

Legal duty under CDM 2015 and HSE guidance

Any temporary structure "must be designed, installed and maintained to withstand any foreseeable loads which may be imposed on it," and inspected regularly by a competent person.

Source: HSE, Temporary Works safety topic page.

Independent design checking (Cat 0–3)

A recognised categorisation for temporary works checks, ranging from self-check (Cat 0) to full independent check by a separate organisation (Cat 3), scaled to project risk.

Source: BS 5975 design check categories.