What Does the CITB Temporary Works Supervisor Training Cover?
Anyone working in construction knows just how critical temporary works are to site safety and project success. If you want to take on additional responsibility or step into a supervisory role, understanding temporary works isn’t just useful – it’s essential. That’s precisely where the CITB Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) training steps in.
This blog post breaks down what the CITB TWS course covers and why it matters for construction professionals like you.
What is the CITB Temporary Works Supervisor Course?
The CITB TWS training is designed to give site supervisors, managers, and those with temporary works responsibilities a comprehensive understanding of what’s required to manage temporary works safely. It builds on the knowledge of the CITB Temporary Works Coordinator course, though it’s tailored for those supervising (not coordinating) temporary works on site.
Key Topics Covered in the CITB Temporary Works Supervisor Training
1. Understanding Temporary Works
Definition and role: The course begins by explaining what temporary works are, their purpose, and why they are essential in construction projects.
Types of temporary works: Participants learn about examples such as scaffolding, formwork, falsework, excavation support, and hoarding.
2. Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Legislation overview: Covers key regulations, including the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM 2015) and how they relate to temporary works.
Your legal duties: Understand the supervisor’s legal responsibilities and how to comply with industry standards.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
Supervisor responsibilities: Outlines the specific duties a TWS holds and how they differ from those of a Coordinator or Designer.
Team management: Explains how supervisors interact with the temporary works team, including operatives, coordinators, and designers.
4. Temporary Works Procedures
Company procedures: Teaches the correct company processes for managing temporary works, including risk assessments, method statements, and permit-to-load systems.
When to escalate: Identifies scenarios where issues must be raised with the Temporary Works Coordinator or another responsible person.
5. Managing Safety and Risk
Risk management: Explores hazard identification, risk assessment, and how to ensure control measures are in place and followed.
Practical site safety: Covers real-world scenarios you’re likely to encounter and the supervisor’s role in mitigating risks.
6. Communication and Collaboration
Briefings and toolbox talks: Shows how to conduct effective safety briefings and communicate vital information to the team.
Working with others: Highlights the value of collaboration between project teams, site management, and specialists.
7. Common Pitfalls and Real-Life Incidents
Lessons learned: The course shares real-life examples of temporary works failures, extracts lessons, and links them to best practice.
Avoiding mistakes: Focuses on proactive steps supervisors can take to avoid common errors.
Who Should Take the Temporary Works Supervisor Course?
The course is ideal for:
Site supervisors and foremen involved in temporary works
Construction managers with site safety responsibilities
Anyone looking to improve site safety and progress in their career
Why CITB TWS Training Matters
Temporary works failures can lead to costly delays, structural damage, or even injury. By completing the CITB Temporary Works Supervisor training, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to manage these risks, fulfil your legal duties, and keep your team safe.
Final Thoughts
If you want to take on more responsibility on site and make a real difference to safety standards, the CITB Temporary Works Supervisor course is a smart next step in your construction career.
Interested in developing your skills further? Book your CITB TWS training with us now!
