A platform collapse on a City of London project reveals the importance of rigorous design and supervision in construction safety.
A serious incident on a high-end refurbishment project in the City of London has emphasised the vital need for robust temporary works design and management. During work to create a service riser shaft at Paxton House, a temporary wooden platform collapsed, causing severe injuries to a drilling operative working beneath it. The Health and Safety Executive found that no formal design or load calculations had been made for the platform, with inadequate supervision and unclear risk management contributing to the collapse.
In practical terms, this incident underlines the necessity for competent temporary works coordinators to oversee all temporary structures on site, ensuring they are designed, inspected, and maintained to withstand anticipated loads. Verbal instructions and informal monitoring are insufficient safeguards. Clear communication and coordination between contractors, principal contractors, and operatives are essential to prevent hazardous working conditions, especially in complex multi-floor operations common in London’s high-end residential and commercial refurbishments.
Atico Solutions recognises that meticulous construction management, including detailed risk assessments, method statements, and continuous supervision, is fundamental to project safety and success. Implementing formal temporary works procedures and ensuring all personnel are competent and vigilant protects both workers and project timelines, maintaining the highest standards expected in premium developments across London and the Home Counties.
Source: The Construction Index
Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.