Re-visiting Bragg to keep UK's temporary works safe under EuroNorms

Abstract

Major failures of UK temporary works have almost disappeared since BS 5975 was published in 1982, following the Bragg report in 1975 into recent falsework disasters in which many lost their lives. But with the replacement of British standards by EuroNorms, could such failures inevitably recur? BS 5975 is ‘British’ in style: its comprehensive guidance appeals to reasonableness and the exercise of judgement. Not every detail of site operations can be foreseen in the design office, so coordinating the inter-relationship between designer and constructor is critical. This contrasts with the style of the EuroNorms, in which reliance is placed on highly analytical methods and low factors of safety. The paper compares BS 5975 in detail with the EuroNorm for falsework, BS EN 12812, expressing concern about the dependence on analysis and the absence of guidance on procedural control. The introduction of the structural Eurocodes also presents a fundamental challenge to the construction industry. At a time when those who grew up with Bragg are retiring from the industry, the paper re-visits Bragg's recommendations and sets a fresh agenda to maintain and improve safety in the industry as the EuroNorms are adopted.