The document discusses hazards associated with falsework and formwork operations during construction projects. Some key hazards identified include falls, materials handling, being struck by objects, collapses, and health issues. Contributing factors for incidents include unauthorized modifications to the formwork without approval, shortcutting approved safety processes, early removal of formwork before concrete is set, and use of damaged or substandard components. The document recommends control measures like having the formwork designed and inspected by engineers, using permit systems, competent supervision, fall protection, barricades, lighting, and following approved safety plans.

1. Form # HSEQ – HSEA (Rev 0 – Aug 16)
HSE ALERT # 29
DESCRIPTION:
Falsework is any temporary structure used to support formwork, (to cast a permanent structure)
during its erection and until it the concrete becomes self-supporting.
The following are some of the main hazard areas in falsework/formwork operations:
 Falls – They are the major hazard because they are potentially fatal
 Materials handling – The activity most frequently connected with injury
 Fixing – Wrong sized, or insufficient number , or wrong location or loose fitting of tie-rods and
bolts .
 Struck against - beams, panels, nails, bolts, and rebar can cause punctures, cuts, contusions,
and abrasions
 Struck by – Loads, concrete bucket, panels during stripping etc.
 Electrical contact – poor cable management
 Collapses – Even with advanced methods of design and installation, there is always the risk
that falsework , formwork, slab forms, wall forms, and other large components can come
loose, slip out of place, or fall over, striking or crushing workers underneath
 Health hazards – such as the spraying of form oils and curing compounds can irritate the
lungs, Dust and concrete
 Lighting – Inadequate lighting can create or aggravate hazards
 Access equipment – Access equipment such as ladders and scaffolds
 Environmental conditions – rain and humidity create slippery conditions and wind can be a
major hazard
FALSE WORK & FORMWORK
No space provided for Horizontal girders/
support. Substandard formworks (in-house)
provide.
Use of mixed components (only advisable for
inevitable designs; with additional 03rd party
approvals and certifications.The Horizontal Support (girders) & Props.
Nails been used to secure panels

2. Form # HSEQ – HSEA (Rev 0 – Aug 16)
HSE ALERT # 29
Contributing factors which could lead toformworkincidents:
 Falsework /Formwork not being designed or reviewed by an Authorized Temporary Works
Engineer
 Falsework /Formwork not constructed in accordance with the Falsework /Formwork design
specifications
 Unauthorized modification the Falsework /Formwork due to site conditions without prior
approval from designer / engineer such as reducing the number of props, use unapproved
materials, use of mixed components
 Use shortcut during work process which contrary with approved Method Statement – MS,
Risk Assessment - RA and Flow Chart
 Lack of Risk Management for the task such as Job Safety Analysis JSA & lack of installing
suitable hard barricades
 Early or overloading , early striking
 Non-compliance of Permit to Work (PTW ) for the Falsework /Formwork loading ( Permit to
Load) and/ or Permit To Strike for striking activities
 Inappropriate execution of 2-tier activities at a time
 Ineffective Communication between all involved parties e.g. Construction team,
subcontractors and Safety team
 Use damaged or sub-standard formwork components
 Removal of formwork before the concrete achieves adequate strength or Overloading of the
formwork during concrete pouring operations
 Use unsuitable fall arrest system
 Incompetent employees (direct employees or subcontractors)
 Poor illumination and housekeeping.
Control measures to prevent incidents, but not limited to:-
 Prior to commencement of any formwork/false work activity, MSRA and other relevant
documents shall be submitted for PMC / Consultant for approval
 Falsework /Formwork Flowchart shall be created and submitted for PMC and consultant
approval to identify the sequence of work (Assembly and erection, Concrete placement,
Stripping and dismantling)
 Control measures are required to be inspected at each stage to ensure full compliance with
Safe System of Work
 Ensure strict adherence of Formwork PTW systems (Permit to Load & Strike).
 Third party technical team or Authorized Temporary Works Engineer
shall inspect individual formwork systems
 Select competent employees to perform the task safely with adequate training, information
and related documents
 Use of mixed formworks/ falseworks components are Prohibited without system designer
approval, 3rd party approvals and certifications
 All edges, gaps and openings shall be protected with suitable hard barricading & suitable fall
arrest system shall be used.
 Competent supervision shall be assigned during the full tenure of the job along with effective
communication protocols
 Visible safety signage and barricading shall be provided where dismantling of formworks are
being carried out.
 Provide sufficient illumination and maintain good housekeeping