Communication in structural safety: CROSS-AUS issues new guidance
Iain Hoey
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Construction safety gaps outlined in Australia newsletter
CROSS (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures) has published its latest CROSS-AUS newsletter, which outlines four new Safety Reports focused on structural safety issues in Australia.
According to CROSS, the reports emphasise that communication failures during design, construction, and later modifications of buildings are contributing to recurring structural safety problems.
The newsletter was written by David Donnan, Director of CROSS-AUS.
CROSS stated that designers should account for how structures are built, not just how they perform once complete.
It added that relying on general notes about ‘temporary works by others’ can result in safety risks that are not adequately managed on site.
Temporary works guidance and industry resources
The newsletter highlights the role of temporary works and their associated risks if not properly designed or communicated.
It noted that design professionals frequently separate permanent structure safety from temporary construction phases, despite both requiring oversight.
To support improved practice, CROSS pointed to the work of the Temporary Works Forum in the UK, established in 2010 after several failures.
It added that similar bodies now operate in Australia and New Zealand to offer region-specific guidance.
CROSS also referenced publications from the Institution of Structural Engineers, including the “Temporary Works Toolkit”, which provides structural engineers with best practice documents for temporary works integration.
Issues with proprietary systems and coordination
Two of the reports addressed the use of proprietary flooring systems. CROSS explained that while these systems use precast planks, the design configurations vary, and safe use depends heavily on manufacturer documentation and adherence to erection procedures.
The organisation stated that system stability in temporary phases must be assessed carefully, especially where unbalanced or eccentric loads are expected before full structural interaction is achieved.
Another report outlined the challenges when separate components of a single structure are designed by different engineers.
CROSS noted that failure to understand or communicate component limitations can affect the structure’s overall serviceability and performance.
Structural modifications and site inspections
A further report described the long-term safety implications of modifying and reusing structures.
According to CROSS, documentation of structural changes is essential for understanding how original and new load paths interact.
The report highlighted that load assumptions and building performance requirements can evolve over time.
Without proper records, the risk of instability increases during later modifications or repurposing.
CROSS concluded by stressing the importance of structural engineers being involved during construction.
It advised that on-site inspections, particularly at key stages, can resolve potential misinterpretations early and support safer outcomes.
Communication in structural safety: CROSS-AUS issues new guidance: Summary
CROSS has published a new structural safety newsletter covering four safety reports in Australia.
The newsletter was authored by CROSS-AUS Director David Donnan.
The publication states that poor communication during design and construction contributes to safety risks.
CROSS warned that temporary works are often overlooked or left to others without clear guidance.
It highlighted the Temporary Works Forum and engineering toolkits as helpful resources.
Reports also raised concerns about improper use of proprietary flooring systems.
CROSS noted that understanding design assumptions across different teams is essential.
Structural modifications require detailed documentation to avoid future instability.
CROSS encouraged regular on-site inspections by designers during key construction phases.