Which safe practice is essential for formwork and shoring?

Formwork and shoring play a crucial role in construction by providing temporary support and shaping for materials such as concrete until they achieve sufficient strength. The essential safe practice for formwork and shoring is that it must support all vertical and lateral loads without failure. This means that the system must be robust enough to handle the weight of the materials being used, as well as any additional forces that may occur during construction, such as wind or movement.

Failure to ensure this stability can result in catastrophic accidents, including structural collapse, which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Therefore, it is critical to adhere to design specifications that account for all potential loads and stresses.

In contrast, using plastic materials for formwork is not a universal safe practice, as it depends on the specific application and material properties. Inspecting formwork only after use negates the proactive safety measures that are necessary during the construction process; inspections should be conducted regularly, especially before concrete is poured. Lastly, erecting formwork and shoring without a design plan undermines safety, as these structures need to be engineered to handle the expected loads properly.