A Working Platform (WP) is the prepared subgrade that supports heavy construction equipment during foundation installation and related site activities. As sites thaw following a harsh winter—often with several feet of frozen ground—it is a critical time to plan for stable, dry, and safe WPs. If WPs are not properly planned or constructed, conditions can quickly become unproductive and potentially unsafe.
When ground freezes, its void space expands, causing frost heave. During thawing, much of this additional void space remains and may become saturated from snowmelt or precipitation. This freeze–thaw cycle, combined with spring rainfall, can create unstable ground conditions. As construction activity ramps up for the season, ensuring that WPs are properly designed and maintained becomes especially important.
Several equipment tipping incidents worldwide have highlighted the risks associated with inadequate WPs. In response, the European Federation of Foundation Contractors (EFFC) and Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) collaborated to develop industry guidelines outlining best practices for WP design and performance. That document can be found here.
To help bring additional attention to this important safety topic, HELICAL developed a condensed set of recommendations as a three-part series covering key considerations and responsibilities across project teams. Please refer to the links below to explore the series:
