SCOSS: safeguarding structural safety for 30 years

The Standing Committee on Structural Safety (SCOSS) was formed 30 years ago to identify trends and practices in the field of structural engineering that are seen as potential causes for concern. During that time it has considered some 200 topics, some of which have led to authoritative guidance or a change in design requirements. Continuing structural failures indicate that civil and structural engineers need to remain vigilant and continue to manage risk carefully. This paper examines the work of the committee to date, the matters of concern and the major issues examined. It emphasises the need for a holistic approach to structural safety which considers the influences of people, process and product. The need to consider that human shortcomings and errors are often the root causes of failure is emphasised and illustrated.