Working Safely Near Water Hazards

Date: 2026-01-15

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To ensure all personnel understand the risks associated with working near water and the necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries.

Introduction

Construction work near water poses significant dangers, including drowning, hypothermia, and other hazards. Even seemingly standard tasks can be risky due to fast currents, slippery banks, and cold water exposure. [1] [1] [1] [1]

Key Points

• Risk Assessment: A competent person should conduct and review a task-specific risk assessment before starting any work near water. This assessment must identify and address all potential hazards, including drowning, equipment overturning, and confined space collapses. [1]
• Warning Signs: Post warning signs to alert both workers and the public to the hazards present around the water. [1]
• Buddy System: Always be aware of your fellow workers and ensure no one is working alone near the water. [1]
• Housekeeping: Remove slip-and-trip hazards from the work area near the water. If removal is not possible, clearly mark the hazards and inform all workers. [1]
• PFD Inspection: Inspect all Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) before and after each use for any defects that could compromise their strength or buoyancy. Defective units must not be used. [1]
• Rescue Equipment: Ensure that ring buoys with at least 90 feet of line are readily available for emergency rescue operations. The distance between ring buoys must not exceed 200 feet. [1]

Hazard Identification

• Drowning: Can occur due to rising floodwaters, fast currents, or deep water. Even a few inches of water can be deadly, especially with slippery banks. [1] [1]
• Hypothermia: Exposure to cold water can lead to hypothermia, even on warm days. Cold water shock can cause incapacitation. [1] [1]
• Equipment and Vehicle Accidents: Movement of vehicles and machinery near the water's edge can lead to accidental submersion or rollovers, particularly during maintenance work. [1]
• Unstable Banks and Edges: Potential unmarked edges and insecure banks can lead to falls into the water. [1]
• Electrical Hazards: Using electrical equipment, tools, and machinery around water can lead to electric shock. [1]

Control Measures

• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or buoyant work vest when exposed to a risk of drowning.: Ensure the device provides adequate buoyancy to keep the worker's head above water and face up without effort. [1]
• Provide and maintain at least one lifesaving skiff immediately available where employees work over or adjacent to water.: The skiff must be suitable for the conditions, equipped with oar locks, oars, a boat hook, and a cork ring buoy with 50 feet of suitable line attached. [1]
• Ensure rescue equipment, such as boats, is stored on or near the project and ready for use before starting work each day.: A designated worker should verify the readiness of the equipment. [1]
• Use slip-resistant footwear.: Select footwear that provides adequate traction on wet and slippery surfaces to prevent falls.
• Implement fall protection measures.: When continuous fall protection is used, life jackets or buoyant work vests are not required. Assess the hazards to determine what measures are required. [2]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Personal Flotation Device (PFD): A U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD is essential when working near water where there is a risk of drowning. Ensure it fits properly and is in good condition. [1]
• Slip-Resistant Footwear: Wear shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles to prevent falls on wet or slippery surfaces. [3]
• Gloves: Waterproof gloves provide protection against exposure to contaminated water and sharp debris. [3]
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or face shields protect against splashes and debris.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What are the specific water-related hazards on this job site?
2. What additional control measures can we implement to improve safety near the water?
3. How can we improve our emergency response plan for water-related incidents?

Emergency Procedures

1. Immediately notify the supervisor and other workers in the area.
2. Throw a ring buoy with a line to the person in the water. [1]
3. If possible, use a skiff for rescue, ensuring the rescuer wears a PFD. [1]
4. Call emergency services (911) and provide the exact location and nature of the emergency.

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Working near water presents significant hazards, including drowning and hypothermia.
• A thorough risk assessment is crucial to identify and mitigate these hazards. [1]
• Wearing appropriate PPE, such as PFDs and slip-resistant footwear, is essential. [1]
• Knowing and practicing emergency procedures can save lives.

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

1. Inspect your PFD before each use and report any defects. [1]
2. Familiarize yourself with the location of rescue equipment.
3. Never work alone near water. [3]

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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