Scour protection and rock armour placement defend coastal structures, bridge piers, and flood defences against erosion from wave action and river flow. The work involves handling individual rock pieces weighing several tonnes using long-reach excavators or cranes on waterside locations. This talk covers the safety controls for rock armour and scour protection works on UK marine and river construction projects.
Key Hazards
Crush injuries from large rock pieces shifting during placement
Excavator instability on soft or sloping waterside ground conditions
Drowning from falling into water from the placement working platform
Rock fragments striking workers during placement or splitting on impact
Control Measures
Ensure the placement platform or bank is designed and prepared to support the excavator weight.
Establish an exclusion zone around the excavator and the placement area at the waterside edge.
Wear a personal flotation device at all times when working within falling distance of water.
Use a long-reach excavator with adequate capacity for the size and weight of rock being placed.
Position a banksman to guide the excavator and maintain a safe distance from the water edge.
Brief the operator on the placement pattern, rock grading, and the design profile to achieve.
Stop work if tidal or river conditions change and make the working platform unsafe.
Inspect the placement area after each tidal cycle to confirm rock has not shifted or subsided.
Coordinate with the Environment Agency for any in-river working window and permit requirements.
Remember
Wear a personal flotation device at all times when working near the water edge
Ensure the working platform is designed and verified to support the excavator weight
Maintain an exclusion zone around the excavator and the placement area at all times
Stop work if tidal or river conditions change and make the working position unsafe
Inspect placed rock after each tidal cycle to confirm it has not shifted or subsided