Working Over Water

Working over water means carrying out any task where a person is positioned directly above open water or liquid.
Falls into water from bridges, jetties, pontoons, and temporary platforms are a significant drowning risk on construction sites.
The depth, temperature, flow rate, and tidal conditions of the water all affect the severity of a fall-in incident.
Personal flotation devices must be worn by all persons working over water at all times without exception.
Safety nets, guardrails, and toe boards must be installed on all platforms and access structures over water.
Rescue equipment including throw bags, lifebuoys, and boat access must be immediately available at the work location.
A specific water rescue plan must be in place and practised before any work over water commences.
Cold water shock can incapacitate a strong swimmer within seconds of immersion, preventing self-rescue.
Working platforms over water must be designed to withstand the loads imposed and maintained in good condition.
Tidal conditions change water levels throughout the day, affecting platform clearance and rescue arrangements.

Drowning risk	A person falling into water while wearing heavy PPE and boots has very little time to self-rescue — flotation devices save lives.
Cold water shock	Even in summer, UK water temperatures cause gasping and muscle failure within seconds of immersion.
Rescue readiness	A practised rescue plan with tested equipment reduces the time from fall-in to recovery — every second matters.

Do

Don't

Wear a personal flotation device at all times when working over water.
Install guardrails, toe boards, and safety nets on all working platforms over water.
Ensure rescue equipment is in place and within immediate reach of the work area.
Brief all workers on the water rescue plan before any work over water begins.
Check tidal conditions and adjust work plans and rescue arrangements accordingly.
Inspect working platforms over water daily for structural integrity and stability.
Use a buddy system so someone is always watching when a colleague works over water.
Practise rescue drills regularly so the team can respond instantly if someone falls in.
Secure all tools and materials to prevent them falling into the water below.
Monitor weather and water conditions throughout the shift for changing hazards.

DON'T work over water without wearing a personal flotation device at all times.
DON'T use platforms over water without guardrails, toe boards, and edge protection.
DON'T start work over water without rescue equipment accessible at the work location.
DON'T begin working until everyone understands the water rescue plan.
DON'T ignore tidal changes — water levels affect platform safety and rescue access.
DON'T use damaged or unstable platforms over water — inspect and repair before use.
DON'T work alone over water — always use a buddy system with visual contact.
DON'T assume you could rescue yourself — cold water shock disables swimmers instantly.
DON'T leave loose tools or materials on platforms where they could fall into water.
DON'T continue working if water or weather conditions deteriorate beyond safe limits.

See also: Drowning Prevention and Water Safety | Pontoon & Floating Platform Safety

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