River and Canal Bank Working

River and canal banks are often soft, slippery, and undercut, making them unstable for workers and plant.
Drowning is the primary risk; a worker falling into flowing water may be swept away within seconds.
Bank edges can collapse under the weight of workers, materials, or plant positioned too close to the edge.
Water levels change with rainfall, tidal influence, and upstream dam or lock operations without warning.
Vegetation hides the true bank edge; the solid ground may be further back than it appears.
Personal flotation devices must be worn by all workers within 2 metres of the water edge.
Rescue equipment including throw lines, lifebuoys, and reaching aids must be positioned along the bank.
Plant operating near banks creates vibration that destabilises soft ground and can trigger bank collapse.
Cold water shock from falling into UK rivers and canals incapacitates swimmers within minutes.
CDM 2015 and HSE guidance require specific risk assessment and controls for work near open water.

Prevent drowning	Workers falling from unstable or slippery banks into rivers and canals drown every year in the UK construction industry.
Bank collapse	Soft, undercut banks collapse under load without warning, dropping workers, plant, and materials into the water.
Cold water shock	Even strong swimmers lose muscle control within minutes of entering cold UK waterways, preventing self-rescue.

Do

Don't

Wear a personal flotation device within 2 metres of the water edge.
Assess bank stability before positioning workers or plant near the edge.
Position rescue equipment including throw lines at regular intervals along the bank.
Keep plant and heavy materials back from the bank edge at a safe distance.
Monitor water levels throughout the shift for unexpected rises or flow changes.
Clear vegetation to identify the true bank edge before working near it.
Use barriers and edge protection to prevent accidental falls into the water.
Brief all workers on the rescue plan and location of rescue equipment.
Check upstream conditions including dam releases and lock operations before work.
Ensure at least two people are present when working adjacent to water.

DON'T work within 2 metres of a bank edge without a personal flotation device.
DON'T position plant or heavy loads on soft ground near the bank edge.
DON'T assume the bank is stable because it looks firm on the surface.
DON'T work alone near rivers or canals; always have a buddy present.
DON'T ignore rising water levels or increasing flow speed during the shift.
DON'T jump into water to rescue someone unless you are trained and equipped.
DON'T store materials on bank edges where they could fall or roll into the water.
DON'T rely on vegetation to indicate where the solid ground ends.
DON'T remove barriers or edge protection along the bank during work activities.
DON'T underestimate cold water shock risk, even in summer months.

See also: Drowning Prevention and Water Safety | Water Rescue Training Requirements

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