Working on or near river and canal banks is high-risk because the ground can be unstable, the water can rise unexpectedly, and rescue from flowing water is extremely difficult. Construction workers carrying out bank stabilisation, piling, pipework, or vegetation clearance near waterways must understand the specific risks. This talk covers the controls needed to prevent drowning and other injuries during bankside construction work.
Key Hazards
Drowning after falling into the river or canal from an unstable bank edge
Bank collapse under the weight of workers or plant positioned too close
Rapid water level rise trapping workers in low-lying bankside work areas
Cold water shock causing incapacitation within seconds of immersion
Control Measures
Wear an automatically inflating personal flotation device at all times within two metres of the water.
Position rescue equipment including lifebuoys and throw lines at intervals along the working bank.
Assess bank stability before placing any plant, materials, or personnel near the water's edge.
Install edge protection or barrier fencing along the bank top where workers could fall into the water.
Monitor water levels and weather forecasts and evacuate the area if flood warnings are issued.
Ensure a buddy system is in place so no one works alone near the water at any time.
Establish a safe access route to and from the bankside work area that avoids steep or slippery slopes.
Brief all operatives on the man overboard procedure and the location of all rescue equipment.
Keep plant and heavy loads back from the bank edge at a distance agreed in the method statement.
Emergency / Rescue
If someone falls into the water, throw a lifebuoy or rescue line immediately and shout for help. Do not enter the water. Call 999 and raise the site alarm. Direct emergency services to the nearest access point on arrival.
Remember
Wear an auto-inflating personal flotation device within two metres of the water at all times
Rescue equipment must be positioned at regular intervals along the working bank edge
Assess bank stability before positioning any plant, materials, or personnel near the edge
Monitor water levels and weather forecasts and evacuate if flood warnings are issued
No one may work alone near water — a buddy system must always be in place on site
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · Work at Height Regulations 2005