• Wear a personal flotation device at all times when near the water's edge
• Monitor river levels and weather forecasts throughout the working day
• Ensure rescue equipment including throw lines and lifebuoys is available on site
• Obtain all required environmental permits before starting any bank works
• Assess ground conditions before positioning plant near the river bank
• Install temporary edge protection where workers operate near the water
• Brief the team on flood warning triggers and the evacuation procedure
• Complete ecological surveys and comply with protected species restrictions
• Plan safe access routes to the work area avoiding unstable ground
• Maintain a buddy system so no one works alone at the water's edge

• DON'T work at the river bank without wearing a personal flotation device
• DON'T ignore rising water levels — evacuate to higher ground immediately
• DON'T position heavy plant on soft ground near the river bank edge
• DON'T start work without the required Environment Agency permits in place
• DON'T disturb protected species or their habitats without ecological clearance
• DON'T work alone at the river bank at any time during the project
• DON'T rely on fair local weather — upstream rain raises river levels quickly
• DON'T enter the river or wade through water without a specific risk assessment
• DON'T stockpile materials where they could be washed away by rising water
• DON'T obstruct the river channel in a way that could increase flood risk

See also: Flood Defence Construction Safety | Working Near Open Water