Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Awareness
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Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Awareness
Working near water on construction sites presents a serious drowning risk. Open water, deep excavations with groundwater, rivers, canals, and process tanks are all potentially fatal. Cold water shock can incapacitate a person in seconds, making self-rescue impossible. Proper planning, barriers, and rescue equipment are essential wherever work takes place near water.
- Install edge protection and barriers around all open water and flooded excavations on site.
- Provide personal flotation devices to all workers within two metres of open water.
- Position rescue equipment including throw lines and lifebuoys at regular intervals near water.
- Ensure at least two trained water rescue operatives are present when working over water.
- Conduct a specific water safety risk assessment before any work near water commences.
- Brief all workers on water hazard locations during site induction and display warning signage.
- Implement a buddy system so no one works alone near water at any time.
- Monitor water levels, flow rates, and weather conditions throughout the working day.
- Restrict access to water-adjacent areas to only those workers with a specific task there.
If someone falls into water, shout for help and throw a lifebuoy or line immediately. Do not enter the water unless trained and equipped. Call 999 and guide emergency services to the exact location.
- Drowning can happen in less than 60 seconds, even for strong swimmers.
- Cold water shock causes involuntary gasping which leads to inhaling water rapidly.
- Always wear your personal flotation device when working within two metres of water.
- Know where the nearest rescue equipment is located before you start work each day.
- Never attempt a water rescue unless you are properly trained and equipped to do so.
- Report any missing barriers, damaged rescue equipment, or rising water levels immediately.
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