As much as everyone looks forward to the warm summer months each year, there is one sad inevitability that we have to live with at this time; that is people getting into difficulty in the water, some of whom drown.
That is in a leisure context, but for some businesses it can be an occupational hazard all the year round. While most businesses who face this risk will have all the correct procedures in place, some do get it wrong. Work-related fatalities, though, are thankfully rare.
A recent prosecution
However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has just completed the prosecution of a construction firm in Yorkshire, after a worker tragically drowned whilst clearing debris from a weir. His boat capsized in turbulent water and he was pulled under for 14 minutes.
Following the prosecution, in which the company was fined in excess of £2.3m, the HSE criticised them for failing to carry out a risk assessment, failing to implement a hierarchy of controls to reduce risk, failure to put suitable safety measures in place and failure to implement a safe system of work.
Prevention from drowning basics
If you are new to working in an environment where water is a hazard, or would like a refresher, here are some basic considerations.
As pointed out in the failings listed by the HSE above safe systems of work and properly maintained safety equipment are essential, and add to that training and emergency procedures.
Remember that when someone enters the water, there is a risk of cold water shock, injury including a knock on the head, and the danger of saturated, heavy clothing. If they are in the water for any length of time hypothermia and fatigue become an issue.
Preventing a fall – Ensure there are effective barriers around water where possible. In the above case though, that would not have helped as the workers were on a boat. It was explained in proceedings, though, that the company had the ability to slow the flow of water down which would have allowed the safe approach by boat. So always risk assess the situation you are facing and respond accordingly.
Calling for help – Consider how the alarm can be raised. Always having more than one person on the job and equipping each person with whistles and communication equipment is a good starting point.
Provide auto-inflating life jackets – These are especially designed to keep an unconscious person in the water face up. Make sure anyone at risk has one and is properly trained in their use.
Grab and throw lines – Well positioned grab lines are a line of defence if the person in the water is conscious and has a degree of control over their movement. The HSE advises positioning them down stream and at a 45 degree angle to guide the victim to shore. Operating a throw line safely requires training as there is a risk of the rescuer being pulled into the water.
Rescue boats – If a rescue boat is part of your control measures, the operator should be well trained. The boat should be suitable for the body of water it is being deployed in and be designed so that someone can be easily pulled aboard.
Expert help from The Health and Safety Dept
Working in or around water highlights the need to have a competent health and safety resources available to you, to keep people safe and ensure you stay compliant with the law. At The Health and Safety Dept we can fulfil that role for you cost-effectively advising on water safety and all other areas of occupational health and safety. To find out more, or ask about our training services, please contact us today.
