Introduction
Drowning prevention is a vital component of worker safety for those who perform jobs around water, such as lifeguards, dock workers, and construction crews near bodies of water. These workers face unique risks that can lead to accidents if proper precautions aren’t taken.
Drowning Risk
The danger of drowning occurs when there is no adequate protection to protect or prevent workers from falling into the water. Drowning risks can also occur when workers are not wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that can prevent drowning when and if a worker falls into the water.
Fall Protection
If work is being conducted 6 feet or more above the water’s surface, fall protection must be implemented. To prevent the risk of drowning, guardrail systems, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems should be used for added protection.
When fall protection is used on walking working surfaces above the water where no drowning hazards exist, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets or buoyant work vests are not required. However, if safety nets are used, life vests are usually still required as safety nets may not completely eliminate the drowning hazard. Where drowning hazards do exist, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets or buoyant work vests are required to be worn.
Personal Flotation Devices
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) include life jackets, life preservers, and flotation vests. These devices must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard under 49 CFR Part 160, Type I, II, and III, and marked for use as work vests, commercial use, or on vessels. PFDs should provide high visibility using bright colors, such as:
- Indian Orange
- International Orange
- Or, Scarlet Munsell Red
The vests must be easily adjustable for a secure fit, support the wearer in an upright or slightly reclined position, and keep the head supported to ensure the wearer’s face remains above water.
Before each use, PFDs must be inspected. Look for damages, including:
- Dry rot
- Chemical damage
- Tears
- Or, other defects that may affect the strength and buoyancy of the device
Defective or damaged PFDs must not be used and shall be replaced immediately.
Rescue
Rescuing a drowning victim must be done fast; every second matters. If the victim is close enough where a ring buoy is sufficient, throw the buoy out to the victim. If the victim is retrievable from land, a water rescue pole may be used to pull the victim out of the water. Ring buoys and water rescue poles are the safest methods for rescue as these devices reduce the need for rescuers to enter potentially dangerous waters. A lifesaving skiff can be used if the victim is not within reach.
Best Practices
When working near water, it is crucial to follow best practices for drowning prevention, including:
- Perform daily workplace inspections and risk assessments to determine drowning hazards and what protective measures are needed
- Know the water depth prior to starting work
- Wear Coast Guard-approved PFDs, even inside mobile equipment near water
- And, keep water rescue equipment easily accessible and know where extra PFDs are stored
Conclusion
Drowning prevention in the workplace is a crucial aspect of ensuring worker safety, especially for those who work around or near water. By implementing effective safety measures, providing proper training, and utilizing the right protective equipment, employers can minimize the risk of water-related accidents.