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Working in or over water on construction sites presents unique drowning hazards that require specialized safety measures. This SWMS covers procedures for preventing falls into water, ensuring buoyancy, providing rescue equipment, and implementing emergency response protocols. The document addresses Australian WHS requirements for water-based work and fall prevention near water bodies.
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Working in or over water involves significant drowning risks that require specialized safety measures. This SWMS covers fall prevention, buoyancy equipment, rescue procedures, and emergency response for water-based construction work.
Plans from $15 AUD/month — paid plans renew monthly until cancelled
Fully editable, audit-ready, and aligned to Australian WHS standards.
Water work on construction sites creates drowning hazards from falls, currents, and cold water immersion. Proper safety measures prevent fatalities and ensure effective rescue capabilities for water emergencies.
Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Water Working In-Over-Adjacent Safe Work Method Statement crews before they mobilise.
Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.
Risk of falling into water from heights or unstable edges.
Sudden immersion in cold water causing shock and reduced consciousness.
Water movement that can sweep workers away or prevent rescue.
Submerged obstacles or contaminated water.
Poor underwater visibility complicating rescue operations.
Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.
Install guardrails and barriers to prevent falls into water.
Implementation
Install 900mm guardrails, safety nets, and edge protection around water areas.
Provide personal flotation devices for all water work.
Implementation
Issue Type 1 or 2 life jackets, inspect before use, train in proper wearing.
Maintain rescue boats, buoys, and throw lines for emergencies.
Implementation
Position ring buoys every 50m, maintain rescue boats, conduct monthly drills.
Train workers in water safety and emergency response.
Implementation
Conduct water safety training, establish buddy systems, develop emergency plans.
Monitor conditions that affect water safety.
Implementation
Check forecasts, monitor water levels, suspend work in hazardous conditions.
Requirement: Type 1 or 2 life jacket with 100N buoyancy
When:
Requirement: Insulated suit for cold water
When:
Requirement: Hard hat with chin strap
When:
Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.
Assess water conditions and develop safety plan.
Safety considerations
Never work alone near water
Install barriers and prepare rescue equipment.
Safety considerations
Test all equipment functionality
Equip workers and conduct briefings.
Safety considerations
Life jackets worn at all times
Perform work within safe zones.
Safety considerations
Maintain communication with rescue teams
Implement rescue for water emergencies.
Safety considerations
Rescuers must wear life jackets
Life jackets must be worn when working over or near water where drowning risk exists.
Inspect before and after each use, and monthly formal inspections.
Throw flotation device, call for help, guide rescue efforts.
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Construction work near water bodies accounts for significant drowning incidents annually. Falls into water can result in immediate drowning, hypothermia, or injury from underwater obstacles. Work over water increases fall risks, while adjacent water work creates hazards from unstable edges and changing water levels. This SWMS ensures comprehensive risk assessment, barrier installation, personal flotation equipment, and rescue capabilities to prevent water-related fatalities and injuries.
Water work involves several critical hazards requiring specialized control measures.
Control measures follow the hierarchy of controls, prioritizing elimination and engineering solutions before administrative and PPE measures.
Personal protective equipment is critical for water work safety and must meet specific standards.
Regular inspections and checks are essential for maintaining water work safety.
Follow these systematic procedures for safe work in or over water.
Common questions about working in or over water safety.
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