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Working Near Water Safety Considerations.

The ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø (UoR) has several areas of open water within its Estate, including lakes and in proximity to rivers, to be enjoyed by colleagues, students and members of the Public. Such areas require maintenance by UoR staff. 

There are hazards’ workers face when working in or near open water, or rivers. When work is required near water, it is essential that the worksite is assessed for risk and that hazard identification takes place, at each individual site. A Safe System of Work (SSoW) should be in place and communicated to workers.  All staff required to work near water will require an awareness of risks and appropriate training. The risk assessment should consider who is at risk, consider vulnerable groups such as young workers, expectant mothers, those with known underlying health conditions and those workers for whom English is not their first language. The location of emergency lifesaving equipment such as buoyancy aids should be noted on the SSoW. Consider if buoyancy aids and lifesaving equipment are not available in the immediate area, consider if such equipment should form part of a mobile kit. The risk assessment should be reviewed periodically and following an incident or change to the environment.

Local and changing factors may establish additional hazards requiring a dynamic approach to risk assessment such as the weather, proximity of students or the public, the season, the depth of water, the condition of the water etc. An inspection upon each site visit, prior to commencement of work, should identify such risks.

Remote, Lone Working and Working Outside Normal Hours Lone working is not recommended when working near or in water and should be assessed as part of a risk assessment. If working outside normal working hours, ensure emergency arrangements have been considered. The remoteness of such work, the proximity of emergency or medical assistance and the provision of welfare arrangements should be considered. Communication should be tested to ensure workers can contact a Manager, Supervisor or Emergency Services without delay. Such testing will establish if the mobile or Wi-Fi signal is reliable. Appropriate equipment for communication should be provided such as a mobile phone, walkie talkie or person down device. Workers should ensure all devices are charged fully prior to work.

First Aid and Medical Assistance Provision for first aid should be considered as part of the School or Functions First Aid Needs Assessment (FANA).  Underlying health conditions of workers should be assessed with Managers to consider the potential delay in seeking medical treatment.  It may be necessary to seek advice from Occupational Health.

Working near water may mean that workers are not near a source of medical treatment or there may be a delay in seeking assistance.   Mobile First Aid kits may be required to be carried by workers and should be considered in the (FANA) completed by the School or Function.

Cold Weather/Cold Water Exposure and Cold-Water Shock - Workers who are at risk of cold weather exposure should be provided with adequate warm clothing (including gloves and boots) appropriate to the prevailing conditions and compatible with Personal Protective Equipment PPE. Working in the open, next to water can potentially expose workers to low temperatures, they should be encouraged to take regular breaks, move around and seek warm refuge when required.

Cold water shock refers to the reaction of the body to entering cold water. Cold water shock can have an intense effect, causing the casualty to breathe in water, muscles can become weak, it can affect the heart causing abnormal rhythms, ultimately resulting in death.

Anything below 15°C is defined as cold water, therefore there is a significant risk of it occurring when entering UK waters at any time of year, including the summer. Average UK Sea temperatures are just 12°C. Rivers are colder.

Advice when Working in Heat – see UoR webpage: Heat

Weil’s Disease (Leptospirosis) the risk of Weil's disease is linked to areas where rats and other vermin are or have been present, this can be canals, rivers and lakes as well as water drainage areas. Exposure to this disease is via open wounds, mouth and eyes. Workers should be made aware of this condition, potential symptoms and control measures. General controls to prevent Weil’s disease will include raising awareness of workers to follow good basic hygiene including: