© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 1

Construction Safety Talks

Working Over Water

No. 51

How This Talk Applies To My

Crew:

Some Things To Know Before You Give Your Talk.

Talk to your crew about working over water, and in particular, the hazard of drowning. Common sense and OSHA regulations require the a use of a Personnel Floatation Device (PFD) when there is the possibility of falling into water. Yet, getting full compliance is difficult.

You may have heard a the excuse that PFDs are difficult to put on, they are hot and uncomfortable, and they restrict movement.

Discuss these facts.

PFDs have now been designed:

• To float an unconscious worker face up

• To make the worker easy to spot in the water

• For minimum interference for working and moving around

• With quick-release fastenings for ease and speed in getting in and out

• With a harness that is comfortable and easy to adjust but will not allow the vest to slip off even when a worker hits the water feet first

Remind the crew that the harness has to be fitted for comfort. It has to be loose enough to give them room to work, but tight enough so that it will not slip off. It has to be fastened or it will not turn their face up and may slip off when they need it most. Finally and most importantly, it has to be worn whenever you are over or near the water.

In addition to PFDs, ring buoys with at least 90 feet of line have been provided for emergency rescue operations. The distance between ring buoys should not exceed 200 feet.

Tell the crew that a rescue skiff is available to assist in the rescue of a worker in the water.

© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 2

Try This For Show And Tell!

Demonstrate the right way to fit a work vest and have every member of the crew prove to you that they know how to do it.

Show them the different types of devices you offer.

Show them the label stating that it meets Coast Guard approval and is either Type I, II, III, or V.

Questions You Can Use To Get Them Talking:

• What adjustments can be made to make our vests comfortable to wear without making them unsafe?

• Where are the ring buoys located?

• Is the rescue boat ready for use and what should you do if it is needed?

• Does everyone know how to sound the alarm and how to call for help should someone fall into the water?

Attended By:

The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the appropriate code, standard or regulation making authority for interpretation or clarification.