Working Around Water

Key Hazards

• Falls into moving or deep water
• Slippery or unstable surfaces near water
• Strong current or unexpected water movement
• Limited rescue access during emergencies
• Cold water exposure and reduced mobility
• Hidden hazards beneath the water surface

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Working around water creates constantly changing hazards involving footing stability, current movement, visibility, weather conditions, rescue access, and worker mobility.

Many water-related incidents occur during routine operations when workers become comfortable around familiar locations such as wet wells, treatment basins, lift stations, drainage structures, ponds, streams, canals, tanks, or flooded work areas.

Wet concrete, algae, mud, loose rock, ice, debris, and changing shorelines can create unstable walking surfaces that increase slip and fall exposure near water.

Water depth and flow conditions may change rapidly because of weather, pumping operations, drainage flow, tidal movement, releases, or nearby equipment activity. Conditions that appear stable may become hazardous quickly.

Cold water exposure can reduce strength, coordination, reaction time, and the ability to self-rescue during an emergency. Heavy clothing, boots, tools, and PPE may further reduce mobility in water.

Rescue operations near water are often more difficult because of limited access, unstable surfaces, poor visibility, confined spaces, or strong current conditions. Workers should understand emergency response procedures before operations begin.

Workers should avoid working alone near water whenever possible and maintain communication with nearby crews during field operations.

If water conditions become unstable, visibility decreases, footing becomes unsafe, or rescue access cannot be maintained, work should stop until conditions can be corrected safely.

Safety Reminders

• Watch for slippery or unstable walking surfaces near water.
• Monitor changing weather and water conditions.
• Maintain communication with nearby crews.
• Use appropriate flotation or rescue equipment when required.
• Avoid working alone near hazardous water conditions.
• Keep rescue access routes clear.
• Stop work if conditions become unsafe.

Ask the Crew

• Could water levels or flow conditions change during the operation?
• Are walking surfaces stable around the work area?
• Would workers be able to exit the area quickly during an emergency?
• Are rescue procedures and equipment available if needed?
• Could weather conditions reduce visibility or footing stability?