GardenBanter.co.uk - Installing water features safety

The Accident: A 35 year-old male Hispanic laborer was stacking stone along the landscaped edge of a residential swimming pool. He was working with one other person when he lost his balance, slipped on the wet tile and fell into the deep end of the pool. Neither the victim nor his coworker knew how to swim. The coworker tried to reach for the victim but failed. By the time rescue workers arrived and began resuscitation efforts, it was too late and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

What the expert says:

Anytime you are working around water features the risk of falls, injuries or accidental drowning is increased. Robert Nonemaker, principal with OuterSpace, a residential landscape company in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, says the accident might have been prevented if there had been clear communication between the worker and their employer. Obvious red flags around this accident include the lack of supervision, no life-saving equipment near the water and the lack of swimming ability by both workers. "Accidents are usually not the result of one misstep but a series of mistakes that accumulate and result in a major disaster such as the one suffered by this victim", Nonemaker says. Having two non-swimmers working alone near water was a tragic decision. Nonemaker says it would be a common assumption that the workers would know how to swim, but that's not something you can take for granted.

Most waterscape work sites involve a variety of dangerous equipment, unstable ledges, electrical wiring, pumps, chemicals and other hazards. "You have to be on top of your game around pool or pond construction", says Nonemaker. He also says empty pool and pond pose dangers as well. "Everyone on the site should be on the highest alert", he says. "With some pool as deep as 8 feet, a fall into an empty pool can be as dagerous as a non-swimmer falling into water". Extreme caution should be taken when working on the edges of any excavated area. "Safety in more important than productivity", Nonemaker says. "You and your employer should be partners in safe practices. Always ask for instruction if there's any doubt about proper safe operation".
Source: Installing water features safety | Gardener Blog

Safety tips for working around water features:

1. If you don't know how to swim and you are working near water, tell your employer. Slick surfaces, unstable ledges or shifting terrain can cause you to slip and fall in an instant.

2. If you are not strong swimmer, ask to be paired with someone who swims or has life-saving skills. Even if there are language barriers, it's important to communicate clearly your swimming ability before working around water. Even shallow water poses danger if you slop and head your head.

3. Special precautions should be observed when working on or near edge of the water. Grab lines, life preservers or rings, fall prevention or poles should be strategically situated or worn for immediate use.

4. Always make sure a phone is available on the site.

5. Before you start work, make sure you receive appropriate instructions in safe work procedures and the use of personal protective equipment.

6. If you transporting or handling hazardous materials such as some pool chemicals, you must receive appropriate training and wear required safety attire and eyewear.