Protecting Workers on Waterfront Construction Projects

Construction projects on or near water rank among the most challenging and hazardous in the industry. From bridge decks suspended over rivers to tunnels carved beneath waterways, these environments expose workers to a unique combination of risks, including falls, drowning, electrical hazards and structural instability. Safety in these conditions is not optional; it demands rigorous planning, specialized training and unwavering adherence to proven protocols. Every decision, from equipment selection to emergency preparedness, can mean the difference between a safe workday and a life-threatening incident. This article explores the critical measures and strategies that protect workers in water-adjacent construction, helping ensure that projects are not only successful but also safe.

Prioritizing worker safety in challenging environments

Falls are among the most immediate risks when working at height near water, whether on docks, vessels or during operations on bridges or in tunnels. Working at height around water necessitates strict adherence to proven safety measures, with protection mandatory for tasks performed four feet or more above water. Guardrails, harnesses and secure anchor points should be used to prevent falls, while lifts, gangways, safety nets and life jackets must be enforced as standard protective equipment for relevant work areas. Fall protection does not allow for removal of Water-Adjacent PPE requirements. Regular safety drills, such as Man Overboard, will help prepare teams for emergency rescue scenarios while maintaining a safety-first mindset. Continuous monitoring of weather and water conditions also helps proactively manage developing hazards before they impact site operations. Clear communication protocols are essential to maintain coordination and prevent accidents in these high-risk environments.

Key requirements include:

• Life jackets or buoyant work vests for all workers near water
• Ring buoys with at least 90 feet of line spaced no more than 200 feet apart
• A lifesaving skiff available for immediate use, with a response time of three to four minutes

Employers must provide approved flotation devices, inspect them before and after use and remove defective gear immediately. Compounding fall exposures above water is the increased risk of hypothermia, which can onset quickly in colder environments, like the MidAtlantic and North during winter months through early April. Workers in these conditions experience prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions, which can rapidly lower body temperature, impair judgment and lead to life-threatening complications. As such, rapid rescue capabilities are critical, which means ring buoys and lifesaving skiffs must be readily available, and such exercises incorporated into regular practice. 

Bridge Construction Safety

Bridge work combines multiple hazards: working at height, over water and with heavy industrial materials or temporary structures to ease working on the main span. OSHA requires fall protection for work six feet or more above a lower level, recommending guardrails, personal fall arrest systems or safety nets. Scaffolding must be properly anchored and inspected, and steel erection activities demand precautions such as controlled decking zones and perimeter safety cables. Sometimes during bridge work, sites require temporary gaps in decking, which can create hazardous situations. Additionally, some bridge construction requires vertical deck penetrations for temporary utility access, which can create tripping hazards. Such measures should be properly identified and controlled to reduce the risk of slips, trips, falls, impalement and structural failures.

Construction Risks in Confined Spaces

Tunnels and shafts present unique hazards such as restricted access, poor ventilation and water intrusion. Construction sites must maintain secure entry and exit routes and track personnel for emergency accountability. Air quality monitoring is also essential, as oxygen levels, flammable gases and contaminants must be continuously assessed and their release supported by ventilation systems. Structural integrity requires adequate ground support and reinforced linings in areas subject to hydrostatic pressure. When work occurs near or under water, additional precautions apply: installing bulkheads, cofferdams and drainage systems; maintaining pumps for seepage control; preparing for rapid flooding scenarios. Electrical systems must be waterproof and grounded to prevent electrocution, and equipment such as hoists and pumps should be inspected regularly for corrosion and water damage.

Safety Risks on Floating Vessels

Operating cranes on floating barges will be required for certain projects. These operations introduce complex hazards that demand disciplined planning and precise execution. Stability is paramount because every lift changes the vessel’s center of gravity, and even minor shifts can create dangerous angles that put workers at risk of injury or drowning. To protect crews, barges must be structurally sound, watertight and properly ballasted. Crane loads should be distributed, and the crane itself secured against movement using approved systems. Clear operating limits must be maintained, with visible checks to confirm safe conditions and lift plans that account for weather, vessel stability and emergency procedures. These measures are not just technical, they are essential safeguards that prevent catastrophic incidents and ensure workers return home safely.

Additionally, a major exposure is workers being struck by unaffiliated traffic. Barriers and alternative traffic patterns can be considered to help lessen such risk. OSHA standards provide a framework to address many of these challenges, helping ensure that employers create safe worksites with high visibility. For businesses, these measures are not just regulatory, they are essential for protecting lives, reducing liability and sustaining project continuity.

By integrating these standards into planning and execution, businesses can mitigate risks, protect workers and deliver safe, durable infrastructure in some of construction’s most demanding environments. Given the criticality of these risks, it is vital to have experienced risk engineers inspect sites and provide tailored guidance before and during all construction activity.

Strengthening worker safety through proactive Risk Management

Construction on or near water introduces hazards that can endanger workers if not responsibly managed. Corrosion, structural stress and hidden deterioration below the waterline can lead to sudden failures that put lives at risk. Proactive risk management is not just about protecting assets; it is a critical component of safeguarding workers in these high-risk environments.

Routine and specialized inspections, like those conducted by the Zurich Resilience Solutions Marine Risk Management team, play a vital role in preventing accidents. Our team collaborates across disciplines—including Construction, Property, Climate, Cyber and Business Continuity—to deliver integrated solutions that help reduce risk. Marine conditions accelerate wear on steel, concrete and timber, which can compromise scaffolding, platforms and anchorage points essential for fall protection. By identifying these issues early, employers can maintain safe working surfaces and prevent catastrophic failures that could result in falls, drowning or electrocution.

Keeping your facilities and work sites safe is the first step to maintaining worker safety. In support of worker safety, organizations can follow structured guidelines such as those outlined by OSHA’s 1926.106 and ASCE’s Manual of Practice (MOP 130). These programs help ensure that lifesaving measures—such as guardrails, harness anchor points and emergency rescue equipment—remain reliable and effective. Integrating inspections with broader safety planning also ensures that emergency access routes, ventilation systems and electrical protections are maintained to prevent secondary hazards like flooding or electrical shock.

Key actions to protect workers through proactive programs:

1. Detect underwater deterioration early to prevent structural collapse 
2. Apply standardized inspection protocols to maintain safe platforms and equipment 
3. Use inspection data to guide maintenance and reinforce fall protection systems 
4. Combine inspection results with emergency preparedness drills for rapid response  

Worker safety depends on disciplined execution, not just strategy. By embedding rigorous inspection protocols into every phase of construction near water, businesses can transform hazardous environments into safer workplaces, protecting lives while delivering resilient infrastructure.