What must be provided to employees working over or near water?

In a construction environment where employees work over or near water, it is essential to provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. These life jackets are specifically designed to meet safety standards set by the U.S. Coast Guard, ensuring they offer the proper buoyancy and performance needed in emergency situations.

Providing approved life jackets enhances worker safety by ensuring that they can stay afloat and increase their chances of survival if they fall into the water. This regulation is rooted in recognizing the risks associated with water environments, which may include drowning, hypothermia, or other hazards related to water exposure.

While personal flotation devices, inflatable rafts, and rescue boats can play important roles in enhancing safety, the U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets specifically cater to the immediate needs of employees working in or near water, making them a mandatory safety measure. It is crucial to equip workers with gear that is not only effective but also compliant with established safety regulations, ensuring that the highest safety standards are maintained.