Dredging & Marine Construction
Dredging, bridge, pier and shoreline work happen on and over water. Crews face drowning, equipment on moving platforms, heavy lines under tension and boat traffic. Marine work has its own rules from OSHA and the Coast Guard.
- Marine Construction
- Dredge Crews
- Deckhands
Main hazards
- Drowning, especially after a fall from a barge or dock, with heavy boots and tools. See Working Over Water.
- Moving equipment on floating plants, such as cranes, excavators and pile drivers. See Cranes on Barges.
- Wire rope and mooring lines under tension that can snap back and strike. Stay out of the bight of a line. See Wire Rope.
- Vessel traffic, tugs and passing boats that cause wakes.
- Slips and falls on wet decks and ladders.
- Cold water, heat, wind and fog. See Cold Water Immersion.
- Noise and vibration from pile driving and dredge pumps.
- Contaminated sediments that may contain chemicals.
Controls
- Wear a US Coast Guard-approved lifejacket or work vest whenever there is a drowning hazard. OSHA requires it for work over or near water (1926.106).
- Have ring buoys with lines, a rescue boat and trained crew available. See Water Rescue.
- Keep decks clear and non-slip. Use guardrails or fall protection at open edges.
- Follow a mooring and lifting plan. Keep people away from lines and loads.
- Use marine radios and agreed signals to coordinate vessels, cranes and crew.
- Brief everyone on emergency signals, abandon-ship procedures and weather limits.
- Use qualified divers and follow dive rules when needed. See Commercial Divers.
Daily checklist
- Check the forecast, tide and current
- Inspect lifejackets, lines, ladders and rescue gear
- Check barge condition, ballast and deck edges
- Know who is in charge and the muster point
- Never work alone near the edge. See Working Alone
Standards & references
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