WORKCOVER NSW has published a safety alert regarding the use of excavators in or near water, following a workplace fatality when an excavator tipped over while working in a creek, trapping the operator within.
The excavator landed with the side door face down to the creek bed, and the operator was unable to escape, even though there were three emergency exits in the machine.
The authority pointed out that under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001, construction work with mobile plants over or adjacent to water where there is a risk of drowning is defined as high-risk.
High-risk construction work requires principal contractors and subcontractors to carry out a risk assessment and develop and implement a safe work method statement. Emergency provisions must be implemented and the equipment must have safety features.
According to WorkCover, the risk should be minimised by eliminating the need to work in or near water if possible. It also recommends assessing the surfaces under the water to ensure stability.

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