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Drowning – Know The Laws of Your Province

Drowning prevention regulations are essential for protecting workers who operate near or on bodies of water, ensuring their safety in hazardous environments. These regulations require employers to assess drowning risks, implement safety measures, and provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs). Safety measures may include fall protection systems, emergency rescue procedures, and proper training for workers exposed to water-related hazards. Workers must be trained on water safety, emergency response protocols, and the correct use of flotation devices to reduce the risk of drowning. While general drowning prevention measures apply across Canada, specific regulations vary by province and territory to address industry-specific risks, such as those in construction, fisheries, and marine operations. Compliance with these regulations minimizes water-related incidents, enhances worker protection, and fosters a strong safety culture in high-risk environments.

In Canada, employers are required to address drowning prevention under the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Part XII Protection Equipment and Other Preventive Measures, Section 12.15. These regulations mandate that workers exposed to water hazards, including those working near or on bodies of water, must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), to reduce the risk of drowning.

Protection Against Drowning

(1) If there is a risk of drowning in a workplace, the employer must:

(a) provide every person who is granted access to the workplace with:

(i) a life jacket that meets the requirements set out in the Canadian General Standards Board Standard 65.7, Life Jackets, in its 2007 version, as it existed before its withdrawal in November 2016, published on the Government of Canada website publications.gc.ca,

(ii) a personal flotation device or buoyancy aid that has a level 70 performance within the meaning of UL Standard 12402-5, Personal flotation devices — Part 5: Buoyancy aids (level 50) — Safety requirements, when tested in accordance with UL Standard 12402-9, Personal Flotation Devices — Part 9: Test Methods, or

(iii) a safety net or a personal fall-protection system;

(b) provide emergency equipment and ensure that it is in good operating condition and readily available;

(c) ensure that a qualified person is available on site to operate the emergency equipment;

(d) if appropriate, provide a power boat and ensure that it is in good operating condition and readily available; and

(e) prepare written emergency procedures that contain:

(i) a full description of the procedures to be followed and the responsibilities of all persons who are granted access to the work place, and

(ii) the location of any emergency equipment.

(2) If the work place is a wharf, dock, pier, quay or similar structure, a ladder that extends at least two rungs below water level must be installed on the face of the structure every 60 m along its length. Section 12.15(1)(2).

Further details on the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at Laws-lois.justice.gc.ca.

In Alberta, employers are required to address drowning prevention under the Occupational Health and Safety Code – Part 18 Personal Protective Equipment, Sections 240 and 241, and Part 9 Fall Protection, Section 157. These regulations mandate that workers exposed to water hazards, such as those working near or on bodies of water, must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), to minimize the risk of drowning.

Life Jackets and Personal Flotation Devices

Compliance with Standards

An employer must ensure that a life jacket or personal floatation device is approved by:

(a) Transport Canada, or

(b) an agency approved by Transport Canada. Section 240(a)(b).

Use of Jackets and Flotation Devices

If there is a foreseeable danger that a worker could be exposed to the hazard of drowning, an employer must ensure that the worker wears a life jacket. Section 241(1).

A worker who could be exposed to the hazard of drowning must wear a life jacket. Section 241(2).

Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if other safety measures are in place that will protect a worker from the hazard of drowning. Section 241(2.1).

Despite subsections (1) and (2), if a worker performs work from a boat for an extended period of time, the worker may wear a personal flotation device if the employer ensures that there is also a life jacket readily accessible to each worker on the boat. Section 241(3).

Water Danger

An employer must ensure that a worker uses an appropriate fall protection system in combination with a life jacket or personal flotation device if the worker:

(a) may fall into water that exposes the worker to the hazard of drowning, or

(b) could drown from falling into the water, from other than a boat. Section 157.

Further details on the Occupational Health And Safety Code can be found at Alberta.ca.

In British Columbia, employers are required to address drowning prevention under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation – Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment, Sections 8.26 to 8.30, and Part 24: Diving, Fishing, and Other Marine Operations, Section 24.3. These regulations mandate that workers exposed to water hazards, including those working near or on bodies of water, must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), to minimize the risk of drowning.

Part 8 Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

Buoyancy Equipment

When Required

(1) A worker who is employed under conditions which involve a risk of drowning must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket with sufficient buoyancy to keep the worker's head above water.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if other acceptable safety measures are in place which will protect workers from the risk of drowning, or the water is too shallow to allow the lifejacket or PFD to function effectively.

(3) A personal flotation device need not be worn when a personal fall protection system, guardrail or safety net is being used in accordance with the relevant requirements in Part 11 (Fall Protection) to prevent a fall into the water. Section 8.26 (1) to (3).

Compliance with Standards

Buoyancy equipment must be labelled and otherwise meet the requirements of:

(a) CGSB Standard CAN/CGSB-65.7-M88, Lifejackets, Inherently Buoyant Type with a minimum buoyancy of 93 N (21 lbs),

(b) CGSB Standard CAN/CGSB-65.11-M88, Personal Flotation Devices with a minimum buoyancy of 69 N (15.5 lbs),

(c) CGSB Standard 65-GP-14M, Lifejackets, Inherently Buoyant, Standard Type with a minimum buoyancy of 125 N (28 lbs), or

(d) British Safety Standard BS EN 396-1994, Lifejackets and Personal Buoyancy Aids — Lifejacket 150 N, automatically inflatable units with a minimum buoyancy of 150 N (34 lbs). Section 8.27.

Working Alone

If a worker working alone is exposed to risk of drowning, the worker must wear a lifejacket meeting the requirements of section 8.27 (a), (c) or (d). Section 8.28.

Record of Inspection and Maintenance

If workers use inflatable personal flotation devices (PFDs) or automatically inflatable lifejackets, the employer must keep a record of all inspections made and maintenance performed on those PFDs or automatically inflatable lifejackets. Section 8.29.

Retroreflective Material

Personal flotation devices and lifejackets must have at least 200 sq cm (32 sq in) of white or silver retroreflective material fitted on surfaces that are normally above the water surface. Section 8.30,

Part 24: Diving, Fishing, and Other Marine Operations

Lifesaving Equipment

(1) Appropriate lifesaving equipment must:

(a) be provided and maintained for the rescue of any worker in danger of drowning, and

(b) be positioned at intervals not exceeding 50 m (165 ft) in conspicuous locations as near as practicable to the danger area.

(2) Throwing lines fitted to lifebuoys or similar equipment must be of suitable size and length and made of buoyant material.

(3) For the purposes of this section, lifesaving equipment includes lifebuoys, throwing bags, grapples, boat hooks or other equipment appropriate to the circumstances. Section 24.3.

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation can be found at WorksafeBC.com.

In Manitoba, employers are required to address drowning prevention under the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation – Part 6 Personal Protective Equipment, Section 6.17. These regulations mandate that workers exposed to water hazards, such as those working near or on bodies of water, must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), to minimize the risk of drowning.

Part 6 Personal Protective Equipment

Flotation Devices

(1) When a worker is required to work at a place from which the worker could drown, an employer must:

(a) ensure that the worker is provided with an appropriate life jacket or personal flotation device suitable to the workplace situation;

(b) ensure that the worker wears the jacket or device at all times while working, except where:

(i) there are other sufficient measures in place to protect a worker from the risk of drowning, or

(ii) the personal flotation device or life jacket would be ineffective or unreasonable;

(c) ensure that, when a worker is permitted to not wear a life jacket or personal flotation device under clause (b), the jacket or device is kept within immediate reach of the worker;

(d) ensure the worker is provided with and wears appropriate personal protective equipment suitable to the workplace situation which protect the worker from hypothermia if rescue or removal from cold or icy water may not be achieved immediately;

(e) ensure that the following rescue equipment is readily available:

(i) a buoyant apparatus attached to a nylon rope, where the rope is not less than 9 mm in diameter and not less than 15 m in length,

(ii) a notification or signaling device,

(iii) an appropriately powered boat equipped with a boathook, in the case of work performed in, on or above a navigable body of water; and

(f) ensure that a sufficient number of properly equipped and trained rescue personnel are readily available to undertake a rescue in the event one is required. Section 6.17(1)(a) to (f).

(2) Clauses (1)(e) and (f) do not apply where workers are working on a boat. Section 6.17(2).

Further details on the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation can be found at Gov.MB.ca.

In New Brunswick, employers are required to address drowning prevention under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 51. These regulations mandate that workers exposed to water hazards, such as those working near or on bodies of water, must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), to minimize the risk of drowning.

Water Safety Equipment

Water and Other Liquid Safety

(1) The following definitions apply in this section.

“automatically inflatable personal flotation device” means a device that provides buoyancy through an automatic inflation mechanism with an oral inflation system as a back-up and when worn correctly supports a conscious person in an upright or backward leaning position, but is not designed to turn a person from a face-down to a face-up position in the water;

“life jacket” means an inherently buoyant device that when worn correctly supports a conscious or unconscious person in an upright or backward leaning position and is designed to turn a person from a face-down to a face-up position in the water;

“personal flotation device” means an inherently buoyant device that when worn correctly supports a conscious person in an upright or backward leaning position, but is not designed to turn a person from a face-down to a face-up position in the water, and includes devices that are designed to protect an employee against hypothermia. Section 51(1).

(2) If an employee is exposed to a risk of drowning, an owner of a place of employment, an employer and a contractor shall each ensure the employee uses one of the following:

(a) a fall-protection system;

(b) a life jacket that is approved by Transport Canada or by an agency permitted by Transport Canada to approve it;

(c) a personal flotation device that is approved by Transport Canada or by an agency permitted by Transport Canada to approve it;

(d) an automatically inflatable personal flotation device that is approved by Transport Canada or by an agency permitted by Transport Canada to approve it; or

(e) a personal safety net that conforms to the requirements of section 49.8. Section 51(2).

(2.1) If a place of employment is a fishing vessel that has no deck or deck structure,

(a) the owner of the place of employment and the employer shall each ensure that a fisher on board the fishing vessel wears a life jacket or flotation device referred to in paragraph (2)(b), (c) or (d), and

(b) a fisher on board the fishing vessel shall wear a life jacket or flotation device referred to in paragraph (2)(b), (c) or (d). Section 51(2.1).

(3) The shell of a life jacket or flotation device referred to in paragraphs (2)(b) to (d) shall be bright yellow, orange or red and have retro-reflective material fitted on surfaces normally above the surface of the water. Section 51(3).

(4) Despite subsection (2), an employee shall wear a life jacket when:

(a) working alone, or

(b) there are insufficient resources to provide a quick and effective rescue. Section 51(4).

(5) An employer and a contractor shall each ensure that an employee wears a life jacket or flotation device referred to in paragraphs (2)(b) to (d) when being transported in a boat. Section 51(5).

(6) If an employee works on ice and the water under the ice is more than 1 m in depth, an employer and a contractor shall each test the ice before beginning any work and after as necessary to ensure that the ice will support any load placed on it. Section 51(6).

(7) If an automatically inflatable personal flotation device is used, the employer and the employee shall each ensure that:

(a) the device is inspected and maintained by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, and

(b) the date and details of the inspection and maintenance are recorded. Section 51(7).

(8) If an employee may fall into water or any other liquid and may require assistance to return to a place of safety, an employer and contractor shall each ensure that a copy of emergency procedures is posted at the place of employment, and which copy shall contain:

(a) a full description of the emergency procedures, including the responsibilities of all employees granted access to the place of employment; and

(b) the location of any emergency equipment and the name of the employee designated to operate the equipment. Section 51(8).

(9) Emergency procedures shall include the following, as applicable:

(a) with regards to water or another liquid,

(i) its temperature,

(ii) its depth, and

(iii) its flow;

(b) any water traffic;

(c) the distance to the rescue boat;

(d) the distance to reach an employee;

(e) any projections or objects beneath the surface;

(f) any visibility issues;

(g) the time of day; and

(h) any adverse weather conditions. Section 51(9).

(10) If an employee may fall into water or any other liquid and may require assistance to return to a place of safety, an employer and contractor shall each ensure that:

(a) appropriate emergency equipment is ready to be used,

(b) a person who is competent to operate the emergency equipment is readily available to provide assistance, and

(c) an alarm system is provided to signal the need for a rescue. Section 51(10).

(11) An employer and a contractor shall each ensure that an employee wears a life jacket or a personal flotation device when participating in a rescue. Section 51(11).

(12) If an employer or contractor provides a boat for use in an emergency, the employer or contractor shall ensure:

(a) that the rescue boat is equipped with a life ring or buoy that is attached to 30 m of rope and a boat hook, and

(b) that the rescue boat is motorized if the water is likely to be rough or swift. Section 51(12).

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Act can be found at Laws.GNB.ca.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, employers are required to address drowning prevention under the Occupational Health and Safety Act – Part XXIII Diving and Other Marine Operations, Sections 464 to 466. These regulations mandate that workers exposed to water hazards, including those involved in diving, marine operations, or working near bodies of water, must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), to reduce the risk of drowning.

Part XXIII - Diving and Other Marine Operations

Lifesaving Equipment

(1) Appropriate lifesaving equipment shall:

(a) be provided and maintained for the rescue of a worker in danger of   drowning; and

(b) be positioned at intervals not exceeding 50 metres in conspicuous locations as near as practicable to the danger area.

(2) A throwing line fitted to a lifebuoy or similar equipment shall be of suitable size and length and made of buoyant material.

(3) Lifesaving equipment shall meet the requirements of standards acceptable to the minister.

(4) A suitable boat shall be provided and kept ready for immediate use where a worker is employed in a situation where a boat is necessary for rescue or evacuation. Section 464(1) to (4).

Floating Work Platforms

(1) A floating work platform shall be designed by a professional engineer or other person acceptable to the minister.

(2)  A floating work platform shall be used in such a manner that a worker is not endangered by instability or excessive movement of the platform. Section 465(1)(2).

Personal Flotation Devices

(1) Where a worker is employed under conditions which expose the worker to a risk of drowning, the worker shall wear a personal flotation device appropriate to the work environment and hazards.

(2) The personal flotation device referred to in subsection (1) shall be labelled and meet the requirements and standards of the Canadian General Standards Board.

(3) A personal flotation device or lifejacket is not required when a personal fall protection system, safety net or other satisfactory means is being used according to Part X.

(4) A personal floatation device shall not be dependent on manual manipulation to provide the buoyant effect. Section 466(1) to (4).

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Act can be found at Assembly.NL.ca.

In Nova Scotia, employers are required to address drowning prevention under the Occupational Health and Safety Act – Part 3 Personal Protective Equipment, Section 14. These regulations mandate that workers exposed to water hazards, including those working near or on bodies of water, must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), to reduce the risk of drowning.

Part 3 - Personal Protective Equipment

Risk of Drowning

(1) Where a person is exposed to the risk of drowning at a workplace, an employer must do 1 of the following:

(a) subject to subsection (2), select, provide and ensure the use of a life jacket or personal floatation [flotation] device for the person;

(b) provide an alternative means of protection that ensures an equivalent level of safety to prevent a person from drowning.

(2) If a person working alone is exposed to the risk of drowning and is not visible to or within hearing distance of another person who is in a position to immediately come to their aid, an employer complying with clause (1)(a) must ensure the life jacket or personal flotation device selected, provided and used by the person is designed to provide buoyancy without any effort by the user and to rotate an unconscious person to an upward facing position in the water.

(3) A life jacket or personal floatation device selected in accordance with clause (1)(a) or required by subsection (2), must meet all of the following requirements:

(a) it is approved by Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard or US Coast Guard;

(b) it is appropriate for the weight of the person who will wear it;

(c) it has sufficient buoyancy to keep the person’s head above water.

(4) Where a person is exposed to the risk of drowning at a workplace, an employer must provide all of the following rescue equipment:

(a) a life buoy with 15 m of polypropylene rope that is at least 10 mm in diameter or that is made from material that provides an equivalent level of protection;

(b) a boat hook;

(c) an audible alarm system to notify of an accident and to initiate the rescue procedure;

(d) an adequate motor boat to ensure a safe and timely rescue, if appropriate.

(5) Where a person is exposed to the risk of drowning at a workplace, an employer must ensure that enough employees are:

(a) designated to perform specific rescue tasks;

(b) informed as to adequate rescue procedures; and

(c) trained in the rescue procedures and use of rescue equipment so that they can perform rescue operations safely.

(6) Where work is being done above water that has a fast current, if reasonably practicable, a line that meets all of the following criteria must be placed across the water:

(a) it is made of polypropylene rope that is 10 mm in diameter or material that provides an equivalent level of protection;

(b) it has buoys or some other flotation device attached to it.

(7) A person that is exposed to the risk of drowning must wear a life jacket or personal flotation device as required by this Section. Section 14(1) to (7).

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Act can be found at NovaScotia.ca.

In the Northwest Territories, employers are required to address drowning prevention under the Official Consolidation of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Part 7 Personal Protective Equipment, Section 110. These regulations mandate that workers exposed to water hazards, including those working near or on bodies of water, must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), to minimize the risk of drowning.

Part 7 - Personal Protective Equipment

Protection Against Drowning

(1) In this section,

"buoyant apparatus" means a device that is capable of supporting, in water, the weight of a worker and that is constructed to:

(a) remain stable when floating on either side,

(b) have no projections that would prevent the buoyant apparatus from sliding easily over the side of a boat or ship, and

(c) require no adjustment before use;

"life jacket" means an approved device that is capable of keeping a worker's head above water in a face up position without effort by the worker;

"personal flotation device" means an approved device that is capable of keeping a worker's head above water without effort by the worker, and is designed to protect a worker against hypothermia.

(2) If a worker is required or permitted to work at a place from which the worker could fall and drown, and the worker is not protected by a guardrail, an employer shall:

(a) provide the worker with a life jacket and ensure that the worker uses it, and ensure that the rescue equipment and personnel described in subsection (3) are readily available;

(b) provide the worker with a full-body harness and lifeline and ensure that the worker uses them; or

(c) ensure that a net is installed that is capable of safely catching the worker if the worker falls.

(3) The rescue equipment and personnel required by paragraph (2)(a) must consist of:

(a) a suitable boat equipped with a boat hook;

(b) a buoyant apparatus attached to a nylon rope that is not less than 9 mm in diameter and not less than 15 m long; and

(c) a sufficient number of suitably equipped and trained workers to implement rescue procedures.

(4) An employer shall ensure that a life jacket or personal flotation device is provided for each worker who is transported by boat or works from a boat, and that each worker uses the life jacket or personal flotation device when the worker is in the boat. Section 110(1) to (4).

Further details on the Official Consolidation of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at Canlii.org.

In Nunavut, employers are required to address drowning prevention under the Official Consolidation of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Part 7 Personal Protective Equipment, Section 110. These regulations mandate that workers exposed to water hazards, including those working near or on bodies of water, must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), to minimize the risk of drowning.

Part 7 - Personal Protective Equipment

Protection Against Drowning

(1) In this section,

"buoyant apparatus" means a device that is capable of supporting, in water, the weight of a worker and that is constructed to:

(a) remain stable when floating on either side,

(b) have no projections that would prevent the buoyant apparatus from sliding easily over the side of a boat or ship, and

(c) require no adjustment before use;

"life jacket" means an approved device that is capable of keeping a worker's head above water in a face up position without effort by the worker;

"personal flotation device" means an approved device that is capable of keeping a worker's head above water without effort by the worker, and is designed to protect a worker against hypothermia.

(2) If a worker is required or permitted to work at a place from which the worker could fall and drown, and the worker is not protected by a guardrail, an employer shall:

(a) provide the worker with a life jacket and ensure that the worker uses it, and ensure that the rescue equipment and personnel described in subsection (3) are readily available;

(b) provide the worker with a full-body harness and lifeline and ensure that the worker uses them; or

(c) ensure that a net is installed that is capable of safely catching the worker if the worker falls.

(3) The rescue equipment and personnel required by paragraph (2)(a) must consist of:

(a) a suitable boat equipped with a boat hook;

(b) a buoyant apparatus attached to a nylon rope that is not less than 9 mm in diameter and not less than 15 m long; and

(c) a sufficient number of suitably equipped and trained workers to implement rescue procedures.

(4) An employer shall ensure that a life jacket or personal flotation device is provided for each worker who is transported by boat or works from a boat, and that each worker uses the life jacket or personal flotation device when the worker is in the boat. Section 110(1) to (4).

Further details on the Official Consolidation of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at Canlii.org.

In Ontario, employers are required to address drowning prevention under the Occupational Health and Safety Act – Part II General Construction, Section 27. These regulations mandate that workers exposed to water hazards, including those working near or on bodies of water in construction settings, must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), to minimize the risk of drowning.

Part II General Construction

(1) Despite subsections 26.1 (1) and (2), if the following conditions are met, a worker shall wear a lifejacket or other personal flotation device that is adequate:

  1. The worker is exposed to a risk of drowning on a project.
  2. It is not reasonably possible to install a guardrail system as subsection 26.1 (1) requires.
  3. It is not reasonably possible to protect the worker adequately by means of a fall protection method as subsection 26.1 (2) requires.

(2) If a worker may drown at a project,

(a) at least two workers trained to perform rescue operations shall be available to perform rescue operations;

(b) rescue equipment shall be provided in a suitable location on or near the project; and

(c) all workers on the project shall be advised of the rescue procedures to be followed and their role, if any, in carrying out a rescue.

(3) The rescue equipment shall include,

(a) a seaworthy boat equipped with a lifebuoy attached to a buoyant heaving line not less than 15 metres in length and a boat hook; and

(b) Revoked:

(c) an alarm system capable of warning a worker of the necessity of carrying out a rescue operation.

(4) The boat shall be power-driven if the water is likely to be rough or swift.

(5) The alarm system shall be activated when a rescue operation is necessary. Section 27(1) to (5).

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Act can be found at Ontario.ca.

In Prince Edward Island, employers are required to address drowning prevention under the Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations – Part 45 Personal Protective Equipment, Sections 45.01, 45.4.1, and 45.4.2. These regulations mandate that workers exposed to water hazards, including those working near or on bodies of water, must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), to minimize the risk of drowning.

Part 45 - Personal Protective Equipment

Definitions

In this Part,

(a) “lifejacket” means a device that:

(i) provides a specified buoyancy that will turn the wearer face-up on entry to water and keep the wearer in that position, and

(ii) is approved by Transport Canada, or an agency permitted by Transport Canada to approve lifejackets, and bears a mark or label indicating that approval;

(b) “personal flotation device” means a device that:

(i) provides a specified buoyancy that will support a conscious person in an upright or backward-leaning position in water, and

(ii) is approved by Transport Canada, or an agency permitted by Transport Canada to approve personal flotation devices, and bears a mark or label indicating that approval;

(c) “personal protective equipment” means equipment worn or used by a person for the protection of that person from health or safety hazards that may exist at a workplace. Section 45.01.

Lifejacket - Personal Flotation Device

Flotation Device, when Required

(1) An employer shall ensure that a worker who is employed under conditions that involve a risk of drowning is provided with and wears at all times a lifejacket or personal flotation device that is:

(a) suitable to the conditions in the workplace; and

(b) of the correct size and appropriate for the weight of the worker who will wear it.

Exception

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if:

(a) other sufficient safety measures are in place to protect a worker from falling into water, including but not limited to a guardrail or safety net installed and used in accordance with the relevant requirements of Part 2 of the Fall Protection Regulations (EC633/04) made under the Act;

(b) the worker is a lifeguard on duty; or

(c) the worker is performing occupational diving tasks. (EC126/21) Section 45.4.1.

Maintenance

Where inflatable lifejackets or personal flotation devices are used, the employer shall ensure that:

(a) the lifejackets and devices are inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations; and

(b) records of all inspections and maintenance are maintained for the life of the lifejacket or device. Section 45.4.2.

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations can be found at PrinceEdwardIsland.ca.

In Québec, employers are required to address drowning prevention under the Regulation Respecting Occupational Health and Safety – Division XXVI Working in an Enclosed Area, Section 312, and Division XXVI.II Work Which Involves a Risk of Drowning in Water, Sections 312.92 to 312.100. These regulations mandate that workers exposed to water hazards, including those working near or on bodies of water, must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), to minimize the risk of drowning.

Division XXVI - Working in an Enclosed Area

Precautions regarding liquid materials: No person may enter a confined space where there is a risk of drowning without applying an isolation procedure for the section where the work is taking place or a liquid flow control procedure to prevent the influx or an increase in the level of a liquid.

The procedure to isolate the section or control the flow of liquid may in particular provide for the drainage or the derivation of the liquid, the blocking of pipes or the closing and locking of valves. Section 312.

Division XXVI.II - Work Which Involves a Risk of Drowning in Water

Scope: This Division applies to work which involves a risk of drowning in water, subject to the following exclusions:

(1) it is underwater work;

(2) the worker is adequately protected from falling into water by common protective devices or equipment.

Despite the first paragraph, this Division also applies to work on a deck boat or an open boat. Section 3312.92.

Work which involves a risk of drowning: A worker is at risk of drowning when the worker is above or at less than 2 m from a location where the depth of the water exceeds 1.2 m over more than 2 m in width or a location where the water flow may carry a person away. Section 312.93.

Gathering information and measures for preventing drowning: Before beginning the work, the following information must be available in writing at the workplace:

(1) risks associated to work conditions, according to real data or, if real data is not available, estimated data, in particular information on:

(a) the characteristics of the body of water or watercourse, including:

  1. the depth and flow of the water;
  2. waves, currents and tides; and

iii. the temperature of the water;

(b) the weather conditions during the work;

(c) the characteristics of the work stations and travelways, including:

  1. the condition of the surface at the water’s edge and the slope to reach it; and
  2. transportation or movement on the water;

(d) the equipment, work methods and site location, including means of communication; and

(e) the clothing and equipment to be worn to perform the work;

(2) the prevention measures to be taken to protect the health and ensure the safety and physical well-being of workers, in particular with respect to:

(a) measures for preventing drowning in accordance with section 312.96; and

(b) the rescue measures in the rescue plan provided for in section 312.98 and the time for recovering a person who has fallen into the water.

The information referred to in subparagraphs 1 and 2 of the first paragraph must be determined by a qualified person.

For the purposes of this section, a qualified person means a person who, by reason of knowledge, training or experience, is able to identify, assess and control the risks of drowning. Section 312.94.

Information provided to workers prior to performing work: Before beginning the work, the information referred to in subparagraphs 1 and 2 of the first paragraph of section 312.94 must be conveyed and explained to the worker by a person who is capable of adequately informing the worker on how to perform the work safely. Section 312.95.

For more information:

  • Wearing of a personal floatation device or a life jacket. Section 312.96.
  • Characteristics of a personal floatation device or a life jacket. Section 312.97.
  • Rescue plan. Section 312.98.
  • Rescue boat. Section 312.99.
  • Thermal protection. Section 312.100.

Further details on the Regulation Respecting Occupational Health and Safety can be found at Legisquebec.gouv.QC.ca.

In Saskatchewan, employers are required to address drowning prevention under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Part 7 Personal Protective Equipment, Section 7-22. These regulations mandate that workers exposed to water hazards, including those working near or on bodies of water, must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), to reduce the risk of drowning.

Part 7 - Personal Protective Equipment

Protection Against Drowning

(1) In this section:

“buoyant apparatus” means a device that is capable of supporting the weight in water of a worker and that is constructed to:

(a) remain stable when floating on either side; (b) have no projections that would prevent the buoyant apparatus from sliding easily over the side of a boat or ship; and (c) require no adjustment before use;

“life jacket” means an approved device that is capable of keeping a worker’s head above water in a face-up position without effort by the worker;

“personal flotation device” means an approved device that is capable of keeping a worker’s head above water without effort by the worker, and includes a device that is designed to protect a worker against hypothermia.

(2) If a worker is required to work at a place from which the worker could fall and drown, and the worker is not protected by a guardrail, an employer or contractor shall:

(a) provide the worker with a life jacket and ensure that the worker uses it, and ensure that the rescue equipment and personnel described in subsection (3) are readily available;

(b) provide the worker with a full-body harness and lifeline and ensure that the worker uses them; or

(c) ensure that a net is installed that is capable of safely catching the worker if the worker falls.

(3) The rescue equipment and personnel required by clause (2) (a) must consist of:

(a) a suitable boat equipped with a boat hook;

(b) a buoyant apparatus attached to a nylon rope that is not less than nine millimetres in diameter and not less than 15 metres long; and

(c) a sufficient number of properly equipped and trained workers to implement rescue procedures.

(4) An employer or contractor shall ensure that a life jacket or personal flotation device is provided for each worker who is transported by boat or works from a boat, and that each worker uses the life jacket or personal flotation device at all times when the worker is in the boat. Section 722(1) to (4).

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at Saskatchewan.ca.

In Yukon, employers are required to address drowning prevention under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Part 1 General, Sections 1.34 to 1.36. These regulations mandate that workers exposed to water hazards, including those working near or on bodies of water, must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), to reduce the risk of drowning.

Protective Equipment and Clothing – Buoyancy Equipment

Provision and use

Each worker shall be provided with, and be required to use, an appropriate personal flotation device with the required buoyancy where a worker is employed in a situation where there is a risk of drowning unless:

Alternate plan

(a) other safety measures acceptable to the board are in place that will protect workers from the risk of drowning, or

Shallow water

(b) the water is too shallow to allow the personal flotation device to function effectively. Section 1.34(a)(b).

Buoyancy

Personal flotation equipment provided to the worker shall not require any manual manipulation to produce buoyancy, and shall be appropriately labelled and meet the requirements of:

Standards

(a) CGSB Standard B-65.11-M88, Personal Floatation Devices,

(b) CGSB Standard 65.7-M88, Lifejackets, Inherently Buoyant Type,

(c) CGSB Standard 65-GP-14M, Lifejackets, Inherently Buoyant, Standard Type, or

(d) other similar standards acceptable to the board. Section 1.35(a) to (d).

Auto-Inflatable Life Jackets

Automatically inflatable lifejackets shall only be used if they are inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations, and records of all inspections and maintenance shall be maintained. Section 1.36.

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation can be found at Wcb.YK.ca.