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Guides and advice Risk Management

Enhancing Safety at Boatyards, Marinas, and Associated Businesses

Recent incidents at marina-based businesses have underscored the importance of stringent safety measures. Several slip and trip accidents have led to personal injury claims, highlighting key areas of risk management that require attention.

In one case, an individual slipped on wildfowl excrement while navigating moorings. Despite regular cleaning with a pressure washer and a risk assessment in place, the absence of documented cleaning records and warning signs is likely to result in a successful personal injury claim against the business.

Another incident involved an individual falling on an uneven grassy area at a holiday property. A lack of maintenance records proving risk reduction measures has led to a favourable outcome for the claimant.

Key risk areas for marinas, boatyards, and holiday lets

In addition to risks to the public, businesses such as boatyards, marinas, and associated activities are exposed to a wide variety of risks that need to be fully considered as part of risk management regimes. Examples and risk mitigation measures include:

1. Working on and near water

  • Implement policies for life jacket usage

  • Avoid lone working

  • Ensure emergency provisions such as life buoys and ways of raising the alarm

  • A plan for rescuing individuals from the water

2. Workshop and maintenance safety

  • Maintain lifting and pressure equipment

  • Protect workers from noise, vibration, and electrical hazards

  • Conduct regular safety assessments and provide protective equipment

3. Working at height – ladders and stepladders

  • Use fall protection systems, fall arrest, and fall restrain systems where working at height is unavoidable

  • Train workers on ladder safety and conduct checks before use

4. Machinery and equipment hazards

  • Ensure only competent personnel operate machinery

  • Maintain and inspect equipment regularly

  • Keep detailed records of risk assessments and inspections

5. Transport and pedestrian safety

  • Implement clear segregation between pedestrians and vehicles

  • Provide clear signs for customers

6. Hazardous and dangerous substances

  • Restrict access to hazardous materials to trained personnel

  • Conduct risk assessments and ensure proper storage security

7. Manual handling

  • Provide training on safe lifting techniques

  • Assess repetitive lifting tasks and minimise manual handling where possible

  • Use mechanical lifting aids whenever feasible

8. Contractor management

  • Verify contractor competence before work begins

  • Obtain risk assessments and method statements from contractors

  • Monitor contractor activities to ensure ongoing compliance

9. Lone working considerations

  • Develop a system for tracking lone workers

  • Establish clear communication and emergency response protocols

  • Assess whether lone working is safe for specific tasks

10. Emergency preparedness

  • Establish first aid and emergency response procedures

  • Ensure staff are trained on fire safety and evacuation protocols

  • Prepare plans for hazardous substance spill mitigation

Ensuring compliance and safety

Effective risk control requires competent personnel, ongoing training, and clear communication of safety protocols. Clients of Alan Boswell Risk Management can access our online portal, offering resources to support safety initiatives, as well as access to our qualified Risk Management Advisers for specific advice.

For expert guidance on risk management, contact us on 01603 967900.

Need help with your risk management?

For advice on managing risk and creating specific risk assessments, speak to our expert team.

Speak to us:  01603 967900