Shire worker drowns while pumping water for roadworks

Risk Matters - Summer 2025

WorkSafe WA has provided the following significant incident summary following a comprehensive investigation into a Shire workers death. LGIS worked closely with the member throughout the process providing support during the investigation and to those affected by the incident.

Background

In February 2022, a shire worker drowned after entering a soak (body of water) on a rural property while pumping water to a water cart for road work maintenance. The worker had received training and was experienced in the task of pumping water from the soak to the water cart. While performing the task, a funnel blew into the soak. The worker entered the water while fully clothed and wearing work boots to retrieve the funnel. When the worker did not return at the expected time and did not respond to calls, co-workers attended the soak and located the worker in the water.

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Contributory factors

Factors which may contribute to incidents like this include:

absence of safe work procedures in relation to working near open water sources, including clear directions not to enter the water
no risk assessment of tasks requiring workers to work in or near open water sources such as dams and soaks
lack of instruction and training in relation to safe systems of work when working near open water sources
workers performing tasks outside of their usual duties
workers entering bodies of water while wearing unsuitable clothing or footwear
workers entering bodies of water while working alone absence of barriers between pumps and bodies of water
differences between ambient temperature and water temperature.

Actions required

In circumstances where workers are required to work near water, measures to minimise the risk of a similar incident occurring include:

where practicable, eliminating the risks associated with working near an open water source by choosing alternative water sources, such as overhead standpipes
conducting comprehensive risk assessments for tasks carried out near open water sources, including an assessment of the suitability of the site
developing safe work procedures for work carried out near open water sources, including directions that workers should not enter the water
if a worker must enter an open water source for a work activity, ensuring a risk assessment is conducted before they enter the water, a second worker is present, and emergency procedures are in place
providing instructions and training to workers who are conducting activities near open water sources
providing training on the safe systems of work for workers required to work near water
locating pumps away from water sources
creating physical barriers between workers and bodies of water
where practicable, displaying signage that warns people not to enter the open water source.

More information

WorkSafe WA recommends that local governments use the ‘Farmsafe Australia Toolbox Talks: working near water’ to support them in educating their team on the risks.

For further advice and support to identify and mitigate workplace hazards contact the LGIS People Risk team at [email protected]

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LGIS is the unifying name for the dedicated suite of risk financing and management services for WA local governments, established by the WA Local Government Association in conjunction with JLT Public Sector (part of the Marsh group of companies). LGIS is managed by JLT Public Sector (ABN 69 009 098 864 AFS Licence 226827).

Risk Matters, via this website, is designed to keep members, their staff and elected members informed on topical risk management and insurance issues and LGIS programs and services.