Safety

Safety is British Waterways' top priority. The public needs a waterway network that is safe and secure, and our people need a safe working environment. Safety management is integrated into our business and we manage it through: 

• Occupational Safety - these are the risks that our people and contractors are exposed to during their working day
• Customer Safety - these are inherent risks that our business and leisure customers face when using the waterways
• Asset Management - this is looking after the condition of our assets as they could pose a risk to neighbours, visitors and our people

We have a Safety Policy Statement which defines our commitment to safety and our accountability for delivering safety performance.

Boater's Handbook
We produce literature and videos that help provide our customers with safety guidance and information. The Boater's Handbook, developed in partnership with the Environment Agency and the British Marine Federation, offers clear and simple advice on safe boating.

Young People's Safety
Our Wild Over Waterways - WOW initiative for young people includes a waterside safety pack that encourages older children to assess risks themselves when visiting waterways. We also work alongside Ragdoll Productions, the producers of 'Rosie and Jim', to design and distribute safety information for young children.

Boat Safety Scheme
British Waterways is a joint sponsor with the Environment Agency of the Boat Safety Scheme whose purpose is to promote safety on inland waterways in respect of boats, their installations and components.

It helps people to 'go boating and stay safe' by sharing information and spreading good practice through its leaflets, website and personal advice.

As a part of our licensing conditions, craft are examined every four years against the Scheme's safety requirements to help prevent incidents of fire, explosion and pollution as well as to advise owners about potential hazards that could endanger their crews.

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