scope:

Foreword

Protecting the professionals that produce adequate supplies of high-quality drinking water is of the utmost importance. Employees are a utility's most valuable resource, and their ability to work safely and in a safe environment is the main reason for workplace safety programs. Safeguarding the general public from construction sites and operations is another reason for the programs. To that end, the American Water Works Association has created a safety policy. The policy will guide the discussion of safety practices presented in this manual:

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) believes a safe work environment is of the utmost importance for individuals in the water industry. It is of paramount importance to protect those who safeguard their community water supplies.

It is the duty of each utility manager, supervisor, and worker to establish safety standards and to see that safety is an integral part of their daily work process. Safety must take precedence over shortcuts. As unsafe conditions are discovered, they should be addressed and corrected.

Safety practices established by state, provincial, and federal agencies should be regarded as minimum standards by all individuals in the water industry.

The safety practices and management of safety programs in this manual represent general guidance. This manual cannot cover all situations and regulations. The audience for this manual is primarily utility management and other employees who have been assigned safety responsibilities, for example, a utility's safety manager or officer. Supervisors, who always have safety responsibilities to those they supervise, will also find this manual beneficial.