Diving at Work

Diving at work can be considered a high risk activity. Divers may be exposed to occupational health and safety hazards related to the dive itself, for instance drowning, respiratory or circulatory risks and also hazards associated with the work they may be carrying out, for instance welding and operating heavy equipment.

Divers may be employed for example, in:

• the construction industry,
• search and rescue activities,
• energy industries such as wind farms or gas rigs,
• aquaculture,
• scientific, archaeological or research activities.

Since 2004 there have been two recorded fatalities involving diving at work. Compliance with occupational health and safety legislation and adherence with safe systems of work and industry best practices can significantly reduce the risk associated with diving at work.

Further Information

Safety on the Water

Department of Transport (for marine notices and the Irish Coast Guard).

National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (National Monuments Service issue archaeological licences to dive).

Rebreather Incident, Health and Safety Executive (United Kingdom).

Rebreather Safety DVD (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents RoSPA)

Health Protection Surveillance Centre - Leptospirosis.