Water Work

Several years ago the National Safety Council made a study of work related drowning. They found that about 600 of these accidents were occurring every year. They also discovered that about half of the victims were unconscious when they hit the water and that only about one out of a hundred was wearing a life jacket. When workmen were asked about these accidents they reported that life jackets were available but they were not being worn because they were difficult to put on, were hot and uncomfortable, and they restricted movement.

As a result of all this, the modern work vest was designed for work around water. The goals which the designers aimed for were these:

A harness that is comfortable and easy to adjust but will not allow the vest to slip off even when a man hits the water feet first.
Quick release fastenings for ease and speed in getting in and out of the vest.

Minimum interference for working and moving around.

A design that will turn an unconscious man face up in the water.

A bright color to make the man in the water easy to spot.

These goals are met in the work vests we have provided for your use. However, your help is needed if the vests are going to make our work safer. First, the harness has to be fitted for comfort, loose enough to give you room to work and move, but tight enough so that it won't slip off. Second, it has to be fastened or it will not turn you face up and may slip off when you need it most. Finally and most important, it has to be worn whenever you are over or near the water.