By K C Pawling, Road Safety and Loss Prevention Specialist
Bridge inspections come with a variety of risks, and it’s important to stay alert and prepared every time you’re out in the field. Common hazards include slips, trips, and falls—especially when navigating muddy embankments, thick brush, or uneven terrain under and around bridges. Falls from height are also a serious concern.
Never conduct a bridge inspection alone, particularly when working on:
- High-elevation or long-span structures
- Canal bridges over deep water
- Bridges with steep or unstable banks
Always notify your office of your inspection location and expected duration. This ensures someone knows where you are in case of an emergency.
Before heading out:
- Make sure your vehicle is stocked with a properly sized first aid kit.
- Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which may include:
- Hardhat
- Safety glasses
- High-visibility vest
- Safety harness and lanyard (for fall protection)
- Gloves
- Slip-resistant boots
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirts
- Life jacket (when working near or over water)
- Rattlesnake gaiters (recommended in rural areas)
Ladder safety is critical. Inspect ladders before use and only use Type I rated ladders. Ensure the ground is stable to prevent slipping or sinking.
Traffic control measures must be in place when inspecting bridges near roadways. Drivers often overlook signage and cones, so use extra caution and follow MUTCD guidance for temporary traffic control setups.
Environmental hazards are also a concern:
- Long sleeves and pants help protect against ticks, poisonous plants (like poison ivy and oak), and scratches from brush.
- Always perform a tick check at the end of the day. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are present in Nebraska.
- Be alert for venomous spiders such as black widows and brown recluses, which are known to inhabit bridge structures.
- Rattlesnakes are native to the area—close encounters have occurred, so protective gear is strongly advised.
Winter inspections pose unique risks. Many counties inspect bridges after a hard freeze when vegetation has died back, and snakes are less active. If walking on ice to access bridge undersides, proceed with extreme caution. Falling through ice can lead to hypothermia or worse—even if drowning isn’t the immediate threat.
These are just a few of the safety considerations to keep in mind. For more detailed procedures and requirements, refer to your Bridge Inspection Manual provided during certification training.
We regularly update our training sessions to reflect regulatory changes and member feedback. We also offer flexibility to tailor sessions to your county’s specific needs. So, if you are ready to get a training scheduled, you can contact me at NIRMA to learn more or to set up a session for your team. I can be reached via email at kcpawling@nirma.info or 402-310-4417.
Stay safe out there.
