Falling objects, regardless of size, have to potential to seriously injure or kill workers. Consider the wrench that falls from a height of 50 feet.
In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that workers be protected from falling objects through the use of head protection (hardhats) andone or more of the following strategies:
Erecting toe boards, screens, or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling to a lower level.
Erecting canopy structures and keeping falling objects far enough away from an edge, hole, or opening to prevent them from falling to a lower level.
Barricading the area into which objects could fall, prohibiting employees from entering the barricaded area, and keeping objects far enough from an edge or opening to prevent them from falling to a lower level.
There are additional strategies you can implement to address falling object hazards. These strategies include:
Performing a hazard analysis prior to each day’s work or each individual task to identify falling object hazards.
Inspecting walking and working surfaces to ensure that toe boards are installed.
Stacking tools and materials to prevent them from sliding, shifting, or falling.
Securing loose tools and materials to prevent them from falling to the area below.
Posting warning signs in addition to barricades or danger tape in areas with falling object hazards.
Using a bucket sling rather than tying a rope to the handle of a 5- gallon bucket to hoist tools. Tool bags or canvas hoisting buckets can also be used.
Inspecting lifting gear when using cranes and ensuring that the drop zone is clear when loads are elevated.
Implementing tool tethering. Tool tethering is a way of preventing tools from falling or being dropped by attaching tools to the person using them or in the case of heavier tools, a fixed anchor point.
Remember, safety
doesn’t have to be difficult, simple steps, such as barricading areas below overhead work, can prevent injuries and save lives.
