Falling Objects

Jan 29

A warning sign is shown depicting objects and tools falling towards a worker below.

Date Posted: 01/30/2024

Each day, countless workplaces are subjected to the risk of falling objects. According to a recent survey conducted by the Center for Construction and Research and Training (CPWR), in 2022, falling/flying objects accounted for approximately 30% of injuries on construction sites. Falling objects from above cause severe injuries and account for fatalities every year. Falling object incidents occur due to:

A lack of hazard communication.
Improper storage of materials.
Improper protection of elevated storage areas.
Not moving or securing loads properly when protective headgear is not worn.
Improper housekeeping.

Workers’ most common injuries from falling objects are bruises, fractures, strains, and sprains. The objects that commonly fall range from large items such as roof trusses and steel beams to small items such as fasteners and small hand tools. Understanding these hazards and implementing effective control measures is crucial in maintaining the safety of workers and bystanders alike.

Common Falling Object Hazards

Tools, materials, and other objects can fall from roofs, cranes, and scaffolds, and even objects falling from lower levels, such as a truck bed or dolly, can lead to injuries. Several factors increase the risk of more severe injuries, including the object’s shape and where on the body the person is struck. The height at which the object falls and the weight of the object are also extremely important, with injury severity increasing as the height and weight of the falling object increase.

Dislodgement of Objects during Work at Height: As workers perform tasks at elevated positions, items such as tiles can be dislodged from a rooftop, causing hazards to those beneath.
Falling Objects due to Environmental Factors or Deterioration: Harsh weather conditions can lead to objects like scaffold planks cast off scaffolds in robust winds. Similarly, fixtures like ductwork might fall from a ceiling due to wearing out of their attachments.
Toppling of Improperly Stored Objects: This involves instability of objects that could easily fall over, such as a poorly secured ladder or a carelessly stacked pile of items on shelves.
Loose Materials on Elevated Surfaces: Construction or renovation sites often have loose materials or tools on elevated platforms or scaffolds. If these items aren’t secured, they may fall and injure workers below.
Falling Trees or Branches: In outdoor work environments like forestry, landscaping, or general construction, workers may be at risk from falling trees or branches, especially during tree-cutting operations or in severe weather conditions.
Collapse of Structures or Excavations: In specific industries, workers are exposed to hazards from falling objects due to the collapse of structures (like buildings, bridges, etc.) or excavations.
Failures of lifting/hoisting equipment: Malfunctions or overloading of cranes, hoists, or heavy equipment can lead to loads being dropped, tipping, or collapsing while lifting.
Objects Falling from Vehicles: During loading and unloading operations, objects may fall if not adequately secured.

Protection from Falling Objects

Proper planning and supervision of work are essential to prevent falls from heights and falling materials. Those responsible for such work should be experienced and should use their knowledge to ensure that:

Warn other workers that an overhead task will be taking place. Erect signs and barricades to control access below.
Don’t carry tools or materials up a ladder.
Secure all tools and materials to prevent them from falling on people below.
Use toe boards or guardrails on scaffolds to prevent objects from falling. Alternatively, use debris nets or catch platforms to grab falling objects.
Stack materials securely to prevent them from sliding, falling, or collapsing.
Installing catch platforms below work areas to catch fallen materials or tools.
Ensuring loads are stable and secured before lifting, transferring, or moving them.
Installing overhead protection structures, e.g., shelters, to protect people under them.
Demarcating areas and restricting access to areas with a risk of being struck by falling objects.
Wearing suitable PPE, such as a hard hat.
Never work under suspended or moving loads.
Erect barricades and post warning signs at hazardous work zones.
Inspect cranes and hoists before use to ensure all components are in good working order, including synthetic slings, wire rope, lifting hooks, and chains.
Never exceed the lifting capacity of cranes and hoists.