10 Tips to Reduce the Risk of Falling Objects at Work

Falling objects are a common hazard in the workplace and can cause serious injuries or death. Whether it’s a tool that’s dropped from a scaffold or a load that’s shifted during transport, falling objects can be a major risk to employees, especially those working at height.

Falling objects are a common hazard in the workplace and can cause serious injuries or death. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), falling object incidents resulted in approximately 227 deaths in 2021 alone. The BLS also reported a staggering 45,940 workplace injuries from falling objects in 2017 – that’s 5.2% out of all reported injuries! Whether it’s a tool that’s dropped from a scaffold or a load that’s shifted during transport, falling objects can be a major risk to employees, especially those working at height.

That’s why it’s important to take steps to reduce the risk of falling objects in your workplace. By implementing safety measures, conducting regular risk assessments, and training employees on proper safety protocols, you can help to prevent falling object incidents and keep your workers safe.

As we know, the safety of our workers is a top priority. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help to keep your workplace safe and reduce the risk of falling object incidents. Whether you’re an employer or an employee, it’s important to understand the hazards associated with falling objects and take the necessary steps to prevent them. By doing so, you can help to keep your workers safe and ensure that your workplace is a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

Conduct a risk assessment: The first step in preventing falling objects is to conduct a risk assessment of your workplace. This includes identifying potential hazards and assessing the risk of injury or damage. By conducting a risk assessment, you can identify areas where falling objects may occur, and take steps to eliminate or reduce the risk. This could involve redesigning work processes, providing additional training, or implementing new safety measures. Additionally, it’s important to review the risk assessment periodically to ensure that new hazards or risks are identified and addressed.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): Employees working at height should wear appropriate PPE, such as hard hats and safety glasses, to protect themselves from falling objects. Hard hats are designed to protect the head and neck from impact, while safety glasses can protect the eyes from flying debris. Wearing PPE is a simple but effective way to reduce the risk of injury from falling objects. It’s also important to ensure that the PPE is in good condition and fits properly, as well as providing the appropriate type of PPE for the specific task.
Secure materials and equipment: Materials and equipment should be stored, transported, and handled in a secure manner to prevent them from falling. This includes using proper storage methods, such as racks and shelves, and using tie-downs, straps, and netting to secure loads during transport. Properly securing materials and equipment is essential to prevent them from falling and causing injury or damage. It’s also important to ensure that employees are trained on how to properly store, transport, and handle materials and equipment.
Use warning signs and barriers: Warning signs and barriers should be used to alert employees to potential hazards and to keep them away from areas where falling objects may occur. Barriers can be used to physically block employees from entering hazardous areas, while warning signs can be used to notify them of the potential danger. Using warning signs and barriers is an effective way to prevent employees from entering hazardous areas and reduce the risk of falling objects.
Train employees on safe work practices: Employees should be trained on safe work practices, such as proper lifting techniques, the proper use of PPE, and the proper handling and storage of materials and equipment. This will help to reduce the risk of falling objects and increase employee awareness of potential hazards. It’s important that the training is provided on a regular basis to ensure that employees are reminded of the safe work practices and to ensure that new employees are trained properly.
Inspect equipment and tools regularly: Equipment and tools should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are in good working order and that there are no defects that could cause them to fail. This includes inspecting ropes, cables, and harnesses for signs of wear or damage. Regular inspection of equipment and tools is important to prevent equipment failure and reduce the risk of falling objects.
Use proper fall protection: Employees working at height should use proper fall protection, such as harnesses and safety lines, to help prevent falls and injuries. These devices are designed to arrest a fall and keep the employee from hitting the ground. It’s important to ensure that the fall protection equipment is appropriate for the task, is in good condition, and that employees are trained on how to properly use it.
Regularly clean and maintain the workplace: A clean and well-maintained workplace is less likely to have falling object hazards. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help to identify potential hazards and keep them from becoming a problem. This includes keeping walkways and pathways clear of obstacles, ensuring that materials and equipment are properly stored, and inspecting equipment and tools regularly. By keeping the workplace clean and well-maintained, you can reduce the risk of falling objects and create a safer working environment.
Implement a safety program: A safety program that includes regular safety meetings and training, as well as regular inspections and audits, can help to reduce the risk of falling objects and promote a culture of safety in the workplace. Safety programs can help to identify and address potential hazards, as well as ensure that employees are aware of the risks and know how to safely perform their tasks.
Have a plan in case of an emergency: An emergency plan can help to minimize the risk of injury in case of an accident. This includes having emergency contact information readily available and ensuring that employees know what to do in case of an emergency. It’s important to regularly review and update the emergency plan to ensure that it is effective and that employees are familiar with it. In the event of an emergency, having a plan in place can help to minimize the risk of injury and ensure that employees know how to respond safely.

In conclusion, falling objects are a common hazard in the workplace and can cause serious injuries or death. By conducting a risk assessment, using appropriate PPE, securing materials and equipment, using warning signs and barriers, training employees on safe work practices, inspecting equipment and tools regularly, using proper fall protection, regularly cleaning and maintaining the workplace, implementing a safety program and having a plan in case of an emergency, you can reduce the risk of falling objects in your workplace and ensure the safety of your employees. It’s important to continuously assess and evaluate these tips to ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to minimize the risk of falling objects and keep your workplace safe.

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