On construction job sites, materials, tools, debris or equipment can all become projectiles. If they strike or land on workers, the risk of being injured or even killed is significant.
A tragic case – In 2014, a man delivering drywall to a New Jersey construction site was killed when a tape measure fell 50 stories, striking him on the head. He wasn’t wearing a hard hat.
OBSERVE THESE RULES TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS FROM FALLING OBJECTS
- Handle with care.
- Never throw materials or tools
- Be sure toe-boards are placed on all scaffolding and building edges to safeguard materials like loose brick, tools, equipment, etc.
- Place screening or similar barriers between the toe-boards and the guardrails on scaffolding or perimeter edges to contain tools or materials along elevated edges.
- Use a securement tether or lanyard when there’s a possibility that a tool could slip from your grip.
- Be vigilant.
- When you load hoists and platforms, be sure the materials are stacked in a secure and safe manner.
- Use hand lines when climbing ladders to allow free hands to hold onto the ladder when you go up. Tools, equipment, and materials often fall when workers attempt to carry them up ladders.
- Use protective gear, barriers, and reinforcement.
- When you work beneath other operations, be sure and wear your hard hat. It’s often a lifesaver.
- Keep an eye on the load as it goes up. Never leave a load suspended and be sure that no one’s under the load.
- Respect “red tape,” which is a danger indicator. Never enter an area with red tape without permission.
BE VIGILANT – RECOGNIZE THE RISKS OF FALLING OBJECTS ON THE JOB!
