TOOL BOX TALK

FALLING OBJECTS

No complicated procedure is necessary to eliminate the causes of falling-object-accidents. One need is the establishment of an inspection and maintenance routing, the object being to examine all structural parts of the equipment or building to make sure nothing is insecure or in a position to fall. All lifting equipment, especially lines of all kinds, should be subjected to frequent scrutiny to discover any possible defects in need of repair. If these precautions had been observed, a great percentage of the accidents in this category would never have occurred. All things being equal, men now crippled would not have been crippled. Men now dead would be alive. Gentlemen, you can lose nothing by making certain your sites contain no such death traps.

Unless dangerous work practices and the hazards of poor housekeeping are also eliminated, the job of preventing falling object accidents is only half done. This applies particularly to the habit many workers have of leaving, tools and other objects scattered about the premises. A hammer left on a beam can crush a man’s skull. This has happened. A piece of pipe or equipment left near to the edge of the structure can be knocked or jarred off to strike and injure a man standing on the ground or structure below. This has also happened.

Since hand tools are more likely to be dropped from up in the steelwork or scaffolding than any other types of equipment, workmen should be instructed to observe special caution in the handling of hand tools if work is to progress safely. Men climbing ladders should not attempt to carry tools with them, they should keep both hands on the ladder. Both, for their own safety and the safety of other employees. Tools should be raised by a line to any worker needing them, above ground level. As soon as the employees have finished with the tools they should be returned to the ground level. Setting a tool aside temporarily on the steelwork or scaffolding where it can be knocked off is the precise reason many falling object accidents occur. As a final precaution, all employees should stay out of the area below, where work is being performed at heights.

Clean up, provide a definite place for all tools not in use. Make it “Taboo” to leave any piece of equipment or materials anywhere except at the safe spot designated for it. A little patient training will help your people realize the importance of good housekeeping, and the need to protect your head when working on sites.

Any Questions ? CAT- SBG Safety Dept.

John D`Cruz.