Weekly Toolbox Talk: Struck-By Falling/Flying Objects

You are at risk from falling objects when you are beneath equipment, scaffolds, etc., or where overhead work is being performed. There is a danger from flying objects when power tools, or activities like pushing, pulling, or prying, may cause objects to become airborne. Injuries can range from minor abrasions to concussions, blindness, or death.

How to Avoid Hazards?

• Wear hardhats.
• Stack materials to prevent sliding, falling, or collapse.
• Use protective measures such as toe boards, barricades and signs.

Hand & Power Tools, Machines, etc.

• Use safety glasses, goggles, face shields, etc., where machines or tools may cause flying particles.
• Do not lean equipment against the wall such as scaffolds parts, ladders, stilts etc
• Inspect tools, such as saws and lathes, to insure that protective guards are in good condition.
• Make sure you are trained in the proper operation of powder actuated tools.
• Make sure dollies are not loaded more than 14 sheets of rock as sheetrock can fall on toes while moving or working from dolly.

Cranes/Elevated Equipment and Hoists

• Avoid working underneath loads being moved.
• Barricade hazard areas and post warning signs.
• Inspect work areas for potential falling objects to see that all components, such as electrical conduit, wire, pipes, light fixtures, demolition work, etc.  Do not exceed lifting capacity of Elevating Working Platforms.

Overhead Work

• Do not leave tools unattended on top of ladders, equipment or places such as metal studs, framing structure where the tool can fall.
• Do not lean material such as metal studs, sheetrock, wood or anything that can become unstable and fall.
• Secure tools and materials to prevent them from falling on people below.
• Barricade hazard areas and post warning signs.
• Use toe boards, screens, or guardrails on scaffolds to prevent falling objects, or
• Use catch platforms, or canopies to catch or deflect falling objects.