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 mans 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.