Watch Out for Falling and Flying Objects

Objects falling from above can pose a serious on-site danger, and you are at increased risk when you are beneath cranes or scaffolds, or when others are working above you. Not taking this risk seriously? Consider the following accident reported by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA): An employee with no head protection was standing under a suspended scaffold hoisting another employee and three sections of a ladder. The sections of the ladder became unlashed and fell 50 feet, striking the employee in the head and killing him.

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Prevention Pays

To prevent hazards from falling and flying objects, the following provides some practical things you can do to prevent injuries that can really hurt.

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General Precautions

• Always wear a hard hat and carefully maintain it. Excessive exposure to paint, some cleaning agents, sunlight, and heat can all weaken hard hats. Wash them using warm water and never store them in the back window of your car. 

• Stack materials securely to prevent sliding, falling, and collapse.

 

Crane and Hoist Precautions

• Do not work under moving loads.

• Barricade hazard areas and post warning signs of the dangers on the job site.

• Inspect cranes and hoists to make sure that wire rope, lifting hooks, and chains are in good condition.

• Use toe boards, screens, and guardrails on scaffolds to prevent objects from falling.

• Use debris nets, catch platforms, or canopies to catch or deflect objects.

• Never exceed the lifting capacity of cranes and hoists.

• Secure tools and materials to prevent them from falling on others below.

• When working at height, do not keep tools in your pocket. They could slip out when you bend over.

 

Power Tool and Machine Precautions

• Wear safety goggles and face shields when operating machinery or tools that cause flying particles.

• Inspect tools to ensure that the protective guards are in good condition before each use.

• Do not use power tools unless you are properly trained on how to do so safely.

 

Air Compressor Precautions

• Reduce the amount of compressed air used for cleaning to 30 PSI.

• Only use this machine with the appropriate guarding and protective equipment. Objects can be blown at your body, injuring you.

 

Our Commitment to You

Your safety is our first priority at Pheifer Brothers. If you have any doubts about safety on site – regarding falling objects or any other issue – talk to your supervisor. Keeping you and your co-workers safe requires everyone’s cooperation.

 

Provided by: Hausmann-Johnson Insurance