WorkSafe: Falling Objects

WorkSafe inspectors are visiting construction sites across Victoria to check employers and the self-employed are identifying hazards and controlling risks from falling objects.

Falling objects can injure or kill construction workers and, in some cases, nearby pedestrians. Each year, WorkSafe is notified of around 500 incidents involving falling objects. In the first six months of this year alone there were 76 claims related to falling objects. These objects are mostly construction tools and materials. They include hand tools, scaffold parts, and timber. A relatively light object such as a nut or bolt is enough to cause a fatal injury when it falls from a height. For example, a nut or bolt weighing just 30 grams dropped from a seven-story building is like being hit by a skateboard, with a speed at impact of 42 kilometres per hour.

Introducing WorkSafe’s new dropped object calculator

This new calculator is a guide to help you estimate the damage a dropped object can cause. This will help you to understand the risk the object presents in the workplace. The calculator is very easy to use, you simply pick an object from the selections or if you know exactly how heavy the object is, enter it in the input box, select the height of the falling object and it’ll calculate the results.

Common causes of falling objects

• Gaps between perimeter safety screens or holes in safety netting/ mesh
• Missing toe/ kick boards on scaffolding
• Debris or materials coming loose from plant or loads whilst being lifted
• Objects being stored close to edges or left unsecured
• Being blown from structures by wind
• Untethered tools being knocked or dropped.

Employer obligations

Employers must also notify WorkSafe Victoria of any notifiable incident, including those involving falling objects, as soon as they become aware of it.

Employers must, as far as practical, provide a safe work environment. They must also ensure their business activities do not harm the public. To control the risks of falling objects, employers must follow the hierarchy of control in Part 5.1 (Construction) of the 2017 Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.

Risk control measures

Risk control measures that prevent objects from falling in the first place are better than control measures which are only effective after an object has fallen.

Falling object risk control measures

Elimination

Eliminate the risk. Consider alternatives that do not involve the hazard that creates the risk. Either one or a combination of the following controls can be used to eliminate the risk:

• Substitution: Substituting a higher risk activity, procedure, plant, process or substance with a lower risk activity, procedure, plant, process or substance.
• Isolation: Isolating people from the source of risk. This involves physically separating people from the source of harm by space or by using barriers.
• Engineering controls: Using engineering controls or changes to systems of work. This involves the use of containment sheeting, brick guards, and tool tethers.

Administrative Controls

Administrative controls change the way people work. Reduce the risk using administrative actions such as information, training, instruction and supervision.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE limits exposure by reducing the harmful effects of the risk. Examples of PPE include hard hats, high visibility clothing, safety goggles and steel capped boots.

Falling Object Animation

For further information, including prevention of and protection from falling objects and the new dropped object calculator, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/falling-objects.