Working at Height: Avoiding Dropped Objects
If you constantly work with tools, people tend to get relaxed in how they secure them. But when working on a construction site, or a billboard, or any other job that requires handling tools in the air, you must be aware of the risks that these tools can represent to the people below. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 200 workers were killed by falling or flying objects in 2022.
To prevent something like that happening to your team, you should follow these six steps recommended by Martin’s Safety Team to minimize the risks:
- Identify Problem Areas
The first step is realizing you have a problem. Walk through the facility or outside area and identify what areas, jobs, and specific tasks have the potential for dropped objects. Make sure that you document those areas so that a comprehensive list can be made and checked.
Workers should be trained to avoid these areas if possible or take extra precautions before entering. If you need help identifying these hazards, Martin Supply can provide a job safety analysis as well.
- Hazard Assessment
Now that you know what hazards you have, you can determine what threats they cause and what can help you avoid them. While working on a ladder and working on a roof both have the potential for dropped objects, working on a roof presents a greater risk because of the height the object is dropped from. This chart showcases how much of an area is at risk when dropping an 8.3 lb. wrench.
- Eliminate the Hazards
Following OSHA’s Three Lines of Defense, the first two steps are to eliminate the hazard if possible, or to use administrative controls to remove the cause of the hazard. In the instance of dropped objects, an engineered solution could be providing a man lift with an enclosed basket, which can catch falling objects instead of letting them fall to the ground below.
An example of administrative controls would be to create a policy for employees to avoid others working at height, eliminating the risk of being hit by falling objects altogether.
- Make Necessary Upgrades
When completely eliminating the hazard is not possible, the next step is to make sure that all non-compliant tools are out of service, and proper tools are provided. All tools should have professional attachment points or lanyards to tether them to a solid object.
Smaller objects can typically be attached to the employee’s tool belt, but heavy objects should be attached to the lift or another solid point so that they do not bring the worker down with them if dropped.
- Control the Work
Before an employee goes up, every person who may cross through the affected areas should be properly trained and have clear guidelines on what to do. Proper PPE and safest pathways should be clearly identified.
- Monitor for Compliance
Just because employees have been trained once doesn’t mean that they’ll remember it forever. Go out and observe the work being done to ensure that the established processes are being followed. This allows you to know when discrepancies occur and to see if there are any new hazards that have emerged, or if previously unnoticed hazards are present. It can also help you identify lapses in your current process and find ways to improve it.
Vigilance is key when working at height, because it’s nearly impossible to avoid something when you’re not expecting it.
Martin Supply is proud to help companies operate better by offering safety trainings and PPE solutions that can keep your team safe.
Contact your Martin Sales Rep or call 800.828.8116 to learn more.
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