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Stop the Drop

On December 6, 2016 in Safety News

Injuries due to Falling Objects

According to Service Canada, “Falling Objects” is ranked Fifth (5^th) on the list of Most Common Causes of Workplace Injuries.

Overexertion
Falling on a same-level surface
Falling from a height
Reaction injuries
Falling objects
Pedestrian collisions
Vehicular Mishaps
Machinery Accidents
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Assault from a co-worker

The risk of injury due to Falling Objects is dependent on the weight (or mass) of a falling object, and the traveling distance (or height) of a falling object.

Question for the Audience

Contact with a falling object may have the potential for a life altering outcome. Generally speaking, are you aware of the traveling distance required for a two pound falling object to result in the following injury: First Aid, Medical Treatment Injury, Permanent / Long Term Injury, Fatality? The answers might surprise you:

First Aid – 1 foot
Medical Treatment Injury – 13 feet
Permanent / Long Term Injury – 19 feet
Fatality – 39 feet

When a falling object increases in weight, the traveling distance required for injury will decrease. See the attached DROPS Calculator for reference.

Proactively Controlling the Potential for Dropped Objects

Identify Areas of Risk – assess your work area, tools and material at elevation. Identify and control objects which present the potential for a fall.
Determine Methods of Control, and Combine Control Methods Whenever Possible
1. Securement of material at elevation via tie wire, rope, chain, material bags, etc.
2. Installment of netting or tarp between the handrails and toe boards of a work platform
3. The use of tool retention for small, mid or large sized hand tools
4. The use of proper rigging components when hoisting and lowering material to elevation
5. Only take the required amount of tools, equipment and material to an elevated work area
6. Do not place objects and material close to the edge of a work platform
Audit the Controls – Park Derochie uses a Stop the Drop Prevention Checklist to assess the safety controls and verify they are appropriate for the task.

*Content Provided by Park Derochie Safety Department.