You are at risk from falling objects when you are beneath equipment, scaffolds, or other areas where overhead work is being performed. There is also a danger from flying objects when power tools, or activities such as pushing, pulling, or prying, cause objects to become airborne. Injuries can range from minor abrasions to concussions, blindness, or death.
How to Avoid Hazards?
- Wear hard hats.
- Stack materials to prevent sliding, falling, or collapsing.
- Use protective measures such as toe boards, barricades, and signs.
Hand & Power Tools, Machines, etc.
- Use safety glasses, goggles, face shields, etc., where machines or tools may cause flying particles.
- Do not lean equipment such as scaffold parts, ladders, or stilts against walls.
- Inspect tools like saws and lathes to ensure that protective guards are in good condition.
- Make sure you are trained in the proper operation of powder-actuated tools.
- Make sure dollies are not loaded with more than 14 sheets of rock, as sheetrock can fall on toes while materials are being moved or handled from the dolly.
Cranes/Elevated Equipment and Hoists
- Avoid working underneath loads being moved.
- Barricade hazard areas and post warning signs.
- Inspect work areas for potential falling objects to ensure that components such as electrical conduit, wire, pipes, light fixtures, and demolition debris are secure.
- Do not exceed the lifting capacity of elevating work platforms.
Overhead Work
- Do not leave tools unattended on top of ladders, equipment, or places such as metal studs or framing where they can fall.
- Do not lean materials such as metal studs, sheetrock, wood, or anything else that can become unstable and fall.
- Secure tools and materials to prevent them from falling on people below.
- Barricade hazard areas and post warning signs.
- Use toe boards, screens, or guardrails on scaffolds to prevent falling objects.
- Use catch platforms or canopies to catch or deflect falling objects.
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