Construction site workers, scaffold workers, site medics and roof cleaners are all vulnerable to the risks that come with operating tools and machinery.

From heavy hammers falling from a building’s edge to untied metal bars and aluminum sheets causing fatal injuries, there’s a lot that goes on during hazardous construction work.

With more than 904 fatal workplace injuries reported in 2016 by the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), the danger of dropped tools and construction materials is a serious problem.

Let’s take a look at the dangers of falling objects at work and the preventative measure that can be undertaken to avert workplace crisis.

Dangers of Dropped Objects

Inadequately Stored or Secured Tools and Equipment

Proper tool lanyards used to tether hand tools, nails, screwdrivers, and power tools prevent workplace injuries.

The tools should be secured properly to prevent them from falling and injuring other construction workers on site.

Human Factors

Incompetency and neglect by untrained workers lead to operational errors that compromise workplace safety.

Construction workers need to be trained in workplace safety, adequate tool handling and proper ways to secure materials during truck transportation.

Inadequate Risk Assessment

Untrained staff is often unable to identify and assess potential workplace hazards. Something as small as a tape measure falling from a great height could be fatal to a worker wearing a hard hat.

Failed Fixtures and Fittings

Improper installation of clamps and corrosion of load-bearing trolleys may result in dropping of objects.

Employers should invest in quality machinery that passes safety inspection guidelines and doesn’t deteriorate quickly.

Failed Fixtures and Fittings

Collisions and Snagging

While transporting beams, bricks, pipes, and other construction material from heavy trucks, a snag or collision can cause objects to fall.

Protect workers from falling debris by checking for fault lines and securing service loops before starting the machinery.

Environmental Factors

Oftentimes, heavy winds, rainfall, and unexpected snow can change work conditions and make them more volatile. The safety and structure of machinery are at risk as strong winds and storms can cause them to break or fail unexpectedly.

Use Fall Protection Gear for Tools

According to the guidelines released by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, tools, machinery, and equipment must meet the standards set by the CSA.

Besides safeguarding workers with quality construction equipment and providing hard hats to protect head injuries, tools and equipment need restraint as well.

Tools like hammers and screwdrivers need harnesses and chains with workers working on alleviated building platforms. Sturdy guardrails, barricades, and overhead protective structures should be built to bear the load.

Worker’s safety should be a priority that’s given the attention it deserves. Besides training them on how to properly use tools and gears, workers should also be given workplace safety training.

We offer comprehensive workplace safety courses at Metro Safety where workers receive hands-on training and learn skills to deal with workplace injuries.

Workers are also taught methods of suspension relief, proper equipment assessment and the appropriate way to don and remove harnesses.

Contact us for fall protection inspection training and teaching first aid courses in BC.

You can also call us at 604-521-4227 to schedule safety courses!