This document discusses the hazards of working at heights and falling objects. It provides facts about the speed and impact of solid objects when dropped from heights of 20m, 35m and 70m. Falling objects are a major hazard on construction sites and can cause serious injuries even from seemingly innocent dropped tools. To reduce the risk of falling objects, the document recommends securing loads and tools, maintaining good housekeeping, using physical barriers below work areas, monitoring control effectiveness, and using personal protective equipment.

1. Working at Height
Falling Objects
Compiled by
Rudi Nieuwoudt

2. Working at Heights
Falling Objects
FACT!
A solid object dropped from 20m will hit the
ground in 2 seconds at a speed of 72 km/h
per hour.
FACT!
The same object dropped from 35 meters
will hit the ground in 3 seconds at a speed of
107 km/h.
FACT!
A 60 gram object dropped from 70 meters
has the potential to penetrate a hardhat.

3. Working at Heights
Falling Objects
Falling objects are a major hazard on many
construction sites. Something as seemingly innocent
as a wrench, piece of rebar or screwdriver lying on a
scaffold platform can cause serious injuries.
By following 6 simple steps, you will be able to
significantly reduce the chances of an object falling
and injuring someone or damaging equipment.

4. Working at Heights
Provide Warning
This would include Risk
Assessments, Safe Work
Procedures, DSTI’s,
Permits, Communication
and interfacing with
affected parties. Warning
signs.
Secure
Loads/Tools/Equipment
Use Tool Lanyards, Large
power tools should be
secured to the structure when
there is any possibility of it
falling. Don’t use platforms as
long-term stacking and
storage areas. Place tools in
tool bags when not in use.
Housekeeping
Tools and debris are one of
the main causes of falling
objects. When you are done
using a tool, don’t let it lie
around on a platform. Place it
in a tool bag. Keep your area
clean and tidy.
Physical Barriers
This would include, toe
boards, guard rails, nets to
catch possible objects that
have fallen, barricading the
area below to keep people out
etc.
Monitoring of Control
Effectiveness
Continuously monitoring the
effectiveness of the controls
and make changes as
necessary.
Personal Protective
Equipment
Always as a last resort.
Hard Hat/Steel toe Safety
boots.