Fall Protection Friday: Dropped Tools & Falls

This Weeks Toolbox Talk Attached Below!

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! We’ve spent this week on hand tool safety. Today, on Fall Protection Friday, we're connecting these everyday tools to the most common cause of fatalities in construction: falls.

A hand tool can cause a fall in two primary ways: by creating an immediate loss of balance for the person using it, or by being dropped and causing a separate "struck-by" hazard below.

The Two-Part Fall Hazard

1. The Unexpected Slip or Break: A worker on a ladder, scaffold, or other elevated platform can easily lose their balance when a tool fails or slips.

   • The Slip: When a wrench slips off a nut or a screwdriver slips out of a screw, the sudden release of force can cause a worker to lose their footing and fall.

   • The Break: When a tool breaks unexpectedly, such as a hammer handle snapping or a pliers jaw failing, the sudden jolt can throw a worker off balance.

2. The Dropped Tool: Any tool dropped from a height can cause a "struck-by" injury to a coworker below. This is an indirect fall hazard; the injured coworker could be knocked off of a ladder or scaffold by the falling object. This is a reminder to always secure your tools.

Your Plan for Safety

Your focus on safety should be amplified whenever you are working at height.

• Use a Tool Lanyard: Always use a tool lanyard to secure your tools to your harness or belt. This prevents a dropped tool from becoming a falling hazard.

• Maintain Your Grip: Ensure your grip on the tool is firm and your footing is stable. Never overreach or work in an awkward position.

• Keep it in Good Repair: A tool that is in good repair is far less likely to fail and cause a slip or loss of balance.

The proper use of your tools is not just about avoiding a cut or a bruised knuckle. It’s about preventing a fall that could be fatal.

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-The Safety Man