Fall Protection Friday: The Falling Material Hazard

This Weeks Toolbox Talk Attached Below!

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

Improper material handling can lead to a fall in two primary ways: by creating a trip hazard or by directly causing a loss of balance from an elevated position.

The Two-Part Fall Hazard

1. Falling While Stacking: The act of placing or removing materials on a ladder, scaffold, or other elevated surface can be extremely dangerous.

   • A worker can lose their balance while lifting or setting down a heavy or awkward object.

   • A sudden shift in a material pile can cause a person to lose their footing and fall.

2. Tripping on Improperly Stored Materials: A disorganized work area is a constant fall hazard.

   • Materials that are not properly stored or that are left in an aisle or walkway can become trip hazards, causing a worker to fall to the same level.

   • Even a small piece of debris can cause a trip, leading to a fall that is made worse by the presence of other hazards nearby.

Your Plan for Safety

Preventing a fall starts with keeping a clean and organized work area.

• Keep it Clear: All walkways, aisles, and emergency exits should be kept clear of all materials and debris.

• Get a Hand: When stacking or unstacking at height, have a co-worker on the ground to hand you materials. This allows you to focus on your balance and the task at hand.

• Secure Everything: Never leave a pile of materials in an unstable condition. The next person who walks by could be the one to suffer a fall.

The proper handling of materials is not just about avoiding a back injury; it's about preventing the kind of incidents that can lead to a fall and a life-changing injury.

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-The Safety Man