Health and Safety A-Z
Topic: Falling Objects
Summary:
A falling object can be anything from an annoyance to a life-threatening hazard. Some examples:
- the pile of paper you accidentally knock off the corner of your desk
- the unseen stapler that slides off a box that was stored on a high shelf
- the collapse of an overloaded shelf
- the tool that falls from your toolbelt as you climb a ladder
- the car that falls off the jack while you are changing a tire
Precautions necessary for this hazard have a similar range. Basic orientation and awareness is usually adequate in an office setting, but more formal, documented programs with training and specialized equipment are usually required as weights, heights and risks increase.
For more information see:
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Workplace Housekeeping
Ont. Reg. 851 – Industrial Establishments, s. 14, 45 – 48, 51 – 59, 74
Additional Resources:
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Overhead Crane Operation
Last Revised: November 3, 2015