Every day, countless workplaces are subjected to the risk of falling objects. From construction sites and warehouses to retail environments, the hazards posed by unsecured materials or equipment can be significant and, at times, fatal. When these objects fall from height, the potential for injury, or even worse, death, is substantial. Understanding these hazards and implementing effective control measures is crucial in maintaining the safety of workers and bystanders alike.
In this article, we’ll explore the common scenarios that lead to such accidents, uncover the typical falling object hazards across different industries, and, importantly, outline the preventative measures that can be taken to minimize these risks.
Whether you’re an employer looking to enhance your workplace safety protocols, a safety officer assigned to oversee these precautions, or a worker interested in understanding the risks associated with your profession, this blog post will provide you with valuable insights and practical solutions to help safeguard everyone involved. Read on to equip yourself with the knowledge to create a safer and healthier work environment.
Prevention Of Falling Objects/Materials Through Safe Stacking And Storage
It is estimated that two million working days are lost each year regarding handling injuries and slip and trip incidents. Such incidents can occur in warehouses and storage facilities when palletized goods are stacked higher than two stories and often weigh several tonnes. Implementing tried and tested methods for safe racking and storage is essential to mitigate the risks of an incident.
It is often possible to remove high-level storage from offices and other general workplaces, such as construction sites, and provide storage in warehouses or similar storage facilities. If a storage facility is to be installed for the first time, then the following points should be considered:
- The racking must be erected on and fixed securely to a sound, level floor.
- The storage system must be installed in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.
- If the racking is to be secured to the wall of a building, has this been proved by structural calculations that should be made to ensure that the walls can support the racking and its contents securely?
- Beam-connector locks must be fixed at both ends of the beam.
- Maximum-load notices must be displayed.
- Correct pallets must be used.
- Sufficient protective equipment, such as column guards and rack-end protectors, must be used.
Management and employees should familiarise themselves with the racking systems used and ensure they understand the difference between general wear and tear and real damage to help them identify potentially dangerous situations as early as possible. Storage racking is particularly vulnerable and should be strong and stable enough for the loads it has to carry. Damage from vehicles in a warehouse can easily weaken the structure and cause collapse. Uprights need protection, particularly at corners.
The following action can be taken to keep racking serviceable:
- Inspect them regularly and encourage workers to report any problems/defects.
- Post notices with maximum permissible loads and never exceed the loading.
- Use good pallets and safe stacking methods.
- Band, box, or wrap articles to prevent items from falling.
- Set limits on the height of stacks and regularly inspect to ensure that limits are being followed.
- Provide instruction and training for staff and special procedures for difficult objects.
Regular visual inspections should be carried out and documented to resolve any damage quickly. In particular, staff should be trained to act if damage occurs to and affects:
- the cross-sectional profile of the main load beam;
- the straightness of beams, bracing, or uprights; and
- the welds and joints, or bolts and clips.
Shelving and storage solutions can be installed to guard against back strains and other injuries, allowing access and retrieval of stock at a comfortable, ergonomic height. Products such as vertical storage machines or pallet pull-out units are possible solutions, as they are designed to reach stock without unnecessary straining.
Generally, storage racks should be examined by a qualified inspector approved by the Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA) at least once or twice a year.
During an inspection, particular attention will be paid to beams, uprights, frame bracing, floor fixings, and lock-in clips, as indicated in the SEMA Code of Practice, guideline no. 6. The following will also be subject to general observations:
- Pallet locations on beams;
- Conditions and types of pallets;
- Positioning of loads and types of loads stored on pallets;
- General fork-lift operatives’ use of the racking;
- The condition and type of floor on which the racking is fixed;
- General housekeeping of the installation and
- Possible changes from the original design requirements.
With warehouse managers relying increasingly on temporary and agency workers, who sometimes have little or no prior experience working in warehouse or storage environments, it is vital that safety training becomes part of the induction process.
All materials used in the construction process on-site must be stacked or stored safely. This will keep the site tidy and reduce slip and trip hazards. It will also help to reduce the risk of fire. Dangerous substances should be kept in a safe place in a separate building or open air. Only small quantities of hazardous and/or flammable substances should be kept on the site. Any more significant amounts that cannot be kept outside in a safe area should be kept in a special fire-resisting store that is well-ventilated and free of ignition sources. Flammable gas cylinders also need to be stored and used safely.
