TOOLBOX TALK 27/60
TOPIC: FALLING/ FLYING OBJECTS
OBJECTIVE: TO ENSURE WORKERS AVOID ACCIDENTS WHERE THEY ARE STRUCK BY FALLING OR FLYING OBJECTS

Some things to know before you give your talk:

Talk to your team about what it would take to avoid an accident where they are struck by a falling or flying object. Ask them if they think it is a case of being mentally alert enough so that when the object flies in the air, they can jump out of the way in time.

Get your team thinking…

  • If you are in the line of fire of a flying hammer traveling 5.48m per second – it will take you ¾ of a second to react, you will need to be more than 4.26m away to have time to jump clear.
  • Accidents where you are struck by a falling object are not prevented by being ‘ready to jump or duck’. Don’t be reactive, get proactive!

Remind your team to be aware of their situations, and that if they must do some work where they are at risk of being struck, they should protect themselves.

  • Wear a hard hat to protect your head
  • Protect your eyes with suitable eye protection
  • Protect your hands with gloves
  • Look after your feet with safety shoes

Questions you can use to get them talking: 

  • Can an alert person with reasonably fast reflexes get out of the way of a flying or falling object?
  • What objects can fly or fall to strike us in our work?
  • What equipment could you be struck by and how do you avoid this hazard?
  • Has anyone ever had an accident – or know of one – involving being struck by something?

Don’t be reactive, get proactive with HSEC Online®