Falling objects pose a significant threat to both workers and the public and can lead to potential injuries or fatalities. About 15 per cent of injuries among carpenters, electricians, and plumbers result from being struck by falling items.

Causes of falling objects

Common objects at risk of falling include:
  • tools
  • debris
  • construction or waste material
  • materials stored or stacked at the workplace
  • objects being lifted by plant
  • pre-cast concrete panels
  • stacked tiles from roofs
  • parts of a structure being built or dismantled.

The falling of objects can be caused by:

  • objects falling in gaps between perimeter safety screens or holes in safety netting/mesh
  • missing toe/kick boards on scaffolding
  • objects being stored close to edges or left unsecured
  • objects being blown from structures by wind
  • poor housekeeping causing objects to be accidentally kicked and pushed down.

Falling objects are not only a hazard directly on a worksite. When blown away by the wind or deflected from a structure, they may enter public areas, putting members of the public at risk.

Click here to see the effect of a falling object on someone

Handling of objects leading to falls

Equipment, material, tools and debris that can fall or be released sideways or upwards are also considered falling objects.

These include:

  • debris or materials coming loose from plant or loads while they are being lifted
  • objects being knocked or dropped due to mishandling.

PCBU responsibilities

Falling objects - WHS Regulations 54 and 55

A PCBU, such as an employer, must minimise the risks to health and safety associated with an object falling on a person, if the falling object is reasonably likely to cause injury. Adequate protection must be implemented.

Each relevant PCBU must provide and maintain a safe system of work, including:

  • fall prevention, so far as is reasonably practicable, and
  • if fall prevention is not reasonably practicable, a fall arrest system, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Control measures

As with all risk, the PCBU should first aim to eliminate the risk of falling objects. This can be done by performing work safely on the ground or from a solid construction. If this cannot be done, fall prevention must be provided.

Fall prevention

To prevent an object falling from height:

  • provide a physical barrier at the edge of the elevated area, such as toe boards or infill panels that form part of a guardrail system
  • erect perimeter containment screening made of mesh, timber, plywood or metal sheeting.

To prevent an object falling due to mishandling or lifting:

  • use appropriate equipment to raise and lower objects, ensuring working load limits are not exceeded
  • make sure objects are balanced and secure when lifted
  • inspect pallets each time before use to make sure they are in a safe condition
  • load pallets correctly to ensure load stability.

Fall arrest

If you are unable to use a fall prevention system, you must implement a fall arrest system, where reasonably practicable.

When deciding what kind of fall arrest system to use, be sure to consider the type of falling object, the possible fall gradient, and distance, to ensure system is strong enough to withstand the force of the falling object.

Possible controls here include:

  • erecting a covered pedestrian walkway
  • erecting a catch platform with vertical sheeting or perimeter screening
  • attaching lanyards to tools
  • providing overhead protection on mobile plant.

Other control measures can include:

  • use of ‘isolation’ or ‘no go’ zones where there is a risk of an object falling into an area
  • ensuring the worksite is clear and free from clutter
  • providing appropriate training and supervision
  • use of suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

However, these should only be used to support other, higher-level controls, or when there are no other practical control measures available.

Further guidance