Falling Object Safety on Scaffolds
The Problem
"Watch out!" might be the first warning when something falls—but relying on shouted alerts isn’t enough. Even a small item like a bolt or spanner can cause serious injuries when dropped from height due to the velocity it gains during the fall. Falling object hazards are one of the most common—and preventable—dangers when working on or near scaffolds. Today, we’ll talk about how to prevent these risks and keep everyone safe.
Identify the Hazards
- Unsecured Items: Tools, bolts, or materials left near scaffold edges.
- Missing or Inadequate Protective Systems: Toe boards, mesh screens, or guardrails that are missing or incorrectly installed.
- Removing or Bypassing Safety Measures: Workers removing barriers or safeguards for convenience.
- High Stacks of Materials: Stacked materials that exceed toe board height and are prone to tipping.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Always Wear Your Hard Hat
Certified safety helmets must be worn at all times when working on or near scaffolds.
Install and Maintain Protective Measures
- Toe Boards, Screens, and Guardrails: Must be in place and secure to block or deflect falling tools and debris.
- Additional Protection: Use debris netting, canopy structures, or catch platforms to protect those working below.
Barricade Drop Zones
- Restrict access to the area below working platforms where falling objects could injure others.
- Use warning signs and barriers to keep people out of harm’s way.
- Secure High Stacks
If materials extend above toe board height, use one or more of the following:
- Mesh panels or screens between toe board and top rail.
- Guardrails with smaller openings.
- Overhead protection such as netting or canopies rated for impact resistance.
Secure Tools and Materials
- Store heavy or large tools away from scaffold edges.
- Use:
- Tool lanyards/tethers
- Chocks to stop items from rolling
- Straps or restraints for large or bulky materials
Speak to the Competent Person
- All protective systems must be inspected and approved by a Competent Person.
- If you’re unsure about the setup, speak to the supervisor or Competent Person on-site.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
On a recent site, a spanner fell from a scaffold that did not have toe boards in place. It struck a worker on the hard hat, causing a head injury. While the helmet helped reduce the severity, the incident highlighted the need for toe boards and tool tethering. This injury could have been avoided by simply installing the required safety barriers.
Employee Responsibilities
- Always wear your hard hat when working near scaffolds.
- Secure all materials and tools on elevated platforms.
- Never bypass or remove safety systems like toe boards or netting.
- Immediately report any missing or damaged fall protection systems.
Employer Responsibilities
- Install proper protective systems, including toe boards, mesh screens, and barriers.
- Ensure all workers are supplied with and trained to use appropriate PPE.
- Appoint a Competent Person to inspect scaffold setups and safety systems.
Discussion & Questions
- Have you encountered falling object hazards on scaffolds? What happened?
- What other tips can we use to keep tools and materials secure?
Encourage workers to share practical experiences and raise any current concerns.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to keeping our work areas tidy and secure. Before work begins, check your scaffold for toe boards, netting, and secured tools. If anything is missing, report it to the Competent Person immediately.
Wrap-Up
Falling objects are preventable with the right systems in place. PPE like helmets helps, but proactive measures—such as toe boards, secured loads, and barriers—are what truly prevent injury. Let’s stay alert and committed to protecting one another.
Standards Overview
Under Canadian workplace health and safety regulations, employers must:
- Protect workers from falling objects by using barriers, toe boards, debris nets, and overhead protection where required.
- Ensure hard hats are worn whenever there is a risk of falling items.
- Appoint a Competent Person to inspect scaffolds and verify that all protective systems are properly installed and compliant with applicable standards.
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
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