{"id":4019,"date":"2026-05-15T01:09:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T01:09:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hazardco.com\/nz\/?p=4019"},"modified":"2026-05-19T23:19:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T23:19:43","slug":"falling-objects-safety-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hazardco.com\/nz\/blog\/falling-objects-safety-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Heads up! The real risk of falling objects"},"content":{"rendered":"

When we think about the risks of working at height, our minds often jump straight to the danger of a person falling. But there’s another serious hazard that deserves just as much attention \u2014 falling tools, equipment, and materials. A dropped spanner or an unsecured load from several metres up can cause serious injury or even death to anyone below.<\/span><\/p>\n

We recommend doing a <\/span>Task Analysis<\/span><\/a> to put a plan in place to manage the risks involved when working at height and there is the risk of falling objects. This will help you decide whether it\u2019s possible to eliminate the risk of falling objects or what the most effective control\/s are to minimise the risk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Elimination<\/b> is always the first and best option. If materials can be stored at ground level rather than on an elevated platform or scaffold, do it! Removing the hazard entirely is far more effective than managing it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where elimination isn’t possible, <\/span>substitution<\/b> offers a practical alternative. Something as simple as swapping an open bucket for a zip-up tool bag when transporting tools between floors can make a real difference.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep people away from the danger zone. <\/span>Isolate <\/b>areas directly below overhead work, set up physical exclusion zones, and use covered walkways where people must move through active work areas. You can also schedule work so no one is underneath when the risk is highest \u2014 sometimes the safest outcome is making sure the hazard and the person are never in the same place at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Engineer:<\/b> Install toe boards on scaffolding to stop tools getting kicked off edges, use barrier mesh to contain loose materials, and set up proper edge protection to keep equipment where it belongs. Once they’re in place, they do the job without anyone having to think about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Administrative:<\/b> Check all tools and equipment \u2014 including lifting slings and chains \u2014 are in good working order before use. Set up exclusion zones and warning signs wherever there’s a temporary falling object risk, such as when removing rubbish or debris from a roof.<\/span><\/p>\n

PPE:<\/b> This is your last line of defence, not your first. Use tool lanyards when working above others \u2014 they attach directly to the worker or structure so a slip of the hand doesn’t become a falling hazard. Hard hats must be worn by anyone working underneath elevated tasks or in any area where a falling object risk has been identified on-site.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember, consistency is key<\/b><\/p>\n

Managing the risk of falling objects isn’t one person’s job \u2014 it’s a shared responsibility across every worker and contractor on-site. Make sure everyone is actively involved and documents their considerations in the TA.<\/span><\/p>\n

A few moments of planning at the start of a job can prevent a life-changing incident. When it comes to working at height, protecting people from what falls is just as important as protecting them from falling themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got a question about falling objects or any other health and safety matter, the HazardCo Advisory Team is here to help. <\/span>Give them a call <\/span><\/a>on 0800 555 339<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When we think about the risks of working at height, our minds often jump straight to the danger of a person falling. But there’s another serious hazard that deserves just as much attention \u2014 falling tools, equipment, and materials. A dropped spanner or an unsecured load from several metres up can cause serious injury or […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":4025,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4019","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHeads up! The real risk of falling objects - HazardCo NZ<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Working at height isn't just about you falling\u2014it\u2019s about what you drop. 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