Write a toolbox talk on Overhead hazards

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CPWR TOOLBOX RESEARCH AND TRAINING THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION TALK Being struck by falling objects is a leading cause of construction fatalities. Even a small object, falling from a height, can cause serious or fatal injuries. ## Ted's Story Ted was picking up debris at a construction site. A forklift was lifting a pile of lumber to the second floor next to him. The lumber was not secure and fell from the forklift. One board struck Ted in the head. He was wearing a hard hat, but the incident left him with a concussion. - What could have been done to prevent this incident? * Have you or someone you know ever been injured by a falling object on a job site? # Equipment: Falling Objects ## Remember This ➤ Do not hoist loads or allow them to pass over people. ➤ Secure loads before lifting them by forklifts. ➤ Secure all tools in elevated work areas if they are close to leading edges. ➤ Always wear a hard hat. ➤ Ask your employer to place toe boards on all scaffolding and open elevations to protect workers below from falling materials. ➤ Stack materials neatly to keep them from toppling over. How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent workers from being struck and injured by falling objects? 1. 2. OSHA Standard: 1926.250 ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement OH 009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH. CPWR 【● THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

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OSHA's Fatal Four: Struck-by Hazards Struck-by hazards occur when a worker is hit by a moving object, vehicle, or piece of equipment, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Common examples include being struck by falling tools, moving vehicles, or swinging equipment in the workplace. Did you know? Approximately 75% of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment like trucks or cranes. Did you know? In 2024 43% of all fatalities in Virginia were the result of struck-by injuries. Struck-by accidents are preventable, and you can find helpful tips below to reduce the risk and stay safe. Prevention Tip #1 Establish clear communication systems, like hand signals or two-way radios, to inform your crew of hazardous situations. A Prevention Tip #4 Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats and safety glasses, to protect against flying or falling objects. A Prevention Tip #2 Ensure workers are highly visible by wearing reflective clothing, especially when working near moving vehicles or equipment. Prevention Tip #5 Prevention Tip #3 Stay in alert zones: never walk near large equipment or machinery unless it's safe. Regularly inspect vehicles and equipment to ensure they are in safe operating condition, reducing the risk of malfunctions that could lead to struck-by incidents. Want to learn more about preventing workplace hazards? Contact us below: DOLIG VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY in linktr.ee/worksafeva [redacted email] doli.virginia.gov/

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# FALLING OBJECTS Date Posted: 01/30/2024 Each day, countless workplaces are subjected to the risk of falling objects. According to a recent survey conducted by the Center for Construction and Research and Training (CPWR), in 2022, falling/flying objects accounted for approximately 30% of injuries on construction sites. Falling objects from above cause severe injuries and account for fatalities every year. Falling object occur due to: incidents • A lack of hazard communication. • Improper storage of materials. • Improper protection of elevated storage areas. • Not moving or securing loads properly when protective headgear is not worn. • Improper housekeeping. Workers' most common injuries from falling objects are bruises, fractures, strains, and sprains. The objects that commonly fall range from large items such as roof trusses and steel beams to items such as fasteners and small hand tools. Understanding these hazards and implementing effective control measures is crucial in maintaining the safety of workers and bystanders alike. small ## COMMON FALLING OBJECT HAZARDS Tools, materials, and other objects can fall from roofs, cranes, and scaffolds, and even objects falling from lower levels, such as a truck bed or dolly, can lead to injuries. Several factors increase the risk of more severe injuries, including the object's shape and where on the body the person is struck. The height at which the object falls and the weight of the object are also extremely important, with injury severity increasing as the height and weight of the falling object increase. - of Objects during Work at Height: As workers perform tasks at elevated positions, items such • Dislodgement as tiles can be dislodged from a rooftop, causing hazards to those • Falling Objects due to Environmental Factors or Deterioration: Harsh weather conditions can lead to objects like scaffold planks cast off scaffolds in robust winds. Similarly, fixtures ductwork might fall from a ceiling due t…

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# OVERHEAD POWERLINES DANGER OVERHEAD POWER LINES Date Posted: 05/30/2024 According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, between 2011 and 2020, 39% of all electrically related workplace fatalities were caused by overhead power lines. 53% of all fatal electrical injuries occurred in the Construction industry. The Construction industry has remained the leading source of fatal electrical injuries, with 82, about three times the amount of the second-highest industry. Working with or near power lines can expose workers to electrical hazards, but these dangers can be avoided through safe work practices. Exposure to overhead power line hazards is not limited to employees of electrical utilities-workers in industries like construction and agriculture can also be exposed to them. Accidental contact with live overhead power lines can cause severe injuries and even death. Electricity can jump if equipment or machinery gets too close to powerlines, and fatal injury can be sustained, even without direct contact with a powerline. ## WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF OVERHEAD POWERLINES? - Generally, there are three types of lines: • Transmission lines: Carry more than 69,000 volts of current. Subtransmission lines: Carry from 34,500 volts to 69,000 volts of current. • Distribution lines: Carry less than 34,500 volts of current. ## WHAT ARE COMMON CONSTRUCTION EXPOSURES TO OVERHEAD POWERLINES • Use elevating equipment, like dump trucks, backhoes, or cranes • Carry long conductive objects like piping or ladders. • Work at elevation, from ladders and scaffolds, aerial lifts, or in bucket trucks. ## HAZARDS OF EXPOSURE TO OVERHEAD POWERLINES When workers are near overhead power lines, they may be exposed to hazards that include: • Electric shock Direct contact with live electrical current results in electric shock, which can kill or injure. • Electrocution: Electrocution occurs when a worker receives a powerful enough electric shock to kill. Electrical burns: A person who co…

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# PPE Fact Sheet-The Right Equipment—Head to PPE is the last line of defense against workplace hazards. OSHA defines PPE as "equipment for the eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, protective shields and barriers." Many OSHA regulations state that PPE must meet criteria set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ## Head Protection HEAD PROTECTION OSHA requires that head protection (hard hats) be worn if there is a risk of head injury from electrical burns or falling/flying objects. ## Aren't all hard hats the same? No. You must wear the right hat for the job. All hard hats approved for electrical work made since 1997 are marked "Class E." Hard hats made before 1997 are marked "Class B." These markings will be on a label inside the helmet or stamped into the helmet itself. Newer hats may also be marked "Type 1" or "Type 2." Type 1 hard hats protect you from impacts on the top of your head. Type 2 hard hats protect you from impacts on the top and sides of your head. ## How do I wear and care for my hard hat? Always wear your hat with the bill forward. (Hats are tested in this position.) If you wear a hat differ- ently, you may not be fully protected. The hat should fit snugly without being too tight. You should clean and inspect your hard hat regularly according to the man- ufacturer's instructions. Check the hat for cracks, dents, frayed straps, and dulling of the finish. These conditions can reduce protection. Use only mild soap and water for clean- ing. Heavy-duty cleaners and other chemicals can damage the hat. Don't wear another hat under your hard hat! WARNING PORE READ ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS ANSI 289.1-1997 ALGE MAS KAFESWON Class E, Type 1 hard hat. CLASS-AD ANGI 20011933 [redacted identifier] Class B hard hat. Page 68 Section 8

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# OSHA QUICK CARD™ ## Protect Yourself Construction Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ## Eye and Face Protection - Safety glasses or face shields are worn any time work operations can cause foreign objects to get in the eye. For example, during welding, cutting, grinding, nailing (or when working with concrete and/or harmful chemi- cals or when exposed to flying particles). Wear when exposed to any electrical hazards, including working on energized electrical systems. - Eye and face protectors - select based on anticipated hazards. ## Foot Protection - Construction workers should wear work shoes or boots with slip-resistant and puncture-resistant soles. • Safety-toed footwear is worn to prevent crushed toes when working around heavy equipment or falling objects. - Hand Protection - Gloves should fit snugly. - Workers should wear the right gloves for the job (examples: heavy-duty rubber gloves for concrete work; welding gloves for welding; insulated gloves and sleeves when exposed to electrical hazards). - Head Protection • Wear hard hats where there is a potential for objects falling from above, bumps to the head from fixed objects, or of accidental head contact with electrical hazards. - Hard hats - routinely inspect them for dents, cracks or deterioration; replace after a heavy blow or electrical shock; maintain in good condition. - Hearing Protection - Use earplugs/earmuffs in high noise work areas where chainsaws or heavy equipment are used; clean or replace earplugs regularly. For more complete information: Occupational OSHA Safety and Health Administration U.S. Department of Labor www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA OSHA 3260-09N-05