Falling Object Protection

In addition to wearing hardhats, each employee on a scaffold must be provided with additional protection from falling hand tools, debris, and other small objects through the installation of toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems, or through the erection of debris nets, catch platforms, or canopy structures that contain or deflect the falling objects.

When the falling objects are too big or heavy to be contained or deflected by any of the above-listed measures, the employer must place such potential falling objects away from the edge of the surface from which they could fall and must secure those materials as necessary to prevent their falling.

Where there is a danger of tools, materials, or equipment falling from a scaffold and striking employees below, the following provisions apply:

• The area below the scaffold to which objects can fall must be barricaded, and employees must not be permitted to enter the hazard area.
• A toeboard must be erected along the edge of platforms more than 10 feet above lower levels for a distance sufficient to protect employees below, except on float (ship) scaffolds where wood or equivalent edging may be used in lieu of toeboards.

Where tools, materials, or equipment are piled to a height higher than the top edge of the toeboard, one of the following criteria must be met:

• Paneling or screening extending from the toeboard or platform to the top of the guardrail must be erected for a distance sufficient to protect employees below.
• A guardrail system must be installed with openings small enough to prevent passage of potential falling objects.
• A canopy structure, debris net, or catch platform strong enough to withstand the impact forces of the potential falling objects must be erected over the employees below.

To learn more about Scaffolding Safety visit our Construction Scaffolding Safety Online Training web page.