FACTS

1. Most falling object accidents occur when workers are struck by tools or equipment that fall from an elevated work platform, scaffold, or crane. Other common causes of falling object accidents include objects that are knocked over by wind gusts and objects that are improperly stored or secured.

2. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers being struck by objects among the fatal four leading causes of construction accident deaths.

3. Construction workers are at risk of broken bones, head injuries, or even death from falling objects when they work beneath cranes, scaffolds, ladders, and wherever overhead work is being performed.

4. Other common injuries sustained in falling object incidents are:

• Lacerations
• Bruises
• Bone fractures
• Neck and back injuries
• Concussions and head trauma
• Spine injuries and paralysis
• Permanent disability

5. The extent of falling object injuries a construction worker might sustain depends on the size and weight of the object, the height from which it fell, whether other objects slowed its fall, and whether or not the victim was wearing protective gear.

STATS

• Falling objects are one of the leading causes of worker injuries and fatalities. In fact, OSHA estimates that each year there are over 34,000 injuries and nearly 400 deaths caused by falling objects. These accidents can occur when workers are struck by tools or equipment that fall from height, or when they are hit by debris that has been dislodged from above.
• A solid object dropped from 64 feet will hit the ground in 2 seconds at a speed of 43.8 miles per hour.
• The same object dropped at 106 feet will hit the ground in 3 seconds at a speed of 65.8 miles per hour.
• A 2-ounce pen dropped from 230 feet has the potential to penetrate a hardhat.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 42,400 “struck by falling object” accidents every year. That accounts for 116 injuries caused by falling objects every day or one every 10 minutes.
• Nearly 17% of all job site related deaths are attributed to objects falling or striking a worker. While safety helmets are often required in work sites, there are times when these helmets just aren’t enough.
• According to OSHA (the Occupational Health and Safety Administration), more than 50,000 of people are injured every year at places of work by falling objects.