#structures collapse

A construction worker has been fatally wounded by a falling branch in Victoria, bringing the already high worker death toll in the state to 10 this year. This is an increase when compared with the same time last year.

The man was engaging in tree felling when a branch fell and hit into him, causing fatal wounds. Not much information has been provided on the incident but it highlights how dangerous work can be when there is the potential for workers to be hit by large, falling objects.

The fact that the employer failed to guard against this accident is most likely indicative of an employer who failed to manage the hazards accordingly and failed to provide a safe system of work for its employers.

WorkSafeNews.com.au reported on the incident:

A worker died this morning after being hit by a falling branch at a logging coupe near Yinnar South in the Latrobe Valley.

It’s believed the branch fell on the worker while he was felling a tree on Upper Middle Creek Road about 11am.

The 38-year-old man died at the scene. WorkSafe is currently on site investigating.

The man’s death takes Victoria’s workplace toll this year to 10, compared to eight fatalities the same time last year.

- See more at: http://www.worksafenews.com.au/news/item/335-falling-branch-kills-worker.html#sthash.nbgbhocc.dpuf

One of the reasons this risk is so serious is that it places not only employees at risk but the public as well. Objects have the potential to fall onto or hit people at the workplace or adjoining areas if precautions are not taken.

Adjoining areas including public footpaths, roads, squares or yards of a dwelling or other buildings beside the workplace are at risk of objects falling and injuring the public.  Equipment, material, tools and debris such as falling branches that can fall or be released sideways or upwards are also considered falling objects.

Some examples of situations where workers are at risk of being hit by falling objects include:

An object free falling from a structure such as a roof or scaffolding. Objects that could fall include tools, rock, soil and bricks, fixtures including pictures, ceiling panels and white boards that have not been securely fixed and materials that fall from over-stacked shelving.

 An object free falling from lifting machinery such as cranes. When loads that are being lifted are not properly secured or are unstable.

When an object or material is ejected while using machinery or hand tools, such as nails from a nail gun.

When unstable structures collapse such as mezzanine floors which aren’t strong enough to withstand weight they have to bear.

Whatever the hazard, it should be determined beforehand by the employer in order to manage against it occurring and possibly claiming worker’s lives as well as risking the lives of the public. Fall prevention must be considered and implemented before considering options for arresting the fall of objects. Fall hazards will differ from site to site and therefore the control measures will also differ.