Falling Objects and Overhead Hazards in Agriculture

1. Farmyards and other buildings have many tasks with high levels of risk occurring all around so it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

2. Many different jobs may be occuring at once that can include large machinery, several workers, and livestock. It is important that farmyards remain orderly and that all material is being stored securely and safely. The use of overhead storage allows more working space below, but also comes with a few hazards to be aware of.

3. Signage is a great way to inform other workers of potential hazards to be aware of. If overhead storage or any overhead work is present, there must be signage that is visible to bring awareness of the risk of falling objects.

4. Another important form of signage is the load limit of overhead storage or any walking, working platform. The load limit must be posted and visible, and shall never be exceeded in weight.

5. Any overhead storage or walking, working platform must be constructed with proper guardrail systems and a toe board to prevent objects from falling and potentially striking those below. Keep-in-mind, if working on a platform or surface that is above 4 feet high a form of fall protection is needed.

6. The railing system must be able to support at least 200 lbs of force from any direction, and the toe boards must be at least 4 inches high and be attached 1/4 inch or less from the floor. If materials are piled above the height of the toe board, than paneling up to the mid-rail or top rail must be used to prevent materials from falling. A 2x4 board is not an acceptable toe board.

7. When accessing overhead storage by a fixed ladder, floor hatch, or any other open space, a gate or a removable railing with a top rail and mid rail must be used.

8. It is important for those that are operating any heavy machinery, vehicles, or equipment to be aware of any overhead storage or overhead work that is being performed. Operators must exercise caution when navigating around those areas.

9. It is important to only build secure bale stacks and bind stacks and loads. If you are removing bales from stacks, always start with bales being stored on the top, NOT from the bottom. Stacks with overhanging bales that are unsupported are very dangerous.

10. When necessary, always wear personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of injury of falling objects (i.e. Hard Hats).

11. In what other ways can you protect yourself from overhead objects?

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