Occupational risk quantification owing to falling objects

A method and its results for quantifying occupational risk owing to falling objects is presented. It is based on the principles of quantified risk assessment. Five logical models representing falling object situations are quantified such as: (a) working or being near cranes, (b) working or being near mechanical lifting devices, (c) working or being near person propelled vehicles, (d) manual handling of loads and (e) working or being near falling objects (various other cases). These models allow the delineation of accidents involving contact with falling objects, into sequences of events describing measures (engineered and/or procedural) in place to prevent a struck by falling objects or to mitigate the consequences. Identification of these sequences enables the identification of specific root causes of such accidents and hence the determination of specific and practical actions that can influence the probability of being hit or the severity of the consequences. Risk as probability per hour of exposure for three possible consequences (recoverable, permanent injury and fatality) has been assessed. A sensitivity analysis has been performed, assessing the relative importance of measures affecting working conditions and eventually risk. The most important measures, in order to decrease fatality risk while working near cranes, are falling object protection systems. The appropriate placement of mechanical lifting devices is the most important measure for fatality risk reduction, if working near them, while the good surface condition is the most important measure for work near transport devices and in manual handling. In all other cases where falling objects might occur, demarcation of the dangerous zone is the most important measure for fatality risk reduction.