An eight-kilogram LED light fixture fell from a workshop’s five-metre-high ceiling and narrowly missed hitting a worker. There were no records of either inspections or maintenance of the LED light fixtures since their installation three years earlier. The incident didn’t result in an injury, but it had the potential to cause serious harm.
Actions
- The workshop area was barricaded immediately.
- An electrical contractor was engaged to inspect the workshop’s light fixtures.
- A site-wide audit of light fixtures was scheduled.
Takeaways
- Inspect fixed and suspended equipment, including lighting, and record inspection and maintenance activities.
- Ensure suspension and mounting systems are rated appropriately for loads and installed in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
- Consider secondary retention systems, such as safety chains or catenary wires, to prevent falling objects if primary fixings fail.
Summary
Ageing infrastructure and fit-and-forget installations can introduce serious falling object hazards over time. Regular inspections, maintenance and verification of load-bearing fixtures are essential to prevent unexpected failures and protect workers from high-consequence injuries.
