Research has shown that there are six types of accidents that occur most frequently. We call these the BIG SIX. We'd like to focus on these BIG SIX to reduce these types of accidents or, better still, to prevent them. Contact with flying debris is one of the BIG SIX.

Accidents that involve flying debris are a frequent occurrence. Examples of activities in which you may come into contact with flying debris include the following:

• Cutting and grinding (circular saw/angle grinder);
  
• Chiselling and concrete drilling;
  
• Demolition work;
  
• Objects blown away by the wind, such as:
  
• Construction materials, doors that blow open, etc.
  

Flying debris

•     Metal, wood and concrete debris
  

Pressurised objects

• When an item is pressurised (such as a compressor) and a part shoots off as a result
  

The different activities in which you may come into contact with flying debris include the following:

• Cutting and grinding (circular saw/angle grinder)
  
• Chiselling and concrete drilling
  
• Demolition work
  
• Objects blown away by the wind, such as construction materials
  
• Work involving pressurised objects with parts that may shoot off (such as a compressor)
  

Severity of the accident

The eyes are the body part that is most commonly injured during these accidents. Examples include metal splinters produced while grinding that end up in the eye.

• Observe the instruction manual of the tool you are using.
  
• Make sure that tools are properly maintained.
  
• Check tools before use. Only use tools that have been inspected.
  
• Do not remove any safety measures (such as protective covers).
  
• Tell one another about the work you are doing and maintain sufficient distance from any work that may involve flying debris.
  
• Secure items on the construction site to stop them blowing away.
  
• Wear the correct PPE.
  

• Which unsafe situations have you seen at work that could cause injuries from flying debris?
  
• How can these be improved?
  
• What agreements should we make to improve these situations?