What is a fall zone?

A fall zone refers to the specific area on the ground where falling materials—such as tools, equipment, or loads—may land during lifting or hoisting operations. Understanding and identifying the fall zone is critical for ensuring safety on a job site, as it helps to minimize the risk of injury to personnel who may be working or passing through the area.

Properly marking and controlling access to the fall zone is essential in rigging and hoisting practices. By keeping the fall zone clear of unauthorized personnel and ensuring that only trained individuals are allowed in that area, the risks associated with falling objects can be significantly reduced. This is a fundamental safety measure that operators and riggers must implement to protect themselves and others from the potential dangers of overhead work.