What is one potential hazard when working near edges?

When working near edges, falling objects present a significant hazard due to the potential for items to drop from elevated surfaces. This risk is particularly relevant in environments where tools, equipment, or materials may accidentally be dislodged from a height. The consequences of falling objects can be severe, leading to injury or fatality for personnel below. Recognizing this hazard is crucial for implementing safety measures, such as using tool lanyards, barriers, or establishing exclusion zones to protect workers from the danger of falling debris.

In contrast, while excessive heat, noise disturbance, and water accumulation can also pose risks in various work environments, they do not specifically relate to the unique dangers associated with working near edges as directly as falling objects do. These other hazards may need to be managed in different contexts but are not inherently linked to the edge hazard scenario in the same way.