Dropped Tool Prevention Guidance

Guidance Objectives

The objectives of this guidance are to raise awareness and improve people's understanding of dropped tools, objects and their consequences, including:

• Be aware of the possible consequences of dropped tools and objects
• Have an understanding of the difference between a Static and Dynamic Dropped Objects and tools
• Have an understanding of difference between Preventive and Mitigating Controls
• Identifying controls for prevention and mitigation of potential dropped tools and objects
• Have an understanding of the importance of the effective use of the tool safety systems
• Consider what the potential and actual consequences are from not identifying the hazards
  that surround us.
• Observations to make when carrying out Risk Assessments and considerations when writing Method Statements
• Identifying and assessing potential dropped tools or objects while planning and monitoring tasks
• Consider strategies and systems which can be implemented to prevent dropped tools and objects

The need for tool safety at height

Working at height in itself is dangerous. Aside from the possibility of falling from height, the actual chance of being struck by dropped tools is also a considerable risk. Statistically, falling objects are some of the primary causes of deaths as well as injuries in the UK work place. It has recently been verified in the latest published reports*, that in the course of the 12 month period April 2008 to April 2009, the following fatalities and accidental injuries have been brought about by falling physical objects.

• 15 x Deaths
• 3223 x Non fatal major accidents
• 11981 x Over 3 days time lost accidents

Most of these accidents could have been prevented if suitable provision had been made for using tool safety tethering systems. Unfortunately today there is still a lack of awareness. People have not recognised the severity of the problem and are not aware of the simple solutions available. Often those responsible for people working at height are unaware of their legal duties and the implications of their neglect in this area.

(*RIDDOR / Health and Safety Executive 2008/2009 report)

"It's now a legal requirement to make provision for tools falling when working at height"

Are you breaking the law without knowing it?

The legal requirement in-line with localised dispensation and European Directives has been brought into effect by the introduction of 'The Working at Height Regulations 2005' - specifically covered in Regulations 10 and 11 (Falling objects) which says

• If it's not reasonably practicable, you must ensure that no one is injured by anything falling.
• You must ensure that nothing is: Thrown or tipped from height if it is likely to injure anyone. Stored in such a way that its movement is likely to injure.
• If the workplace contains an area in which there is a risk of someone being struck by a falling object or person, you must ensure that the area is clearly indicated and that as far as reasonably practicable unauthorised people are unable to reach it.

Why you must take action right now

Prosecution (Corporate)

Failure to provide safe systems of work or to comply with the legislation exposes the corporate entity, individual directors and management to prosecution, either jointly or severally.

Prosecution (Individual)

If it can be proven that safe systems of work have been implemented by the "organisation / employer" and that the individual responsible for an incident had not followed the recognised practise or procedures in place then the liability for prosecution can fall to the individual concerned, their immediate supervisor and/or line management chain.

Implication (Corporate / Individual)

This neglect could result in imprisonment, and punitive damages leading to financial ruin (where the legal view is that profits have been put before safety) and a Companies house ban. People need Knowledge, Awareness, Experience, and Compliance.

Don't get left behind

We are observing a significant sea of change in management awareness throughout UK industry. A growing number of major principle construction contractors are now leading the way in making their sites strictly 'Tethered Tools Only' as the HSE are focusing on this area with the increase in reported accidents recently. This trend is also being mirrored within utility, offshore oil and gas, refinery,
process and power sectors