Dropped Tools

Before Work Begins (Dropped Objects)

Prior to work at height being carried out there should be a risk assessment and a method statement which details procedures, specifications for tools, equipment, systems and provides where
necessary checklists.

People need Knowledge, Awareness, Experience, and Compliance

Dropped Tools

Before you begin any kind of task, think about the possibility of dropped tools and objects:

Recommendations

• Any tools being used at height need to be anchored against dropping.
• Lanyards, tethers along with connectors must always be used in between the tools and belt or bag.
• There needs to be a weak link or safety provision in between the tool and tethering system on the belt or bag.
• Wrist straps should only be used if they provide protection against injury caused by de-gloving.
• When there is a need for more tools, a tool bag / belt with structural anchorage loops must be used.
• If the method statement requires it, always log tools in and out on the tool register, to make sure that no tools have been left behind.
• Put in place barriers below the work area and make sure the extent of the barrier area is appropriate for the work being done at height.
• Make sure that any grating is safe and make use of mats and temporary covers where you have the possibility of small items to fall through gaps.
• Wherever a scaffolding platform must be used, make sure toe-boards are fitted.
• Continue to be aware of other activities taking place around and beneath you.

Dropped transportable equipment

A significant number of reported incidents relate to dropped radios, pagers, gas detectors as well as other transportable equipment.

Recommendations

All handheld devices used at height needs to be secured against dropping.

• Carrying pouches should always be used for radios and all other transportable equipment without any dedicated attachment point.
• The locks for the pouches will need to have a double securing mechanism to protect against
  accidental opening.
• Belt clips that permit the radio to become detached when turned 180 degrees should never be used.

Possibility for dropped objects in repair & installation

Accidents whilst working at height can be serious and a very high amount of reported incidents
is a result.

Recommendations

• All repair and maintenance work at height needs to be risk assessed.
• All parts, equipment and materials used at height need to be anchored against falling.
• Small components need to be kept in appropriate storage containers or similar.
• Once the tasks are complete, a final check needs to be carried out, to make sure that no materials or equipment has been left at height.

Keeping your worksite tidy can reduce incidents

Recommendations

• Just before work begins, visually examine the work area for loose objects and debris.
• Check the equipment and structures within the work area to make sure that any kind of fasteners, bolting, covers etc are properly secured.
• Tools, equipment and materials needs to be secured in a secure location at the end of each shift.
• Once the work is completed, a final check and inventory count should be carried out to make sure that no tools, equipment or materials have been left behind at height.
• The actual worksite needs to be left in a tidy and clean condition, and all tools, equipment and materials must be returned to their designated storage place.

Examples of Industries requiring Dropped Tool Prevention

Even when you're current task isn't at height, consider the environment where you will carry out the activity as well as any other activities which may be happening around you. Low-level applications include stopping tools from falling into engines and gearboxes, food and pharmaceutical production lines. High-level applications include construction sites, wind turbines, cranes, buildings, bridges, telecom masts, power lines, railway gantries, aircraft hangers, steel structures, buildings, Scaffolding, towers etc.

Media Reports

Brain Injury from Being Struck By Flying or Falling Objects

An impactful blow to the head by a falling or moving object can cause easily cause brain damage and permanent disability. While the majority of brain injuries are caused by the head striking an object, moving and falling objects still contribute to thousands of brain injuries each year. The most common types of falling objects that cause serious injury are equipment, tools and merchandise. The severity of an injury is always related to the laws of physics: the weight of an object, the speed or velocity it travelled, and the height from which it fell. An object as small as a bolt or a small pebble can cause a severe brain injury if it falls from a high enough distance or with enough force.

Dropped Object Injuries

Dropped object injuries form the biggest of all injuries in the construction sites and industrial production sites. Workers are mainly the people affected in these injuries. The major causes of injuries are objects falling from construction scaffoldings and platforms.... The fatal injuries traumatize the fellow workers who lose their confidence to work in such sites.