1 I Introduction to Drop Prevention 1 I Introduction to Drop Prevention
Objectives Dropped Object Hazards
By the end of this chapter, students should: Identifying a dropped object hazard can be as simple as tools precariously stored in pockets, pouches or
• Understand the hazards of dropped objects as noticing a small tool or pile of screws laying near an bags with insecure enclosures.
at-height edge—any of which could be accidentally
• Identify drop prevention solutions based on a There are two primary types of falling object
kicked or blown by the wind, falling to a lower level.
hierarchical approach incidents: direct impact and deflections.
However, hazards are oftentimes less obvious, such
Direct Impact
Introduction Drop Height
Impact of an 8.3 lb. (3.6 kg) dropped wrench*
Speed Impact Force
to Drop Feet
5
Meters
1.5
MPH
12
KPH
19
Lbs.
166
Newtons
738
Prevention 10
25
3
7.6
17
27
27
43
332
830
1477
3692
In 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded
240 fatal work injuries from “struck-by falling/flying 50 15.2 39 63 1660 7384
objects.” Likewise, in 2015, “contact with objects” 100 30.5 55 88 3320 14768
was listed as the fourth highest cause of death in
the workplace and OSHA’s “struck-by falling object 200 61 77 124 5540 29536
recordables” reached 42,400.1
300 91 95 152 9960 44304
While these numbers alone would seem to indicate 400 122 109 175 13280 59072
that drops are a significant safety hazard in the
modern workplace, it should also be noted that 500 152 122 196 16600 73840
this only represented reported drop incidents. The
*Assumes a 3 in. (7.6 cm) deceleration distance for purposes of this calculation of impact force.
actual number of incidents is likely higher due to
underreporting.
Depending on the weight and shape of the tool or
Furthermore, these statistics only scratch the surface material that is dropped, the forces of a direct impact
of the total cost to employers of dropped object can reach fatal levels—even when a hard hat is worn.
incidents. Lost productivity due to work stop or
DROPS Organization systems downtime, as well as the cost of damaged
For example, note the speed and impact force that
can be generated when dropping an 8.3 lb. (3.6 kg)
tools and property are difficult to calculate but their wrench from heights. To visualize the effect of this
DROPS (Dropped Objects Prevention effects are felt by companies around the world. on a hard hat-wearing worker, scan the QR code to
Scheme) is a non-profit-making group Unfortunately—while legislative requirements related watch the video.
based in the U.K. that researches drop to protecting people from falling are robust and The hard hat—which is not typically designed for
prevention best practices and solutions comprehensive—there is still substantial regulatory such high impact—is unable to withstand the blow.
work to be done to ensure the safe use of tools and Not only does it become indented, indicating a
specifically for the Oil & Gas industry. materials at height (beyond OSHA 1926.759, OSHA potential direct injury to the head, but the force is
Learn more at dropsonline.org. 1910.28 and the work of groups like DROPS). also spread down to the neck area. The victim would
There are a number of important steps that must likely sustain serious injury in one or more areas of the
be included in any comprehensive drop prevention body, even though they were wearing a hard hat. Scan to Watch Direct
program. They include: identification of drop hazards, Impact video
design of corrective measures, implementation of
those measures, an inspection or audit program,
1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics selection and use of proper equipment and/or
http://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/case/ostb4397.pdf systems and in-depth training programs.
4 5
3M.com/FallProtection 800-328-6146
