Safety Spotlight: Preventing Dropped Objects

Working from heights creates a risk of dropped objects that could result in a serious injury or a fatality. “Struck by” is one of OSHA’s Fatal Four Hazards that most commonly result in death on a job site. While dropped objects should fall vertically, dropped objects can strike equipment during the fall and be deflected toward individuals not directly under the overhead work.

To prevent tools from falling, safety devices such as tool lanyards, tool tethers, tool pouches, holsters, tool buckets, and other drop containment devices can secure tools and other equipment.

Toe boards and tool nets, along with the use of hard hats, reduce the risk of injury or death due to dropped tools or other dropped objects.

SEFA requires all employees to follow our Dropped Object Prevention Plan while working at customer facilities and our own sites.