BSO Plus SAFETY TOPIC

The BSO Plus Safety Topic is a review designed from the BSO Plus agenda. This safety topic is
your way to stay current on the safety information over the 3 years between BSO Plus and BSR.

DROPPED OBJECTS

Overview
A host of factors can contribute to a dropped object incident. It is
According to the
important to consider these during worksite hazard identification.
Energy sources such as gravity, wind and mechanical motion can 2016 WSIB
instigate a sequence of events that result in something falling. Add Statistical Report,
corrosion, lack of awareness and inadequate inspection or By the Numbers,
maintenance and you can almost guarantee a dropped object incident behind only Motor-Vehicle
will occur. Incidents (36%) and Falls
“Struck-by” is the term that Ontario’s prevention system uses for the (18%), Struck By/Caught in
various injuries that occur when workers are hit—or struck—by tools, Objects has accounted for
materials, equipment, or vehicles. The objects that commonly fall 13% of all workplace fatalities
range from large items such as roof trusses and steel beams to small in Ontario over the last ten
items such as fasteners and small hand tools. years (2007–2016). It's the
The most common injuries workers suffer from falling objects are third-highest cause of work-
bruises, fractures, lacerations, strains, and sprains, however, it is related deaths.
possible for these incidents to result in fatalities.
There are the two types of falling objects:
Static Dropped Object: Any object that falls
from its previous position under its own weight
(gravity) without any applied force. For example,
failure caused by corrosion or vibration.
Dynamic Dropped Object: Any object that falls
from its previous position due to applied force.
For example, collisions involving moving
equipment or loads, snagging on machinery or
stacked items, dislodged tools or equipment.
When establishing a Drop Zone, the distance a
falling object may travel can be easily
underestimated. Objects do not just fall straight
down! Under-built facilities and other obstructions
can cause a dropped object to deflect and travel in
an unexpected direction. Where possible it is good
practice for a Drop Zone to assume a cone shape
and extend in all directions.

Source: 3M “The Science of Fighting Gravity”

INDUSTRIAL EDUCATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE Ph. 519-383-1222 Fax 519-383-1305

www.iecpartnership.com
 BSO Plus SAFETY TOPIC
Top ten reasons why objects get dropped
when working at heights

1. Inadequate risk assessment 6. Poor

Pohousekeeping
Poor housekeeping
Failure to identify dropped object hazard. Pre-existing
Pre-existinghazards
hazardsfrom
fromprevious
previous
tasks.tasks.or housekeeping
2. Human factors Pre-existing hazards from previous tasks.
7. Collisions and snagging
Operator error, poor behaviour
Lifting, traveling equipment, tag lines,
complacency, neglect.
service loops.

3. Inadequately stored or secured 8. Inadequate inspection,

tools and equipment repair and maintenance
No tool lanyards or tethers being used. No Ignoring unsafe conditions.
containment of loose items.

9. Redundant, neglected and home

4. Inadequate procedures
Bad planning, no management of made tools and equipment
changing workplace hazards These should be eliminated.

5. Failed fixtures and fittings 10. Environmental factors

Corrosion, vibration, poor design, Wind, sea motion, ice, snow, extreme
selection or improper installation. conditions.

Controls for Dropped Objects

Physical controls physically stop objects from falling (or from falling very far). These may include:
• Tool lanyards and tethers: these attach tools directly to the
worker’s harness or tool belt. If used properly, they will prevent
tools from dropping to a lower level.
• Lifting Bags: when lifting, make sure the load is balanced and
secured. Check for small or loose pieces before you lift.
Otherwise, a shift in the load or the wind could cause objects to
fall.
• Storage buckets, Belt straps, and Backpacks: There are many
buckets, bags and pouches available on the market with closure
systems to dramatically reduce the likelihood of items falling out.
Some even close automatically when turned upside down.

Procedural controls refer to changing the way you work so that objects can’t fall. These may include:
• Good hoisting practices: never lift, lower, or swing a load over someone’s head. Use barricades to
block off areas where loads are being lifted or lowered. If the operator’s view is impeded in any way,
use a signaller to assist the operator. Always use proper rigging procedures and ensure the rigging
equipment is in good condition.
• Good housekeeping: keep tools and other materials away from edges, railings, and other elevated
surfaces. Always stack materials on flat surfaces and secure them, if necessary, to avoid movement.
• Stay in the moment: When working, be aware of your surroundings and watch that you don’t
inadvertently knock or hit something off the level you are work on down to the level below. Be aware
of work taking place above you, do not ignore barricades and stay out of the line of fire.

INDUSTRIAL EDUCATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE Ph. 519-383-1222 Fax 519-383-1305

www.iecpartnership.com