Dropped Objects Overview
Dropped object prevention is important because we, at the end of the day, are trying to keep employees safe. OSHA 5(a)(1) requires that employers provide a work site free of recognized hazards. Dropped objects become projectiles. Simple items like nails, screwdrivers, hammers become deadly falling objects that can kill, puncture, really hurt your employees, not to mention the item falling actually costs money. The dropped objects regulation standard the ISEA is coming out with, standard 121, is hoping to standardize things across the industry so that employers everywhere know what are the best practices to keep items from falling.
Creating a Prevention Plan
There are many challenges associated with a dropped object prevention plan. There's no shortage of tools on a job site that could drop, and they're all different shapes, sizes, weights. So, creating a plan where all your items that could fall are protected can be difficult. If you look at the hierarchy of controls, really that your first main practice you should do is engineering the item from falling in the first place. That's where the tool tethers come into play.
There are many elements that make up a successful dropped object prevention plan. Ensuring your attachment points are correct and for the appropriate tool, you want to make sure the lanyard you are using is rated for whatever item you're trying to prevent from falling, and you also want to make sure not introducing a new hazard into the workplace.
Our Vendors
We've partnered with a number of vendors, the big names out there that you recognize. 3M, DBI Sala, Ty-Flot, and Ergodyne to really provide a all encompassing catalog of products that can satisfy every need on a job site. That way when your safety managers, your site safety personnel do walk down and they see an item that could fall, we provide an item that will keep that item from falling.
3M or DBI Sala offer the widest variety of products on the market. If you have a tool that could fall, they have a way to keep it from falling. Ergodyne has a diverse line of products, being around since 1983 with a focus on ergonomic products. They have a solution for most of your everyday needs. They are very cost-effective. They have shock-absorbing lanyards so that they reduce the amount of force on the body when the items fall. Ty-Flot offers quick solutions that reduce downtime. Their double D ring, their swivel cups, and tool collars have all designed to reduce the amount of time it takes to tether your tools. They offer real solutions to complex problems on job site.
We're Here for You
Our sales team is very experienced in the safety industry. Most of them have over 10 years of experience. They take all variables into consideration in designing your safety plan, be it cost, number of employees, type of tool. They want to make sure that whatever plan they design for you is going to solve your needs and keep your workers safe.
