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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.
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.
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.
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.
Since the invention of gravity, Fall Protection and Dropped Object Prevention has been the main concern for industries who work at height. When an object falls from height, it accelerates and picks up force as it falls. Even lighter objects such as nails and screwdrivers can result in fatal injuries. With more than 50,000 reported OSHA recordables each year due to workers being struck by a falling object, it’s important to provide protection for both your workers and their tools.
ORR offers a wide variety of tool tethering solutions from suppliers like 3M, Ergodyne, and Ty-Flot that are built to maximize performance and protection in the field.
Not only are drops a safety threat, but they can also reduce the productivity of your worksite. When building a Dropped Objects Prevention Plan, it’s important to implement quality products and processes that will create a work environment that’s both safe and effective.
ORR offers a wide variety of tool tethering solutions from suppliers like 3M, Ergodyne, and Ty-Flōt.
When it comes to preventing dropped objects on your work site, Quick Wrap Tape is a simple solution that works for almost any tool. Made from silicone rubber, Quick Wrap Tape conforms to the shape of whatever it's applied to, making it ideal for even the most irregular shaped tools. In this video we will demonstrate how to use Quick Wrap Tape to tether your tools.
Here's what you'll need to get started, Quick Wrap Tape, scissors, a scale to measure the weight of your tool, measuring tape, an attachment point, such as a D Ring. Before you apply the tape it's important to know the weight of the tool you're tethering. This will help you determine what size of D Ring is appropriate and how much tape will be required.
Step one. Cut tape to the appropriate length. It's important to refer to the manufacturer's product manual in order to determine the length of tape that should be used. This is determined according to the tool's weight.
Step two. Place the attachment on the tool's grip. The tether catch should always be facing up before applying tape. Please be careful not to cover the attachment point.
Step three. Apply tape with a moderate amount of tension. Tension and stretching will activate the tape's grip. For tools weighing up to two pounds, wrap six times. For tools weighing up to five pounds, wrap 11 times. Wrap five times, cross wrap once, then wrap an additional five times. Refer to the manufacturer product manual for tools of higher weights.
Step four. Test connection to confirm secure installation. Use approximately 5 to 10 pounds of force. Once your attachment point is secure, your tool is now ready to attach to a lanyard.
For more information on preventing dropped objects on your work site, please visit us online at orrsafety.com
When choosing a dropped object solution for your worksite it's important to consider a variety of products to help you find the best fit for each tool. Products like tool pouches, D-rings, tool collars, and swivel cups are great alternatives to tape, that provide durability, and speed on a worksite by cutting down on the time it takes to tether.
Tool pouches are an effective solution for heavier tools weighing over five pounds such as a power drill. They are recommended when a D-ring, or attachment point cannot be used to tie a tool off. Most pouches come in a variety of different sizes, and shapes making them practical for any worksite.
D-rings provide quick, and easy installation of tools, and eliminate the need for tape, or heat guns. They create an instant attachment point, and are recommended for tools weighing under five pounds. Double D-rings allow for 100% tool tie off during tool transfers.
Tool collars are flexible, and allow for quick installation. By providing 360 degree mobility, tool collars are able to prevent the risk of tether entanglement. They are made to fit a wide range of screwdrivers, and other tools such as pliers, and chisels.
Swivel cups are made to fit an array of small hand tools such as screwdrivers, socket wrenches, and pliers. They are easy to install, and come with a locking feature, which provides a foolproof secure tether attachment. Their design also prevents them from interfering with the tool's functionality.
For more information on preventing dropped objects on your worksite, please visit us online at orrsafety.com.
The 5S Lean Manufacturing Method originated in Japan and consists of five major principles utilizing color-coding and visual cues. The 5S method has been proven to increase employee satisfaction and safety, while decreasing product waste.
The 5 steps include:
A 6th S can be achieved after the first five have been met. This S stands for Safety, representing what you, your team and your facility will have achieved once you fully implement the first 5 steps.
For years, ORR Safety has been a leader in helping businesses promote efficiency and productivity while also eliminating waste. We’re committed to helping you streamline your facility’s operations with everything from KPI boards to 5S red tag supplies, motivational banners, marking tapes, and beyond.
Click here to download the 5S Lean Solutions Guidebook to learn more about how you can incorporate this method in the workplace.
Prolonged exposure to vibration in the fingers, hands and forearms from tools and machinery causes the range of conditions collectively known as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), as well as specific diseases such as Raynaud’s phenomenon, carpel tunnel syndrome and tendinitis.
This debilitating industrial injury develops over time as the repeated vibrations cause nerve damage and puncture arteries in the fingers and hands, limiting blood circulation. Because fingers can turn white due to insufficient blood flow, the condition is also sometimes known as vibration white finger.
With over 44,850 injuries and 247 fatalities caused by being struck by falling objects in 2015 alone – preventable accidents that, beyond the loss of life, cost hundreds of millions of dollars each year –mitigating the danger of falling and dropped objects is being taken more seriously across every industry. Updates to the ISEA 121 standard are just the start, with the potential for more standards, regulations and changes to equipment in the future.
Contact one of our safety experts today to learn more about how we can help you implement a prevention program for your work-site.
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