03 stop the drop
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This toolbox talk discusses the risks posed by dropped objects at construction sites and provides recommendations to prevent such incidents. Dropped objects, even from low heights, can cause serious or fatal injuries. Contractors must plan work at height to identify risk controls and prevent dropped objects through barriers, exclusion zones, signage, and securing tools and materials. Supervisors should focus on "Stop the Drop" safety measures during meetings and inspections to ensure compliance and eliminate hazards from dropped objects.
03 stop the drop
- 1. Toolbox Talk January 16 LEADING THE WAY SAFELY An object falling (even from a low height) can have serious if not fatal consequences. At construction sites we have a lot of material, equipment and tools being used or placed at height, which pose a significant risk to anyone passing or working below. The primary objective is to proactively “STOP the DROP”. Wherever there is work at height, contractors must plan the work and identify risk controls to prevent dropped objects. There must be co-ordination and communication between all personnel working in the same area. Barriers, exclusion zones and warning signs must be in position. Main Types of Dropped Objects Dropped tools and equipment Secure tools and equipment at height. Use lanyards to secure equipment/tools. Use tool/kit bags to store tools/equipment Materials knocked over edges at height Ensure edge protection (toe boards) to prevent items from being knocked off platforms Eliminate “Leaners” – items left propped or standing at against structures Do not attempt to throw objects up to workers at height and do not attempt to catch falling objects. Fit heads to pinch bars, to prevent them from falling through holes or Kennedy grating. Items and materials cut and dropped from height Use blankets/covering over Kennedy grating to prevent small items from falling through. Install safety nets or temporary decking under pipe- racks. Utilising buckets and containers for small, loose items
- 2. Toolbox Talk January 16 LEADING THE WAY SAFELY Materials knocked out of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP’s) or man-lifts at height Use mesh / guarding on the lower sections to eliminate the potential for materials being knocked out. Poor housekeeping on elevated structures causing dropped objects Equipment and materials that are not in use or left behind can be hazardous. Remove any equipment that is not in use or finished with and carry out inspections to ensure that loose materials are not left at height- tidy up as you go! Embedding “Stop the Drop” controls Supervisors need to specifically focus on ‘Stop the Drop’ during pre-start meetings. Verify compliance through Stop the Drop safety inspections. Operatives must always carry out a Point of Work Risk Assessment at the work face, check the areas around, above and below for other workers. Communicate to each other “let them know you are there and what you are doing” If there is a risk that any items can be dropped - Stop and put control measures in place. If this cannot be done, prevent anyone working below by installing barriers, exclusion zones and warning signs. Immediately report any dropped object incident to your supervisor and via the Hazard Observation Card Always apply a zero tolerance to deliberate non-compliance Remember - if you see it sort it, do not walk by