Each year, Safe Work Australia produces national work health and safety statistics, providing important evidence on the state of work health and safety in Australia.

Understanding the causes of injury and the industries most affected can help reduce work-related fatalities, injuries and disease. Work-related fatalities, injuries and illnesses have a devastating impact on workers, their families and the community. It’s a pretty full on report that really delves into the mechanism of workplace fatalities.

I encourage you to use this article as part of a toolbox talk or safety briefing with teams, to highlight the consequences of dropped objects, and encourage proactive actions taken to prevent dropped objects. Even though the statistics are specific to Australia – many regions face similar data trends when it comes to mechanism of fatality.

What we’re exploring today, is dropped and falling objects.

Why? Because objects have the potential to fall onto or hit people at the workplace or adjoining areas if precautions are not taken. Adjoining areas could include a public footpath, road, square or the yard of a dwelling or other building beside a workplace. Equipment, material, tools and debris that can fall or be released sideways or upwards are also considered falling objects.

From 2003 to 2023, there have been 423 fatalities from being hit by falling objects (Source: SafeWork Australia). It works out to be roughly 10% of all workplace fatalities every year for the last ten years.

It’s alarming that Dropped and Falling Objects have consistently accounted for a relatively equal number of fatalities over the years, especially when compared to Falls from Height

---

2017-18 28 falls from height (15%) 15 being hit by falling objects (8%)

2018-19 18 falls from height (13%) 15 being hit by falling objects (10%)

2019-20 21 falls from height (11%) 21 being hit by falling objects (11%)

2020-21 22 falls from height (11%) 17 being hit by falling objects (9%)

2021-22 19 falls from height (11%) 16 being hit by falling objects (9%)

2022-23 17 falls from height (9%) 17 being hit by falling objects (9%)

---

Within the rope access world; IRATA International WASA Reports have shown that falling objects / dropped objects are one of the top three significant areas of concern for rope access technicians (WASA 2021, Section 4.6 and WASA 2024, Section 3.6).

Ultimately a PCBU must manage the risks associated with an object falling on a person if it is reasonably likely there is a risk of injury. Adequate protection must be provided to minimise the risk and protect the person. When managing risks, the risk must be eliminated, so far as is reasonably practicable. If elimination is not reasonably practicable, the risks must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.

There are two types of falling of dropped objects:

Static: An object that may drop from its previous static position under its own mass, e.g. a light fitting that drops due to its fasteners coming loose over time.

Dynamic: An object that drops from its previous static position due to force being applied by a person, wind, equipment, machinery or moving object, e.g. an object knocked off a platform and dropping to a level below.

---

Dropping objects, especially in workplace environments like those involving heights, can occur for several reasons, often linked to human, environmental, and mechanical factors. Lets explore some of these in more detail:

Human Factors:

Loss of grip: A worker’s grip may weaken due to sweat, fatigue, or lack of concentration.

Distractions: External noises, unexpected movements, or sudden distractions can cause someone to lose focus and inadvertently drop an object.

Improper handling: Holding or carrying objects incorrectly can make it difficult to maintain control.

Fatigue: Physical or mental fatigue reduces alertness, slowing reaction times and affecting coordination.

Environmental Factors:

Weather conditions: Wind, rain, or extreme temperatures can make it harder to hold or handle objects securely.

Slippery surfaces: Wet or uneven surfaces increase the likelihood of losing balance, which could lead to dropped items.

Poor lighting: Inadequate visibility can make it harder to judge distance, grip objects properly, or notice hazards.

Mechanical or Equipment Issues:

Improper storage: Items not securely stored or positioned are more prone to falling.

Faulty or inappropriate equipment: Using incorrect or damaged equipment can lead to accidental drops.

Vibration: Operating heavy machinery or tools can cause vibrations, loosening objects or equipment that aren’t well-secured.

Procedural Errors:

Inadequate training: Workers may not be aware of safe handling procedures, or the risks associated with dropping objects.

Poorly defined procedures: If guidelines for securing tools and objects aren’t in place or aren’t followed, this increases the likelihood of drops.

---

Accidental drops are especially hazardous at heights, as they can cause severe injuries or damage. Proper training, use of tool lanyards, improved storage solutions, and adherence to safety protocols are all critical in reducing these incidents.

I have yet to meet anyone in the working at heights sector who hasn’t experienced a fumble, and dropped an object. It can be all too easy to pass off a fumble, but what is the actual impact of a dropped object?

Well… it’s a lot. A simple measuring tape, dropped 15m may have an impact of 75kg. And it only gets worse from there.

Preventing dropped objects is crucial for maintaining safety, especially in industries involving working at height.

Here are some effective ways to prevent dropped objects:

1. Use Tool Tethering and Lanyards

• Attach tools and equipment to secure tethers or lanyards that are fixed to a worker’s harness, belt, or an anchor point.
• Ensure that the tether is rated for the weight of the tool and can withstand the forces it might encounter if dropped.

2. Install Guardrails and Toe Boards

• Guardrails and toe boards around work areas prevent objects from accidentally being knocked off elevated surfaces.
• They act as physical barriers, particularly useful on platforms, scaffolding, and ladders.

3. Use Tool Holsters and Pouches

• Workers can use tool holsters or specially designed pouches for secure storage, which keeps tools organized and prevents them from falling when not in use.
• Pouches with self-closing tops are especially effective to ensure items don’t fall out during movement.

4. Implement Safety Netting or Catch Platforms

• Safety nets or catch platforms installed below work areas can intercept any dropped objects before they hit workers or equipment below.
• Nets are particularly useful in open spaces or areas with significant drop distances.

5. Use Drop Zones and Barricades

• Mark designated “drop zones” and restrict access beneath areas where overhead work is occurring to minimize exposure to potential falling objects.
• Erect warning signs and physical barriers around these areas to prevent unauthorized entry.

6. Regularly Inspect and Maintain Tools and Equipment

• Check tools, tool tethers, and other equipment for signs of wear and tear that could lead to accidental drops.
• Implement routine inspections and replace or repair any worn or damaged items.

7. Provide Worker Training and Awareness Programs

• Educate workers about the importance of securing objects and using safety equipment.
• Training should cover best practices for handling tools, securing materials, and recognizing potential hazards.

8. Use Magnetic or Adhesive Mats in Certain Environments

• For areas where small, metallic objects might fall, magnetic mats can catch objects that would otherwise be difficult to see or secure.
• Adhesive mats or strips can help keep small objects, such as screws or bolts, in place on elevated work surfaces.

9. Enforce a Clean-As-You-Go Policy

• Regularly remove any loose objects, tools, or materials that aren’t immediately needed.
• This minimizes the number of objects present at height, reducing the risk of them being knocked off.

Combining these controls provides a robust strategy to prevent dropped objects, and having a comprehensive safety plan that includes regular audits can further improve compliance and safety in the workplace.

And remember – your actions and behaviours at work can influence a strong change in work practices. Don’t be afraid of stepping up and doing the right thing to prevent dropped or falling objects.

Yours in Safety.
Deborah Chick
CEO Ascend QM

Additional Resources & References

IRATA International Safety & Health: Topic Sheet No. 11 – Dropped Objects.
SafeWork Australia Falling Objects Fact Sheet
Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024