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.

1. Toolbox Talk
May 15 A GDF SUEZ ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY
THINK SAFETY – WORK 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
May 15 A GDF SUEZ ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY
THINK SAFETY – WORK 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/left behind can be hazardous.
Remove any equipment that is not in use 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 Stop Card or ROSP
Always apply a zero tolerance to deliberate non-compliance
Remember - if you see it sort it, do not walk by