Dropped tools and equipment are some of the deadliest hazards from working at height that often go overlooked. New developments and standards are bringing more focus to this hazard in general, but is your company maximizing the benefits of a dropped objects program?

For decades, leading causes of death on construction sites have been “Falls” and “Struck by Object” according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In 2015, OSHA recorded 364 deaths from falls (38.8 percent of the total construction deaths) and 90 from being struck by objects (9.6 percent of the total construction deaths).

Those who work with their hands usually have something in their hands. So they need a way to carry their stuff – tools, equipment, lunch and hydration – to and fro on their job site. While this isn’t typically a problem for travel on smooth surfaces, not all walking/work surfaces are smooth, level, uniform or horizontal.