Revised Standard Seeks to Prevent Dropped Object Incidents at Work

A newly revised standard aims to provide employers with guidance for preventing dropped objects in the workplace. In the U.S., a worker is struck by an object that fell from above about every 10 minutes, according to the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). Controls such as tool tethers and containers can help prevent objects from falling by tying them off or containing them during work at height, the association explains. ISEA describes ANSI/ISEA 121-2023, the American National Standard for Dropped Object Prevention Solutions, as “the first of its kind to address equipment used to tether [or] contain hand tools, components, structure, and other objects from falling from at-heights applications.” The standard, which was originally developed in 2018, establishes minimum design, performance, testing, and labeling requirements for solutions intended to help reduce incidents involving dropped objects in industrial and occupational settings.

The new ANSI/ISEA 121-2023 focuses on “active controls” that workers and employers can use to prevent objects from falling rather than passive solutions like netting or toe boards, which ISEA says are often ineffective. The association stresses that while personal protective equipment like hard hats can help reduce harm to workers who are struck by falling objects, PPE does not prevent objects from falling in the first place.

“While falling object protection differs from human fall protection, the stakes are equally high,” ISEA’s news release states. “Not only is anyone below an unsecured object at risk of injury or death, but the risk of collateral damage to other equipment, to machinery, to building surfaces, to vehicles and more is also enormous.”

The revised standard is available from the ISEA online store. Further information can be found on the association’s website.