Dropped Objects Prevention

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Overview

A dropped object is anything falling from height that can injure, kill or damage.

Static objects fall when unsecured; dynamic objects are dislodged by force.

Static vs dynamic dropped objects

Static — an unsecured item falling under its own weight.
Dynamic — an item dislodged by wind, contact or impact.
Consequence depends on mass × height — the DROPS calculator.

Step-by-step procedure

Identify all overhead work and what is at risk below.
Use mass and height to judge the severity of a drop.
Tether all hand tools and use tool bags.
Empty loose items from pockets; secure phones and radios.
Fit toe boards, netting or brick guards to catch falls.
Barricade the exclusion zone below and post signage.
Stack materials securely so they cannot topple over an edge.
Inspect overhead fixtures and gratings for loose items.

Key controls

Tool tethering with lanyards and tool bags.
No loose items in pockets at height.
Toe boards, netting and brick guards as catch barriers.
Barricaded exclusion zones and signage below overhead work.

Roles & responsibilities

Role	Responsibility
Supervisor	Plans overhead work, sets zones, checks controls.
Workers at height	Tether tools, keep pockets empty, no loose items on edges.
Banksman / Barricade Controller	Maintains the exclusion zone, keeps people clear.

Common mistakes to avoid

Carrying untethered tools or leaving them loose on beams.
Letting people walk through the exclusion zone.
Stacking materials near an open edge.

Legal requirements (Thailand)

Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Act B.E. 2554 (2011) — the governing workplace-safety law in Thailand.
Ministerial Regulation on OSH management for construction work B.E. 2564 (2021).

Frequently asked questions

What is Dropped Objects Prevention?

A dropped object is any item that falls from height and has the potential to cause injury, death or damage. Even a small tool falling from a few metres carries enough energy to seriously injure a person below. On EPC sites where work happens on several levels at once, dropped objects are a constant and serious risk.

Who is responsible?

Supervisor: Plans overhead work, sets exclusion zones and checks all securing controls.; Workers at height: Tether tools, keep pockets empty and never leave loose items on edges.; Banksman / Barricade Controller: Maintains the exclusion zone and keeps people out from under overhead work.

What are the most common mistakes to avoid?

Carrying untethered tools up a ladder or laying them loose on a beam. Letting people walk through the exclusion zone under overhead work. Stacking materials near an open edge where they can slide or topple.

References — DROPS best practice; Thai OSH Act B.E. 2554 and construction-safety regulations.