Preventing objects from falling when working at height

You may have great fall protection measures in place to keep those working at height safe, but what about those working below? Falling tools and other falling objects pose a great danger and this danger cannot always be prevented perfectly.

Below is a brief summary of best practices for securing tools, preventing falls and improving safety in your workplace.

Technicians, especially in the metalworking and energy sectors, work at heights. Think about long climbs maintaining a wind turbine or a tall building, for example. Even the smallest piece of equipment falling from such a height can seriously injure the person it hits.

Solutions against falling tools

First of all, it should be emphasized that wearing a helmet is not enough. Hard hats should be worn in all conditions, but a hard hat only provides limited protection. Unless the falling object is very small, it will still cause injury. As we mentioned before, barriers should not be your first solution. You need equipment and special procedures designed to add extra safety to your job by ensuring tools don't fall.

Top tips for working at height

• Request special training, your employer is obliged to provide you with this opportunity

• For lifting, place items in securely closed boxes or bags and attach them to the fixing point at the top. Instead of carrying the equipment, lift it up using elevators and cranes. Do not climb stairs or similar structures with tools in your pockets:

• We recommend that you carry light objects weighing less than 5 lb (2.25 kg) in a tool belt or sash or in a secure holster using carabiners, ropes or other attachment devices

• We recommend that equipment weighing more than 5 lb (2.25 kg) be attached to a suitable anchorage point in a stable structure and not to yourself!

• Follow these precautions for phones, walkie-talkies, tablets, laptops, tape measures and all other devices

• Make sure you have the correct tools, accessories and accessory replacement equipment for the application. See, for example, our recommendations for impact driver sockets. If necessary, accessories and consumables should be changed before going up, rather than at altitude

General recommendations:

• Use all recommended safety equipment, including fall protection devices, helmets, gloves and other PPE (personal protective equipment)

• Follow best practices in tool use for the safety of the environment and to prevent injuries; See our grind recommendations and see our recommendations for suitable tools for explosive atmospheres>see

Top tips for employers to prevent dropped tools

• Above all, train your employees to comply with your accepted security procedures

• Add falling objects as a topic in your fall protection training program

• Address falling objects within your workplace safety risk assessment

• Take action to eliminate identified risks

• Provide workers with all the equipment mentioned in the previous list, including tie-down devices and anchoring points, lifting mechanisms and safety equipment

• Place a safety net under overhead workers or barricade the area

• Stay up to date on manufacturers' new safety equipment developments