Tool Type / CHECKLIST / Last Reviewed / 12/30/15
Geography / All / Source: / DROPS

INSPECTION CHECKLIST TO PREVENT DROPS

BENEFITS

One way workers can get injured on the job is by being struck by items falling on them, such as tools or materials falling from a scaffold or improperly secured containers falling off a forklift. And workers aren’t the only ones are risk from falling items—visitors to the workplace or even passersby can also get injured or killed if hit by a dropped item. For example, a man was killed in New Jersey when he was struck by a tape measure that slipped off the belt of a worker at the top of a tower under construction. And in Alberta, a couple, their son and daughter were walking down the street when wind blew a bundle of steel off the roof of a construction project, striking them. The three-year-old daughter died instantly; the husband and son were injured. That’s why it’s important to take steps to prevents items from being dropped.

HOW TO USE THE TOOL

Adapt this checklist for your workplace, operations and OHS program. Give it to workers and have them use it before and after performing tasks in which there’s a risk of tools, materials or other items being dropped.

OTHER RESOURCES:

DROPS

SPOT THE SAFETY VIOLATION: Even Seemingly Benign Items Can Kill

INSPECTION CHECKLIST TO PREVENT DROPS

/ YES / NO / COMMENTS /
BEFORE YOU START ANY TASK, CONSIDER THE POTENTIAL FOR DROPPED OBJECTS:
Consider the environment where you’ll perform the task, weather conditions and any other activities that may be going on around you
Before work commences, visually inspect the work area for loose items and debris
Check the equipment and structures in the work area to ensure that any fasteners, bolting, covers, etc. are properly secured
Check that secondary retention is in place for all items secured above the work area
WHEN WORKING AT HEIGHTS:
Use only tools and equipment approved for work at heights
Tie down, tether or otherwise secure tools and other items
Set up barriers under the work area and ensure the restricted zone is appropriate to the work height
Ensure there are no gaps in or under barriers through which items could fall
Check that grating is secure and use mats where there’s the potential for small items to fall through grating
When scaffolding or temporary work platforms are used, install toe boards
Remain vigilant of other activities going on around, above and below
WHEN THE TASK INVOLVES LOADING OR LIFTING:
Ensure the lifting equipment, carrier or packaging is appropriate for the task and in good condition
Ensure containers and loads are properly stacked, stored and secured
Ensure that loads won’t pass over workers unless it’s unavoidable and workers are properly warned
Ensure that the wind or other weather conditions won’t impact the lifting of a load or make it hazardous
Check tubulars for items left inside and employ cap ends where practicable
Check fork lift pockets for loose items and debris
Check top of load/containers for unsecured items, such as left tools, wooden chocks, etc.
WHEN TASK IS COMPLETE:
Clear all scrap, debris and loose items from the worksite and return all tools, before removing barriers

Completed by:______Completed on:______

This tool and hundreds more available in the OHS Toolbox at www.ohsinsider.com. Templates and tools from OHS Insider are provided for members of our service. Members may use this document as is or as a starting point to customize their own documents. OHS Insider assumes no responsibility for the effectiveness or legality of any of its online templates or tools. Always consult your legal counsel and management before implementing any new policies or procedures.