Dropped objects and falls from height have been a frequent cause of oil and gas industry incidents.
Dropped objects not only have the potential to harm our workforce, they also have the potential to harm the public. This is why it is so important to carry out a final sweep of every load to ensure there are no potential dropped objects present. The bolt that comes out of the forklift pocket, may hit a fellow worker, it may hit a supply vessel crew member, it may hit the quayside stevedore or during road transport it may hit the windscreen of the car travelling behind. That car could be your family's car.
Also, when working at height you should always ensure there is sufficient edge protection to prevent dropped objects. You must wear the correct PPE and be hooked on to a suitable anchor point. Remember, it is not the fall that kills you it is the sudden STOP!
UPCOMING EVENT
The next Lifting Forum will be held on Wednesday, 26 May.
More details on our events page.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Joined-Up Thinking Pack: Dropped Objects
Two short films about dropped object incidents (a dynamic and a static), a selection of safety moments and safety alerts, good practice guidance documents and speaker notes.
IOGP LSR Working at Height Film
This video is part of a series of 'Rule in a minute' Life-saving rules videos developed by IOGP and covers the Working at Height rule.
LSR Working at Height Podcast
The Life Saving Rule podcast on Working At Height is by Silvia Murrell, an inspector and rope access supervisor with CAN and formed part of the Q1 theme.
Lifting & Mechanical Handling Guidelines
The guidelines are aimed at anyone involved in lifting and mechanical handling operations, particularly those who risk assess and plan these operations, and the supervisors of the personnel performing them.
DROPS Online
Dropped Objects Prevention Scheme
DROPS is an industry-wide initiative focused on preventing dropped objects, with the ultimate goal of delivering a second nature dropped objects prevention strategy across our industry.
Safety Moment
Safe Mechanical Lifting & the Prevention of Falling Objects
This pack is intended to create awareness of the risks associated with lifting operations and falling objects
FILM: Peterson - Cargo Inspection Process
Continuing Step Change in Safety's Q2 safety theme of 2021, Safe Lifting Operations and Preventing Falling Objects, this film explores the subtopic of preventing dropped objects. Contributed by member company Peterson, it takes viewers through the various checks and inspections carried out for road haulage from the customer site, right through to the quayside. This demonstrates the importance of preventing falling objects throughout the supply chain and the potential impact on safety, not only to employees, but members of the public too.
Our thanks to Peterson for highlighting the key steps taken before loads even leave the quay to ensure everyone’s safety.
Dropped Objects and Working at Height Podcast
Introducing out first Safe Lifting Operations and Preventing Falling Objects subtopic – Dropped Objects. Allen Smith from the Dropped Object Prevention Scheme (DROPS) shows how safety organisations can collaborate in an effective and complimentary manner to bring together best practice for the industry. Thanks to DROPS for ‘Playing your Part’.
Film: Don’t be A Dummy
A short two-minute film contributed by Total that follows an incident prone robot carrying out a task at height. The film reminds us that ‘Humans don’t come with spare parts’ and to only use approved scaffolds, and only use anchor points on fixed structures. No humans or robots were harmed in the making of this film! Norwegian with English subtitles.
Film: Ready Player One
Contributed by CNOOC (previously Nexen) & TRAC O&G Ltd. This 11-minute film is in the format of a first person computer game. It raises the awareness of various types of potential dropped objects and how to mitigate the risk, whether that be removing, reporting or repairing.
Submit a Safety Alert or Moment
Safety Alerts and Safety Moments are all designed as learning resources that can help improve workplace safety.
If you have seen an example of good practice or know of a safety incident the industry can learn from we want to hear from you. Your submission will be reviewed and anonymised before being published.
