Protecting the Workforce

Risk Levels and Impact

The severity of incidents involving dropped objects can vary widely, depending on factors such as the height from which the object falls, the object’s weight, and the area where it lands.

• Low Risk: Small, lightweight objects falling from low heights, such as a wrench falling from a table.
• Moderate Risk: Larger objects falling from moderate heights, such as a scaffold section falling from the first floor.
• High Risk: Heavy objects falling from significant heights, such as a pipe segment dropping from a derrick.

The potential impacts include:

• Injuries and Fatalities: Serious injuries or fatalities can occur if objects strike personnel.
• Equipment Damage: Falling objects can damage critical equipment, leading to operational delays and costly repairs.
• Operational Delays: Incidents can result in shutdowns or delays, impacting project timelines and financial outcomes.
• Financial Losses: Beyond immediate damage costs, there can be additional financial implications due to lost productivity, legal liabilities, and increased insurance premiums.

Control Measures

Preventing dropped objects involves a combination of engineering controls, administrative measures, and workforce training. Some key control measures include:

1. Engineering Controls

• Secure Fastenings: Use of safety clips, retention systems, and secure fastenings to prevent components from becoming loose.
• Toe Boards and Guardrails: Install toe boards, guardrails, and netting on platforms to prevent objects from falling.
• Tool Lanyards and Tethering: Use tool lanyards, tethers, and securing devices to prevent tools and equipment from being dropped.
• Enclosed Work Areas: Enclose work areas, particularly those above ground level, to contain potential falling objects.

2. Administrative Controls:

• Risk Assessments: Conducting thorough risk assessments to identify potential dropped object hazards in the work area.
• Safety Inspections: Regular inspections of equipment and workspaces to ensure that all items are secured and that potential hazards are addressed promptly.
• Training and Awareness: Provide comprehensive training for all employees on the risks of dropped objects and the importance of prevention measures. Raise awareness about safe practices and the use of safety equipment.
• Procedures and Protocols: Develop and enforce strict procedures and protocols for working at height, including checklists and safety briefings before commencing work.
• Signage: Use clear and visible signage to warn workers of potential hazards and remind them of safety protocols.

3. Workforce Training:

• Safety Training: Providing comprehensive training on the risks associated with dropped objects and the measures to prevent them.
• Awareness Campaigns: Conducting awareness campaigns to reinforce the importance of securing tools and materials and recognizing potential hazards.
• Drills and Simulations: Running drills and simulations to practice response measures and ensure preparedness in the event of an incident.

4. Operational Controls

• Tool and Equipment Management: Implement strict control measures for tools and equipment, including regular maintenance and inspection, and proper storage when not in use.
• Work Zone Management: Define and enforce exclusion zones below work areas where there is a risk of dropped objects. Only essential personnel should be allowed in these areas, and only with appropriate protective measures.
• Buddy System: Utilize a buddy system where workers monitor each other’s adherence to safety practices and quickly identify potential hazards.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Hard Hats: Ensure all personnel wear hard hats to protect against head injuries from falling objects.
• Safety Harnesses and Lanyards: Use appropriate fall protection gear to safeguard workers operating at height.
• Eye and Face Protection: Provide and enforce the use of safety goggles or face shields to protect against smaller falling debris.

6. Technology and Monitoring

• Monitoring Systems: Implement advanced monitoring systems such as cameras and sensors to detect and alert personnel to potential hazards related to dropped objects.
• Data Analytics: Use data analytics to track incidents of dropped objects and identify patterns or trends that can be addressed through improved safety measures.

7. Emergency Response and Incident Reporting

• Incident Reporting: Establish a robust incident reporting system for dropped objects, ensuring all incidents, near-misses, and potential hazards are promptly reported and investigated.
• Emergency Response Plan: Develop and regularly drill an emergency response plan to deal with accidents resulting from dropped objects, ensuring quick and effective medical and rescue responses. 

8. Continuous Improvement

• Audit and Review: Regularly audit and review dropped object prevention measures and update them based on the latest best practices, technologies, and incident learnings.
• Feedback Mechanism: Encourage feedback from employees regarding the effectiveness of existing measures and suggestions for improvement.

Nutshell

By implementing these comprehensive preventive and mitigation measures, organizations can significantly reduce the risks associated with dropped objects, ensuring a safer working environment for all personnel involved in operations at height.

Introduction

Dropped objects in the oil and gas industry, specifically in drilling services, represent significant hazards that can result in severe injuries, fatalities, and substantial financial losses.

The DROPS (Dropped Object Prevention Scheme) initiative aims to mitigate these risks by implementing stringent safety measures and promoting best practices.

Definition

A dropped object is any object that falls from its original position, whether from a height or at ground level, posing a risk to personnel, equipment, and operations.

In the context of oil and gas drilling services, this includes tools, equipment, and materials that may fall from rig floors, derricks, cranes, and other elevated workspaces.

Examples of Dropped Objects

1. Tools and Equipment: Hammers, wrenches, and other handheld tools that might be inadvertently dropped during operations.
2. Structural Components: Bolts, nuts, or fittings that become loose and fall from equipment or structures.
3. Materials: Pipes, scaffolding parts, or sections of casing that are being hoisted or handled at heights.
4. Temporary Objects: Any object temporarily placed on a high surface, such as coffee cups or personal items that are not secured.

Types of Drops object

Dropped objects can be classified into several types based on their origin, characteristics, and the circumstances under which they fall.

Understanding these types helps in developing specific mitigation strategies to prevent such incidents.

1. Static Dropped Objects

Static dropped objects are those that fall due to gravitational forces without any external motion being applied to them. These objects are usually part of a fixed installation or structure.

Examples:

• Fixed Equipment Components: Parts of structures, such as bolts, nuts, or panels, that become loose and fall.
• Construction Debris: Materials such as bricks, concrete chunks, or insulation that fall from incomplete or damaged structures.
• Environmental Factors: Items dislodged by environmental factors like wind or vibrations, including branches or roofing materials.

Causes:

• Corrosion or wear and tear
• Poor installation or maintenance practices
• Environmental conditions causing deterioration

2. Dynamic Dropped Objects

Dynamic dropped objects fall due to the impact or motion applied to them by machinery, equipment, or human actions. These objects are typically associated with active operations.

Examples:

• Tools and Equipment: Hand tools, power tools, or portable devices that fall from workers’ hands or unsecured positions.
• Machinery Parts: Components dislodged from moving machinery, such as gears, pulleys, or drill bits.
• Load Shifts: Materials or equipment that shift and fall during lifting or transport operations, such as cargo from a crane or a forklift.

Causes:

• Human error or mishandling
• Equipment failure or malfunction
• Inadequate securing or fastening of items

3. Temporary Dropped Objects

Temporary dropped objects refer to items temporarily placed at height during work operations. These are not permanently fixed but are used in ongoing activities.

Examples:

• Temporary Tools: Tools or devices used for a specific task and placed on a platform or structure temporarily.
• Construction Materials: Items like buckets, bags of cement, or sections of scaffolding placed temporarily during construction or maintenance work.

Causes:

• Improper temporary storage
• Lack of proper securing measures for temporary items
• Inadequate risk assessment and planning

4. Environmental Dropped Objects

Environmental dropped objects are items that fall due to natural environmental factors such as weather conditions, animal interference, or geological events.

Examples:

• Weather-Induced: Items dislodged by strong winds, heavy rain, or snow.
• Animal Interference: Objects knocked loose by birds or other animals.
• Geological Events: Items displaced by earthquakes or landslides.

Causes:

• Severe weather conditions
• Animal nesting or interference
• Natural disasters

5. Human Error-Related Dropped Objects

These are objects that fall due to mistakes or negligence by workers or operators.

Examples:

• Mishandled Tools: Tools dropped by workers during handling or use.
• Incorrectly Secured Items: Objects that fall because they were not properly fastened or secured.
• Improper Use of Equipment: Items dropped due to incorrect use of lifting or positioning equipment.

Causes:

• Lack of training or awareness
• Fatigue or distraction
• Inadequate supervision or enforcement of safety protocols

6. Mechanical Failure-Related Dropped Objects

Mechanical failures can lead to objects falling due to the malfunction of equipment or components.

Examples:

• Equipment Malfunction: Failures in cranes, lifts, or hoists leading to loads being dropped.
• Structural Failures: Parts of structures, such as beams or scaffolds, that collapse or give way.

Causes:

• Inadequate maintenance or inspection
• Manufacturing defects
• Overloading or misuse of equipment