Dropped Object Control and Prevention Training Programs
The Silent Threat of Falling Objects: Facts and Numbers
The biggest hazards on industrial sites aren’t always the loudest. A small tool falling from a height, a bolt, or a piece of ice… These “small” risks are the main cause of the most serious and predictable accidents on site.
We have compiled international data and striking facts that reveal the seriousness of the often overlooked falling object hazard.
International Reports and Field Facts
The world’s leading occupational safety organizations prove how common and dangerous falling objects are:
- One Injury Every 10 Minutes (NSC): According to the National Safety Council (NSC), someone is injured by a falling object every 10 minutes. This translates to more than 50,000 preventable accidents per year.
- Among the Top 4 Causes of Death (OSHA): The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that falling objects are the fourth most deadly cause of accidents in industry.
- Small Weight, Big Hazard: According to OSHA, even a 2 kg tool dropped from just 2 feet (60 cm) on an unprotected worker can be fatal.
- Leading Risk in the Energy Sector (37% – DROPS): According to DROPS Global, which specializes in the oil and energy sector, 37% of recorded accidents in this sector are directly caused by falling objects.
- Hidden Dangers in Maintenance Activities: Industry reports show that 47% of accidents during planned maintenance activities are caused by falling objects.
Operational and Financial Impact
Falling object accidents not only have tragic human consequences but also impose a heavy financial burden on businesses. Factors such as production downtime, damaged valuable equipment, legal proceedings, and reputational damage all compound the costs.
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Millions of Lira Cost: According to industry reports, the average cost to businesses in Türkiye of a serious workplace accident caused by a falling object, including all indirect costs, can reach millions of lira.
These Numbers Are Not Destiny, They Are the Necessity of Proactive Management.
The data above demonstrates that the risk of falling objects is too serious to be left to chance. Nearly all of these accidents can be prevented with a sound management system, practical precautions, and competent staff training.
As SWL, we offer the expertise and field experience at international standards to help you achieve the “Zero Falling Object” goal at your facility.
The Perfect Balance of Theory and Practice: Our Hybrid Education Model
We offer critical theoretical knowledge about falling object prevention with flexibility that fits your busy schedule, while reinforcing practical field skills face-to-face with our expert instructors. This two-phase approach ensures maximum learning efficiency and retention.
Step 1: Theoretical Competence on the Digital Platform
Learn the fundamentals of standards and procedures at your own pace and in a way that best suits your schedule with SWL’s modern e-learning platform.
- Flexible Access: Manage your learning process whenever and wherever you want with 24/7 access.
- Interactive Content: Grasp topics up to 40% faster with interactive modules, videos, and scenarios.
- Permanent Learning: Take advantage of modern training techniques that make knowledge last up to 3 times longer compared to traditional methods.
- Instant Feedback: Track your progress instantly with real-time performance analysis and tests and address any shortcomings immediately.
- Operational Efficiency: Eliminate transportation and accommodation costs, save time and budget by minimizing workforce loss.
Stage 2: Practical Mastery in the Field (Face to Face)
- Realistic Experience: Experience identifying potential hazards and taking precautions in a real inspection scenario with our experts.
- Equipment Mastery: Hone your practical skills in real-world situations using different anchoring and prevention equipment.
- Instant Correction: Your performance on the field is evaluated instantly and potential mistakes are corrected immediately before they become a permanent habit.
- Team Synergy: Strengthen your field coordination and communication skills by conducting risk assessment and precautionary exercises as a team.
Thanks to this integrated model, our participants become confident, competent professionals who, when they step into the field, know not only what to do but also why they do it.
Objective: It aims to teach DROPS (Dropped Objects Prevention Scheme) principles to all personnel working in petrochemical, refinery, and closed area facilities and businesses, to recognize falling object risks and to raise awareness of basic application skills.
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- DROPS< 0 > basic fixing principle
- Distinction between static and dynamic falling objects
- DROPS control hierarchy (elimination, engineering, administrative, PPE)
- Basic hazard identification techniques
- Basic impact assessment with the DROPS calculator
- 40-Joule impact line critical information
- SIS architecture and safety functions (SIF) design criteria
- Primary fixing systems
- Secondary retention systems
- Reliable securing methods
- Basic tool tying rope usage
- DROPS incident reporting procedures
- DROPS< 0 > basic fixing principle
Objective: To provide technicians and operators working at heights in petrochemical, refinery, and enclosed space facilities and businesses with the ability to apply the DROPS risk assessment methodology, use ANSI/ISEA 121-2023 standard equipment, and integrate the DROPS management system.
- Systematic application of the DROPS Risk Assessment Framework
- Probability assessment and consequence analysis methodology
- Comprehensive impact severity determination with the DROPS calculator
- ANSI/ISEA 121-2023 standard equipment categories
- Tool tethers 2:1 dynamic test factor
- Tool attachments retrofit techniques
- Anchor attachments structural connection
- Special fixation protocols for instruments over 2.5 kg
- ANSI/ASSP A10.37-2016 and other relevant standards
- 6×6 inch mesh size and 17,500 pound impact resistance
- Integration of Occupational Safety Environment Assessment (JSEA)
- Change management protocols
- Equipment inspection and maintenance standards
Objective: To equip OHS professionals, supervisors, and auditors in petrochemical, refinery, and enclosed facilities and businesses with DROPS Management System professionals with the competencies to conduct comprehensive audits, conduct incident investigations, and develop an organizational DROPS culture.
- DROPS integration with ISO 19011:2018 audit principles
- Comprehensive DROPS Management System audit methodology
- Supply chain audit: main contractor and subcontractor assessment
- Audit evidence collection and objective findings evaluation
- Nonconformity classification: critical, major, minor findings
- Corrective action plans and effectiveness verification
- DROPS compliance scoring and performance metrics
- Audit report writing and presentation techniques
- DROPS incident investigation six-stage methodology
- Human factors root cause analysis (50% event contribution)
- 40-Joule influence line critical point and limit values
- Multivariate analysis: weight, height, environmental factors
- Calculations of wind, vibration and thermal expansion effects
- Probability assessment and failure rate analysis
- Test protocol in relevant standards ANSI/ISEA 121-2023
- 2:1 dynamic drop test and 5:1 static strength test analysis
- Materials science: polymer degradation and ultraviolet resistance
- Structural load calculation and anchor point capacity
- Entry level fatigue analysis and life cycle assessment
- Technical report writing
- Organizational DROPS culture maturity assessment
- Behavior change strategies and change management
- Management commitment indicators and senior management report
- DROPS performance metrics: leading and lagging indicators
- Techniques for developing a proactive prevention culture
- Contractor DROPS compliance management