Working at height brings many safety challenges—including the risk of dropping tools or gear. Items like phones, wrenches, or even hard hats can become dangerous projectiles if they fall, potentially causing serious injuries or fatalities to those below.
Each year, hundreds of workers in the U.S. lose their lives to incidents involving falling tools or equipment. Thousands more—including bystanders—are injured. OSHA recognizes this risk, and regulations across General Industry and Construction standards (e.g., 1910.23, 1926.501) require employers to address falling object hazards on the job site.
To reduce these risks, employers should implement several key control measures:
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Establish clearly marked “Drop Zones” and restrict access beneath overhead work.
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Require hard hats and PPE for anyone within range of potential falling items.
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Use physical barriers like toeboards, guardrails, and screens to block items from falling.
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Install nets, catch platforms, or canopies to catch or deflect dropped objects.
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Use tool tethers to prevent tools from falling in the first place.
Tool Tethering: Your First Line of Defense
Just as workers need fall protection harnesses, tools require their own safety systems. Tool tethering—connecting tools to a worker or fixed anchor point using lanyards—is one of the most effective methods to prevent drops.
A complete tool tethering system includes:
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A secure attachment point on the tool,
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A lanyard or connecting line,
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An anchor point (either on the worker or a structure).
Tethering gear can include tool belts, holsters, wrist lanyards, and custom connectors designed to secure anything from screwdrivers to tablets.
Compliance and Best Practices
Although OSHA hasn’t issued specific tethering mandates yet, many companies have internal policies that require it when working at height. It’s also a central component of a broader dropped object prevention plan, which should combine primary (e.g., tethers) and secondary (e.g., catch nets) strategies.
To ensure quality and reliability, use tethering gear that complies with ANSI/ISEA 121-2018, the U.S. safety standard for dropped object prevention.
Don’t Forget the PPE
Tethering isn’t just for tools. Helmets and eye protection should be secured as well:
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Choose hard hats with chin straps or use helmet lanyards.
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Secure safety glasses with dedicated tethers to prevent them from falling off.
Recommended Tool Tethering Solutions
Explore industry-trusted gear like Gripps Tool Tethering Solutions, which includes:
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Retractable tool lanyards,
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Tether-ready belts and holsters,
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Utility bags for safe storage and transport.
Gripps also offers practical guides such as their Tool Tethering Handbook and Methodology Poster for job site reference.
Tethering kits are available for a wide range of items: hammers, phones, bolts, water bottles, and more.
Choosing the Right Fall Protection Gear
Dropped object prevention isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting lives and avoiding costly incidents. Even lightweight tools like bolts or tape measures can become lethal when dropped from height. Organizations like DROPS provide free resources (including risk calculators) to help assess and manage these hazards.
Incorporating tool tethering into your fall protection strategy not only improves safety but also boosts efficiency by keeping tools within reach.
For help selecting the right tethering solutions, contact Dukelsafety.com—we’re here to help keep your crew safe and equipped at height.
