New Standard to Prevent Dropped Objects

The American National Standards Institute approved in early July the publication of a new standard to address the need for dropped object prevention and tool tethering. ANSI/ISEA 121-2018: American National Standard for Dropped Object Prevention Solutions was developed by safety equipment manufacturers working with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA).

ISEA 121 will establish minimum design, performance/testing and labeling requirements for dropped object prevention solutions including tool and anchor attachments, tool tethers and containers that transport tools and equipment to and from at-heights work zones.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 52,000 “struck by falling object” OSHA recordable incidents occur each year in the U.S., with 5 percent of all workplace fatalities in 2015 due to strikes by a falling object. Objects dropped from height can strike with a great deal of force, and the only way to reduce the chance of injury or harm from dropped objects is to prevent these accidental drops.

https://ohsonline.com/articles/2018/07/05/ansi-approves-publication-of-dropped-objects-standard.aspx

https://www.ergodyne.com/blog/isea-121-dropped-objects-standard-awaiting-final-approval/