NEAR MISS - Dropped Hand Tool

Cause & Consequence

• Moving, flying or falling object

Incident Location

Any Location Type

Incident Activity

Maintenance

Incident Info Source

Step change in safety

Specific Incident Equipment

Hand Tools and the lack of securing devices to ensure they are unable to fall from aloft.

Lessons Identified

It appears there was a deficiency in the risk assessment which had not identified a large enough exclusion zone underneath the work area.It appears there was no 'tool control' for the safe and controlled use of working with tools at height.It appears that gaps in the protective matting still existed, this had not been managed effectively.

Incident Recommendations

Each company would have to create their own suitable standards when it comes to working at height. This incident occurred at the Karratha Gas Plant in Australia, and highlights the need for continual vigilence and the provision of suitable risk assessments whilst working at height.