Protecting workers at heights requires more than just preventing falls. Their tools also need to be protected. For decades, leading causes of death on construction jobsites in the United States have been “Falls” and “Struck by Object” according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

In 2022, according to the BLS, there were 52,000 injuries reported from falling objects or equipment, resulting in 4% of all workplace injuries. In addition, there were 238 fatalities reported, representing 48% of all "struck by" incidents and 4.5% of all workplace fatalities. These workers lives could have been saved with the right training and equipment.

And that’s why in 2018, the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved the “Dropped Objects Standard”. The ANSI/ISEA 121-2018, American National Standard for Dropped Object Prevention Solutions establishes minimum design, performance, and labeling requirements for product solutions that prevent falling objects and guidelines for testing that equipment. The standard addresses four active controls against dropped objects, including:

1. Anchor Attachments – Attachment points designed to be field installed on structures, equipment, or workers, to provide appropriate connection points for tethering
2. Tool Attachments – Attachment points designed to be field installed onto tools or equipment to provide appropriate connection points for tethering
3. Tool Tethers – Lanyards or materials designed to connect tools to approved anchor points
4. Containers – Devices designed to carry or transport tools and equipment to and from heights

ANSI/ISEA 121-2018 was the first standard for this type of equipment. Per the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) requirements for standards to be reviewed every five years, we now have ANSI/ISEA 121-2023.

The 2023 edition is the second iteration of the ANSI/ISEA 121 standard. Building on the original, it incorporates updated re­search and feedback from industry professionals to enhance safety measures and provide more comprehensive solutions for preventing dropped objects. The requirements of this standard esta­blish a clear and formal definition of what constitutes a pro­per tethering system, moving away from makeshift solutions like duct tape and string. Additional key updates include the following:

• Enhanced Purpose and Application content including adding an Exceptions section to the standard
• Adjustments to test procedures for Tool Tethers and Containers
• Refined and clarified requirements for Marking and Instructions

This standard does not dictate how workers should use the equipment or specify what items need to be tethered and when. Proper usage guidelines are provided by the equipment manufacturer, while decisions on what and when to tether are determined by company policies or regulatory bodies.

Dropped objects prevention isn’t simply a good idea – it’s a compliance issue. While following the ANSI/ISEA 121-2023 standard is volun­tary, OSHA requires employers to address falling/dropping objects hazards on the job. OSHA included requirements both in its General Industry (1910.23; 1910.28) and Construction (1926.451; 1926.501; 1926.759) standards. Therefore, sticking to this standard is a smart way to meet OSHA’s rules and show that you’re serious about keeping everyone safe on the job.

Connect with Saf-T-Gard to Learn More

The ANSI/ISEA 121-2023 isn’t just a national guideline; it’s the only global standard dedicated to stopping dropped objects. This makes it a unique and essential tool for anyone looking to set the highest safety benchmarks and lead the way in workplace safety, and it highlights the U.S.’ leadership in setting safety benchmarks for industries worldwide. Industrial safety is our legacy going back 9 decades. For an overview of our Dropped Objects Prevention Solutions, and to order for immediate shipment, please visit Fall Protection for Tools.

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