Online HSE Tools

Dropped Object Consequence (really) Online Calculator

HSE Dropped Object Consequence Online Calculator Assumptions

The Calculator assumes that full PPE is being worn and that the object is blunt (no sharp edges – outcome would be worse).

Dropped Object Consequence Online Calculator Accuracy

The DROPS Calculator is a guide only and is intended to give a general idea of the potential severity of a dropped object. A detailed and specific risk assessment will always deliver a more accurate calculation of potential severity.

HSE Dropped Object Consequence Online Calculator Key Descriptions
FATALITY Death resulting from an injury or trauma.
MAJOR A Lost Time Incident (LTI). Non-fatal traumatic injury that causes any loss of time from work beyond the day or shift it occurred. Also referred to as Day Away From Work Case (DAFWC).
MINOR A Recordable Incident. A Work-related injury that does not involve death, day(s) away from work, restricted work or job transfer, and where the employee receives medical treatment beyond first aid.
SLIGHT A First Aid Case. Limited or no injury. Treatment may be limited to first aid.

Calculating Fall Energey (Joules)

Mass(m) x Height(h) x Gravitational Acceleration(g = 9.82m/s). The Joule is a unit of energy equal to the work done by a force of one newton acting through one metre. In terms of dropped objects, it is recognised that any object achieving 40 Joules or more is likely to result in a recordable (MINOR) incident or worse on impact with a human body. For example, 200g Machine Bolt falling 27m = 53Joules (0.2[m] x 27[h] x 9.82[g] = 53Joules).

Purpose of HSE Dropped Object Consequence Online Calculator

While other ‘calculators’ exist, they all follow the same principle – plotting the mass of a dropped object against the distance it falls to determine its possible consequences.

It is designed to be employed during task planning / risk assessment to determine potential severity rating. It is also used in reporting processes to determine potential outcome of an actual dropped object incident. It may also be considered during design and manufacture to address requirements for positioning, fixtures and fittings for items to be secured at height.

Considerations when using HSE Dropped Object Consequence Online Calculator
  • With light objects (<0.1 kg) a key influencing factor is the effect of an object punching the skin and damaging tissue/organic functions.
  • The calculator assumes a blunt object so is not compatible with broken glass, metal shards etc.
  • The wearing of standard PPE, eg hard hat, safety boots and eye protection, is assumed in the calculator.
  • Do not subtract the height of an individual, measure fall distance to solid deck / ground level.
  • DROPS Calculator and other similar tools are guides only providing cursory indication of possible outcome – they are not an accurate prediction.
  • In reality, even a small object falling from height can be lethal.

For more information about the global industry initiative focused on eliminating dropped objects at the worksite, please visit www.dropsonline.org