MMA Blog

Eliminating Falling Objects on Construction Sites

Construction sites are dynamic, bustling environments where productivity and progress go hand-in-hand with potential hazards. One of the most serious—and yet, often overlooked—risks is falling objects such as tools and materials. The consequences can be catastrophic: injuries to workers and bystanders, project delays, property damage, and even fatalities. That’s why the “Stop The Drop” initiative urges everyone to prevent dropped objects in every phase of construction.

Why “Stop The Drop” Matters

Falling objects are a top cause of workplace injuries in construction. A small hand tool dropped from height can generate enough force to cause serious injury or death. The results aren’t just statistical: they are real people whose lives, livelihoods, and families are affected.

Stopping the drop is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a moral and practical imperative.

Common Scenarios for Dropped Objects

  • Working from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated work platforms (EWPs)
  • Roofing or edge work without proper controls
  • Overloaded tool belts and unsecured materials on walkways
  • Poorly managed deliveries and material movement at heights

Contact us today to learn more about risk management solutions.

Effective Safety Measures to Stop Falling Tools and Materials

Eliminating this risk requires a multi-layered approach. Here are some of the most effective controls:

1. Toe Boards

Install toe boards along the edges of scaffolds, platforms, and decks to prevent tools and materials from being kicked or rolling off. They’re swift to install and provide a physical barrier against many types of dropped objects.

2. Safety Netting and Guardrails

Safety netting can catch tools or debris that slip past other barriers, decreasing the risk of injury below. Guardrails and screens can prevent larger items from falling and help define safe work zones.

3. Tool Lanyards and Tethering

Tether tools and equipment used at height to anchor points or workers’ belts using approved lanyards. If a tool slips, it stays attached and doesn’t become a projectile.

4. Material Storage and Housekeeping

Store materials away from exposed edges and keep work areas tidy. Use tool buckets and carriers when lifting or moving items at height.

5. Exclusion Zones

Establish controlled access/exclusion zones below elevated work areas with signage and barriers. This limits the exposure of workers and bystanders to falling object hazards.

6. Regular Inspections and Training

Conduct routine site inspections for potential drop hazards and educate workers on the risks and controls for working at height. Encourage a culture where everyone looks out for overlooked hazards.

7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE like hard hats are the last line of defense, but remain vital for anyone exposed to falling items.

The Big Picture—Creating a Safer Site

Stopping dropped objects isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a work environment where everyone is vigilant, responsible, and empowered to act. By investing in physical controls, adopting safer work procedures, and fostering a strong safety culture, we can truly “Stop The Drop.”

Take the initiative today: review your site and see what simple steps you can take to eliminate the risk of falling objects. The life you save could be your own—or a coworker’s.

Stay safe. Stop the Drop. Every project, every time.

View more Stop the Drop resources here.

Keep Up To Date

Subscribe to our blog for all the latest news, updates, and events from MMA and our partners

Subscribe

Tell us what you need. We’ll take it from there.

Get a Quote


    YesNo











        First, tell us about you:






        EmailPhone


        Next, tell us about your business:





        Now tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


        Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsHealth InsuranceSuretyOther



        NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

        You are ready to submit the form:

          First, tell us about you:






          EmailPhone





          Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


          AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreationalWatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



          NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

          Now you are ready to submit the form:

            First, tell us about you:






            EmailPhone





            Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


            AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreationalWatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



            NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

            Now you are ready to submit the form:

              First, tell us about you:






              EmailPhone


              Next, tell us about your business:





              Now tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


              Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsHealth InsuranceSuretyOther



              NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

              You are ready to submit the form:

                First, tell us about you:

                Contact Form

                -->




                    First, tell us about you:






                    EmailPhone





                    Step 1 of 2Next

                    Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                    AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreational

                     

                    WatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



                    NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

                    Now you are ready to submit the form:

                      First, tell us about you:






                      EmailPhone


                      Step 1 of 3Next

                      Next, tell us about your business:





                      Step 2 of 3Next

                      Now tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                      Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsHealth InsuranceSuretyOther



                      NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

                      You are ready to submit the form:

                        First, tell us about you:






                        EmailPhone





                        Step 1 of 2Next



                        NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

                        Now you are ready to submit the form:

                          Review Form

                            First, tell us about you:






                            EmailPhone







                            NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

                            Now you are ready to submit the form:

                              First, tell us about you:






                              EmailPhone





                              Next, tell us about your claim:






                              NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

                              Now you are ready to submit the form:

                                First, tell us about you and your business:







                                EmailPhone


                                Next, tell us about the surety bond you need:







                                NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

                                Now you are ready to submit the form:

                                  Contact us for a quote:

                                    First, tell us about you:






                                    EmailPhone





                                    Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                                    AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreationalWatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



                                    NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a Marsh McLennan Agency representative advising that your request has been processed.

                                    Now you are ready to submit the form:

                                      First, tell us about you:

                                      Contact Form

                                      -->

                                      cross linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram