Safety Flash
Hammer dropped from height
Hammer dropped from height
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 01/06
- Dropped ObjectsWorking at Height
- Dropped objectsMechanical failure
- Working at height
- Hand tools
- Exclusion zonesPositive retention and reliable securing
Summary
A 1.6 kg hammer detached during bracket removal at height and fell 6–7 metres onto a sealed-off walkway, without injury. Investigation found a missing spring-hook rivet, with its loss or breakage uncertain. Actions included withdrawing similar hooks, temporarily using split-pin shackles and specifying better-quality double-seal replacements.
Classifications: Dropped objects; falling objects; DROPS.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Working at height; work at height.
Classifications: Hand tools; hand-held tools; handheld tools.
Classifications: Exclusion zones; red zones; restricted access zones.
Classifications: Positive retention and reliable securing.
Summary
A hammer fell from elevated work after its spring-hook retaining rivet was absent or failed.
IMCA SF 01/06. Themes: dropped objects, working at height.