Abstract
ABS has published the first international class standard on the subject of dropped object prevention. The objective is to promote offshore safety through improved asset integrity management and the use of inherently safe design principals. This paper serves to increase dialog among owners, operators and manufacturers by presenting the drivers behind the development of the ABS standard and examples of what can be accomplished to achieve a dropped object free working environment.
Dropped objects are among the top 3 causes of injuries in the work environment and accounted for 14% of fatalities in the US Upstream Oil and Gas Industry from 2003-2014. A summary of statistical information will be presented along with the results of research on regulatory requirements and current design standards. A brief history of dropped objects in the workplace as they relate to the historical development of safety systems will be discussed and the content of the ABS Guide for the Prevention of Dropped Objects on Offshore Units and Installations will be presented.