Watch Out... ABOVE! Preventative Measures for Workers at Height

Slippery fingers syndrome

Engineers are always likely to have oily and greasy fingers, which aren’t very effective at keeping a grip on tools. Even the grip of non-slippery fingers on a heavy tool can be weakened after prolonged use. Then it only takes a split second for the tool to slip.

So, a more reliable, compliant solution is to choose tethered tools.

At the end of your tether

There are several different options for tool tethering, but the effect is the same. At one end of your tether is the tool being used, at the other end is a secure attachment. When the tool is released – accidentally or deliberately – it won’t drop further than a few inches.

That not only protects other against the risk of injury, but it also has other advantages.

If you’re working in a confined or dark space, retrieving dropped tools can be quite tricky. If you’re working close to a mechanical asset, a dropped tool could literally be a ‘spanner in the works.’ Or if you’re working in an industry where hygiene is critical, then a dropped tool is certainly an ingredient no-one wants.

Tool tethering takes the weight of responsibility off your shoulders, even if you drop a heavyweight tool.

Your hands aren’t tied

ERIKS works with two of the largest manufacturers of hand tools – BAHCO and FACOM – to offer a comprehensive range of tether tools. So next time you need a tool replacing, look up a tethered solution, then there’ll be no need to panic if you drop it.