Picture this: you're on-site, facing a gruelling day ahead, one that’s more intense than usual, with a tight deadline looming. You're down on the ground, lifting a bucket packed with tools to the crew working a few meters up on the scaffold. Suddenly, a large thud startles you. The sharp jolt hits your helmet, leaving you with a slight shock that rings down to your boots. You look down and see a lone ratchet lying there.
Turns out, someone above accidentally let it slip, and they’re apologising profusely. You nod, assuring them it’s all good, but can’t help thinking... what if you hadn’t been wearing that helmet? Just how close did you come to a life-altering moment? A drop that could have ended very differently.
Let’s put it this way, a [1]2kg (4.4lbs) claw hammer, when dropped from a height of 6 meters (19ft), has an impact of roughly a concrete mixer. A 220g (0.5 lbs) bolt when dropped from 23 meters (75 ft), would feel similar to the impact of getting hit with a 50kg (110 lbs) cement bag.
True Stories of Impact
These scenarios have scarily become a reality for a lot of workers in these industries and although some have come away unscathed or with minor injuries thanks to their PPE, others have sadly not.
In [2]2014, it was reported that 58-year-old Gary Anderson, a native of New Jersey, was delivering some drywall to a high-rise construction site when he was fatally struck by a falling measuring tape. Mr Anderson stopped to speak to another worker when the 1lb measuring tape became dislodged from a worker’s belt that was placed up on the 50th floor. The tape measure began falling at around 140mph before hitting a piece of construction metal and then onto Mr Anderson’s head, who was not wearing a hardhat at the time. Devastatingly, Gary Anderson did not survive his injuries.
Shocking Statistics: The Real Danger of Falling Objects
The [3]HSE (Health Safety Executive) reported that data from 2016/2017 showed that 137 workers suffered a fatal injury while onsite, with over 20 of them losing their lives due to being struck by a flying or falling object. Furthermore, statistics between 2015-2016 shockingly recorded over 7,000 incidents in which workers suffered from a non-fatal injury from falling objects, resulting in 5,682 employees taking more than seven days off while recovering from the incident.
It's easy to dismiss these accounts and statistics thinking they won’t happen to you but with a most recent report by the [4]HSE, there were a total of 39 fatal injuries to construction workers recorded between 2020 and 2021, an increase of 8% compared to the 2016-2021 period.
Why They’re Essential on Every Site
Tethered tools are designed to keep tools securely in place and prevent those unexpected drops from above. They’re more than just convenient, they’re a proven safety solution for anyone working down below. So, protect your team and read about our most popular Tethered Tools, which are not only highly reliable while on the job but can be securely tethered to your belt ready for its next use.
1. 7/16” Nailspan Ring Box with Tether
Built for durability and ease, this upgraded spanner is the tool you didn’t know you needed until now.
Featuring a stainless-steel stepped handle and a 2-meter deluxe purple safety rope with a swivel-lock carabiner and mallion link, it’s designed for smooth, secure handling.
The heavy-duty, uniquely crafted nail slot lets you remove protruding nails with precision, helping you work faster and more efficiently on any job.
Click here to view the 7/16" Nailspan Ring Box with Tether.
2. Stabila Rare Earth Magnetic Boat Level with Twistlock Carabina Tether
Keep your level by your side…literally, by discovering our stabila rare earth magnetic boat level complete with a 2m tool tether with twist locking carabina.
Not only is this lanyard certified to arrest a tool weighing up to 5kg, but it is an all-time industry favourite.
Don’t take the risk, tether your tool and increase onsite safety.
Click here to view the Stabila Rare Earth Magnetic Boat Level with Twistlick Carabina Tether.
3. 19/21mm Steel Flush Short Podger Ratchet with Green Deluxe Tether
Need a safe and reliable scaffolding ratchet? Then look no further.
This steel flush short podger ratchet (19/21mm) has a high-quality design, making it one of the most popular ratchets on the market.
What’s more is that with its vibrant green deluxe tether, this tool is making job sites just that much safer. Don’t take the risk of accidental drops, work confidently, knowing your tools are secure and always within reach.
Click here to view the 19/21mm Steel Flush Short Podger Ratchet with Green Deluxe Tether.
4. Leach’s 5m Magnetic Tape Measure with Locking Carabina Tether
The Leach’s 5m magnetic tape measure features a robust 25mm blade encased in shock-proof rubber for unbeatable grip, this tape measure is built to withstand tough conditions and ensure accuracy. The magnetic, corrosion-resistant end hook is carefully crafted for precise internal and external measurements, allowing you to work with confidence, rain or shine.
For an extra layer of protection, this product is specially equipped with the BIGBEN Deluxe Purple Tool Safety Tether and a locking carabiner, so this tape measure stays securely by your side, preventing drops and keeping your focus where it matters.
Click here to view Leach's 5m Magnetic Tape Measure with Locking Carabina Tether.
5. 7/16”Hex Ring Box Spanner with Poker Handle and Tether
Our most famous scaffolding spanners just had an immense safety upgrade that enhances safety on every job.
introducing the 7/16 Hex Steel Safety Ring Box Tethered Scaffolding Spanner, with a stainless-steel poker handle and a heavy-duty safety rope, this spanner stays securely by your side, eliminating the risk of accidental drops and boosting your efficiency with quick and easy access.
The safety rope features a unique anti-tangle system, so you can smoothly place or remove the spanner from your frog without any fuss.
Click here to view the 7/16" Hex Ring Box Spanner with Poker Handle and Tether.
6. Full, Ready-to-Go Tethered Tool Kits
Looking for something fully stocked and ready-to-go? Check out our range of Deluxe and Leather Tool Belt Kits, each packed with a curated selection of essential tools!
Depending on your specifications and necessities, our kits come with options like tether anchor points, tethered tools, a hammer, a Makita impact wrench, and more. And if you don’t see the exact combo you're after, no problem, we offer custom-made kits tailored just for you.
Click here to view our collection of tethered tool kits.
[1] https://fallprotectionxs.com/blog-falling-tools-can-be-fatal/
[3] https://zonesafe.com/working-height-safety-first/
[4] https://hertstools.co.uk/accidents-in-the-construction-industry-report/
