Understanding the True Impact of Gravity in the Workplace
At GRIPPS®, we've dedicated ourselves to a singular mission: preventing dropped objects in the workplace. Today, we're proud to announce a new tool in our safety arsenal – the GRIPPS® Drops Calculator.
The Invisible Threat
Dropped objects remain one of the most underestimated workplace hazards. According to the International Safety Equipment Association, over 45,000 workers are injured yearly in the U.S. in "struck by falling object" incidents. Yet many safety professionals struggle to communicate this risk to their teams effectively. Why? Because the danger is often abstract until it's too late.
Making the Invisible Visible
The GRIPPS team created the GRIPPS® Drops Calculator with a clear purpose: to transform abstract risk into concrete, quantifiable data that safety professionals can use to educate their teams and strengthen their dropped object prevention programs.
This free online tool allows users to input two simple variables:
- The height from which an object might fall
- The weight of that object
The calculator then instantly provides critical information:
- The speed at impact
- The energy at impact
- A comprehensive risk assessment
The Numbers That Change Perspectives
Consider this scenario: A standard 1.5 lb hammer dropped from 100 feet will reach a speed of 55 mph and generate over 200 joules of energy at impact – enough to cause serious traumatic injuries or death.
These aren't just numbers. They're wake-up calls.
When team members understand that a small tool dropped from a height can impact with the force of a bowling ball thrown at high speed, safety protocols suddenly become much more than just procedures to follow – they become vital protection against real, quantifiable danger. This is why a comprehensive dropped objects prevention system, including tool connectors, tool tethers, and anchor points, is essential for any height safety program.
Beyond Calculation: Building a Safety Culture
The GRIPPS® Drops Calculator isn't just a mathematical tool – it's an educational resource designed to transform how organizations approach dropped object prevention:
- Enhanced Toolbox Talks: Safety managers can generate specific scenarios relevant to their worksite and share the calculated risks.
- Improved Training: New employees can better understand the physics behind dropped object prevention requirements, making the need for products like our versatile Bungee Tether with Dual-Action Carabiner immediately obvious.
- Risk Assessment Documentation: The calculator's results can be downloaded as PDFs and incorporated into formal safety documentation.
- Visual Demonstration: Sometimes, seeing the numbers is more powerful than any safety video or anecdote.

The Ripple Effect of Awareness
At GRIPPS®, we believe that true safety culture change begins with awareness. When workers understand not just that they should prevent dropped objects, but why – with specific, quantifiable risks – behavior changes follow naturally.
Our complete dropped objects solution extends beyond tethering to include safe transport and storage options and specialized safety gloves and wristbands that enhance grip and reduce fatigue, addressing multiple facets of the dropped objects' risk.
Industry-Leading Compliance
As detailed on our compliance page, all GRIPPS® solutions meet or exceed global safety standards. Since day one, this commitment to quality and safety has been part of our story, driving our innovation and dedication to workplace safety.
Try It Today
We invite safety professionals across all industries to experience the GRIPPS® Drops Calculator for themselves. Visit https://gripps.com/pages/gripps-drops-calculator to access this free tool.
Share your experiences with the calculator in the comments below. How has quantifying dropped object risks changed conversations at your workplace?
At GRIPPS®, we're committed to conquering gravity through innovation, education, and partnership with safety-conscious organizations worldwide. The Drops Calculator is just one more step toward our vision of a workplace where no one is injured by a dropped object again.
GRIPPS® is a global leader in dropped object prevention solutions, providing innovative products and educational resources to protect workers across industries, including construction, oil and gas, mining, telecommunications, and utilities.
#WorkplaceSafety #DroppedObjectPrevention #SafetyInnovation #HeightSafety #RiskAssessment #GRIPPS