Dropped Object Prevention
In industrial environments where work at height is routine – such as bridge maintenance, offshore platforms, and large-scale construction in Oil & Gas – dropped objects pose a serious risk to personnel and equipment below. These incidents, often underestimated, can lead to severe injuries, fatalities, and costly project delays. At Axxium, we are committed to advancing safety through engineered solutions, and one of the most effective tools in our arsenal is the WEB Catch® system.
Understanding the Risk: What Are Dropped Objects?
Dropped objects are any items that fall from height due to gravity, whether they are tools, materials, or structural components. These can be categorized into two types:
- Active dropped objects: Items that fall due to human interaction, such as a tool slipping from a worker’s hand.
- Passive dropped objects: Items that fall due to environmental factors or structural failure, such as a nut dislodged by vibration or a screwdriver moved by wind.
Even small objects can become lethal when dropped from height. This makes prevention not just a best practice, but a necessity.
WEB Catch® is a proprietary encasement netting system developed by WEB Systems® International and distributed in Canada by Axxium Distribution & Rentals. WEB Catch® is designed to provide maximum protection against the risk of free-falling dropped objects. Provided as a collection of engineered netting systems that can work individually – or together – WEB Catch® offers protection to work teams who may be tasked with working close to areas with the potential for dropped objects.
Key Features of WEB Catch®
- High tensile strength: Principally constructed from knotted 4mm polyester cord, WEB Catch® offers excellent load-bearing capacity.
- Minimal deflection: Engineered to reduce bounce and sway, ensuring a stable containment surface.
- Modular design: Easily adaptable to complex geometries and confined spaces.
Dropped Object Prevention with Hybrid WEB Catch® and WEB Net® Systems
While WEB Net® is primarily a work positioning system, it plays a critical role in dropped object prevention when used in conjunction with WEB Catch® and debris mesh systems.
WEB Catch® can be lined with heavyweight debris mesh to contain smaller objects and prevent them from falling through the net. This mesh is attached at regular intervals using cable ties and is preferred over solid tarps due to its breathability and water drainage capabilities.
In scenarios requiring hot work or heavy-duty operations, WEB Net® can be overlaid with WEB Deck® to create a hybrid platform. This allows for the deployment of hot work habitats while maintaining the dropped object containment benefits of the underlying net.
Engineered for Site-Specific Needs
Each WEB Catch® installation is custom-engineered based on a site-specific risk assessment. Factors such as wind load, object size, and work type are considered to ensure optimal performance. Installations are typically supported by catenary wires and pickup chains spaced at defined intervals to maintain tension and structural integrity.
Real-World Applications
WEB Catch® has been successfully deployed in a variety of challenging environments:
- Bridge undersides: Providing safe access for inspection and maintenance without disrupting traffic below.
- Offshore platforms: Offering lightweight, corrosion-resistant access solutions in marine environments.
- Industrial plants: Used in pipe racks and conveyor systems where traditional scaffolding or netting applications are impractical.
Compliance and Certification
All WEB Catch® systems are installed by trained professionals and reviewed by licensed engineers. This ensures compliance with local safety regulations and industry standards. Axxium partners with certified vendors and OEMs to maintain the highest quality and safety benchmarks.
Conclusion: Safety by Design
Dropped object prevention is not just about reacting to incidents. It is instead better to design systems that inherently reduce risk. WEB Catch® exemplifies this philosophy by combining safety exclusion zones, and containment into a single, engineered solution. Whether used alone or as part of a hybrid system with WEB Net® and WEB Deck®, it offers unparalleled protection for workers and assets alike.
At Axxium, we believe that safety should never be an afterthought. With WEB Catch® installations, we’re helping our clients build safer, smarter, and more efficient worksites—one net at a time.
