Dropsafe, a global provider of dropped object prevention technology, has signed a partnership with Pacific Automation that will see bolster its Australia presence.

The exclusive pact will see Australia-based Pacific Automation distribute Dropsafe’s Net, Pouch and Barrier products as part of its equipment range.

“The partnership will bolster Dropsafe’s regional presence as the market seeks to tackle the prominent safety, reputational and financial risks posed by dropped object incidents at Australian mining sites,” Dropsafe said.

“Pacific Automation partners with premium manufacturers of industrial automation, electrical, lighting, hazardous area and mining products,” the company added. “The adoption of Dropsafe’s Net, Pouch and Barrier products into the Pacific Automation equipment range is indicative of the critical role that dropped object prevention technology has to play in the overall health and safety strategy of site owners and managers.”

According to Safe Work Australia, dropped and falling objects were the second largest causes of workplace fatalities in Australia between 2010-2014, resulting in 125 workplace fatalities and over 15,000 serious compensation claims. While the industry is increasingly adopting dropped object prevention solutions, the risk remains prominent, with 8% of work-related injuries in Australia, in 2017, caused by being hit by a falling object.

“The Australian mining sector now has an opportunity to set a benchmark dropped object prevention, tackling a four-fold threat that consists of the risk of injury or fatality to personnel, risk of equipment damage, and their financial and reputational consequences,” the company said. “By adopting solutions which are impact resistant, have high structural integrity and are manufactured to a high quality, mining companies can demonstrate a commitment to upholding the highest safety standards.”

Dropsafe said it had seen a significant spike in demand for its market-leading prevention systems, with its Net and Barrier products becoming “the preferred solutions for mining operators seeking to prevent fixtures falling from height, and equipment dropping from raised walkways”, it said.

Rob Schlipper, CEO of Dropsafe, said: “This increased demand clearly shows the emphasis that mining operators are putting on managing this prominent risk. Our new distribution partnership signifies that Dropsafe Nets, Pouches and Barriers have become an essential part of the tool kit for Australian mining operators.”

Darren Wright, Managing Director of Pacific Automation, said: “We are really excited to begin our partnership with Dropsafe, as we believe its premium quality products will greatly benefit our customers across a range of applications and work sites. We look forward to working with the team to supply the Dropsafe product range throughout Australia.”