Falling Object Deflections Chart

This one-page visual explains that dropped objects may not fall straight down and can “deflect” after striking an obstruction. It illustrates theoretical horizontal deflection distances for an 8.3 lb (3.6 kg) wrench that hits a bar 20 ft (6 m) off the ground, with example deflections shown for different drop heights (e.g., 25 ft, 100 ft, 200 ft). The chart is intended to help communicate hazard-zone planning around elevated work. It cites a “Dropped Object Deflection Study” from Southern Polytechnic State University.