Snakes & Ladders — the DROPS safety game
The Dropped Object Safety Game
Learn dropped object prevention by playing the classic game with a twist — against bots or your crew, right in your browser.
How it works
From first click to certificate
Hit Play — you’re on the board in seconds
One click starts a solo game against three bots, right in your browser.
Roll, climb, and learn as you go
Every square teaches something about dropped object prevention. Answer safety questions to climb ladders — unsafe choices send you down the snakes.
Finish the board, then register
When you complete the game, register with your email to save your result and work towards your certificate of completion.
What you'll learn
Real dropped object awareness, disguised as a board game
Every question in the game comes from the DROPS Forum question pool — the same material used in dropped object prevention training across the industry. It's built as a first awareness step for crews, students, and anyone new to DROPS.
- Why dropped objects are one of the top causes of serious injuries in industrial operations
- Securing tools and equipment when working at height
- Red zones and restricted-access areas — and why you stay out of them
- Inspection basics: spotting potential dropped objects before they fall
- How weight and height determine the consequence of a drop (the DROPS Calculator)
Ready to roll?
You're one click from the board. Register when you finish to save your result and claim your certificate.
Multiplayer
Play with your team
Safety training sticks better together. Create a game for up to four players and share the 6-digit join code with your crew — or schedule a game up to a week ahead and we'll email the invites for you. Great for toolbox talks, safety stand-downs, and classroom sessions.
Team games use a free account — one email code, no password.
Up to 4 players
Live multiplayer with video and chat, plus bots to fill empty seats.
Scheduled games
Pick a time, add up to 3 colleagues, and invites go out by email.
Private join codes
Share a 6-digit code so only your crew can join the board.
Everyone earns
Every player who finishes is enrolled for the certificate module.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Snakes & Ladders safety game really free?⌄
Yes — completely free. Playing the game, the e-learning module it unlocks, and the certificate of completion all cost nothing. The game is provided by the DROPS Forum to spread dropped object prevention awareness.
Do I need an account to play?⌄
No. Click Play now and you are on the board in seconds as a guest. If you want to save your progress, play with your team, or claim your certificate, you can add your email at any point during or after the game — one 6-digit code, no password.
How do I get the free certificate?⌄
Finish a game and you are automatically enrolled in the free DROPS Snakes & Ladders e-learning workshop. Pass the short quiz at the end of the workshop and your certificate of completion is issued — verifiable online at dropsforum.org/verify.
How long does a game take?⌄
A full solo game against bots typically takes around 30 minutes. Every square teaches something about dropped object prevention, so the time doubles as genuine safety awareness training.
Can I play with my team or class?⌄
Yes — create a game for up to four players and share the 6-digit join code, or schedule a game up to a week ahead and invites are emailed automatically. It works well for toolbox talks, safety stand-downs, and classroom sessions. Bots fill any empty seats.
Who is the game for?⌄
Anyone who needs a first step into dropped object prevention: new crew members, students, office staff supporting operations, or experienced hands who want a refresher. The questions come from the DROPS Forum question pool used in industry training.
More dropped object prevention tools
DROPS Calculator
Estimate the impact energy and injury risk of a dropped object.
DROPS Training
Structured training programs for dropped object prevention.
E-Learning
Courses, workshops, and certificates on the DROPS learning platform.
DROPS Metaverse
Walk a virtual rig and spot hazards in immersive 3D scenarios.