Struck by hazards are very common onsite. A struck-by hazard is literally what it sounds like, getting struck by an object onsite that can cause minimal to significant harm.
OSHA’S FATAL FOUR
OSHA has led an initiative to create awareness around the TOP FOUR hazards that cause over 30% of all FATALITIES onsite. (1)
- Falls
- Struck-By
- Flying Objects
- Falling Objects
- Swinging Objects
- Rolling Objects
- Electrocution
- Caught In-Between
STRUCK-BY (2)
- Number 1 cause of non-fatal injuries
- 9.4% of construction fatalities
- 2nd highest cause of worker fatalities
- Most investigated work zone incident
- Avg. per onsite death cost $15M
- Total avg workers compensation costs $1.4B
- In 2020, 150 deaths were the result of struck-by
- Hi-Viz clothing, ppe and tools can greatly reduce struck-by incidents
4 TYPES OF STRUCK BY
| FALLING OBJECTS | FLYING OBJECTS | SWINGING OBJECTS | MOVING/ ROLLING OBJECTS |
| – Items knocked off scaffolds – Crane loads coming loose – Dropped Items | – Nail gun discharges – Thrown tools/debris – Flying tips of saw blades | – Mechanically lifting materials – Workers within the swing radius | – Struck by vehicle – Struck by heavy equipment |
| PREVENTIONS | |||
| – Tethering objects – Tow boards or screens & debris nets – HI-VIZ | – Inspect tools – Wear safety glasses, goggles, face shield, hard hats – HI-VIZ | – Clear the swing radius – Communication – HI-VIZ | – Clear the area if possible – Communication – Trainings of drivers & people in vehicle – HI-VIZ |
PASSIVE INVOLVEMENT
Most injuries and accidents are PASSIVE INVOLVEMENT. The person hurt is rarely the one operating the machinery or equipment, it is usually an unsuspecting person in the work zone. By increasing visibility through HI-VIZ, they are better protected.
Avoiding struck-by hazards require extensive training, strong communication among the team, a keep awareness of your surrounding and the correct Hi-Viz PPE.
Learn more about the ANSI standards that regulate HI-VIZ here.
Browse our hi-viz HERE.
- https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/construction_hazards_qc.pdf
- https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2023/04/04/2023-struck-by-stand-down/#:~:text=Occupational%20struck%2Dby%20incidents%20caused,injuries%20in%202020%20%5B1%5D.-
