Preventing Struck-By Incidents: Awareness and Protection
Overview
Struck-by incidents occur when workers are hit by moving objects, vehicles, equipment, or falling materials, representing one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities.
Why This Is Important
Struck-by incidents often result in severe injuries or death due to the force and mass of moving objects. These incidents can happen suddenly with little warning, making prevention through hazard recognition and control critical.
Understanding the various types of struck-by hazards helps workers identify risks and implement protective measures before accidents occur.
Types of Struck-By Hazards
Flying Objects
Tools, debris, or materials propelled by equipment or natural forces. Includes particles from grinding, cutting, or compressed air operations.
Falling Objects
Materials or tools dropped from height or falling from storage. Includes items falling from scaffolds, ladders, or overhead work areas.
Rolling/Sliding Objects
Equipment, vehicles, or materials moving along surfaces. Includes mobile equipment, rolling stock, and improperly secured materials.
Swinging Objects
Suspended loads, crane operations, and equipment with rotating or swinging components that can strike workers.
Best Practices & Safety Tips
Personal Protection
- Maintain awareness of overhead work and potential falling object hazards
- Wear appropriate PPE including hard hats in areas with overhead hazards
- Be visible to equipment operators through proper positioning and high-visibility clothing
- Stay alert to changing conditions and moving equipment
Area Control
- Establish and respect barriers around areas where objects might fall or be thrown
- Never walk under suspended loads or areas where lifting operations are occurring
- Maintain safe distances from operating equipment and moving machinery
- Use proper storage methods to prevent materials from rolling, sliding, or falling
Communication and Coordination
- Communicate with equipment operators and establish clear signals or protocols
- Coordinate work activities to minimize exposure to struck-by hazards
- Report near-miss incidents involving struck-by hazards to prevent future accidents
- Participate in safety meetings to discuss hazard recognition and control
Work at Height Precautions
- Secure tools and materials when working at heights to prevent dropping
- Use tool lanyards and containment systems for overhead work
- Establish drop zones and restrict access below work areas
- Inspect overhead protection systems regularly
Discussion Questions
- Hazard Identification: What are the most common struck-by hazards in your work area, and how do you avoid them?
- Experience Sharing: Have you experienced any close calls with moving equipment or falling objects? What did you learn?
- Visibility Strategies: How do you ensure you're visible to equipment operators in your workplace?
- Improvement Opportunities: What improvements could be made to reduce struck-by hazards in your work environment?
Remember: Preventing struck-by incidents requires constant awareness of your surroundings and potential moving object hazards. Maintaining safe distances, using proper PPE, and communicating effectively with equipment operators are essential for avoiding these often-fatal accidents.