Struck-By Hazard
What Is a Struck-By Hazard?
A struck-by hazard refers to any situation where a worker faces the risk of injury from forcible contact or impact between themselves and an object, piece of equipment, or material. According to OSHA guidelines, these injuries result from objects that strike workers through various mechanisms including falling, flying, swinging, or rolling motions.
Struck-by hazards represent one of the most significant safety concerns in construction, classified as part of OSHA’s “Focus Four” hazards that account for the majority of construction fatalities. These incidents can involve anything from small hand tools falling from height to massive equipment collisions, making awareness and prevention critical for job site safety.
The severity of struck-by injuries varies widely depending on factors such as the size, weight, and velocity of the striking object, as well as the body part affected. Understanding and controlling these hazards requires comprehensive planning and consistent safety protocols across all construction activities.
Common Types of Struck-By Hazards
Construction sites present multiple categories of struck-by risks that workers encounter daily:
- Falling objects: Tools, materials, or debris dropping from elevated work areas, scaffolding, or building structures
- Flying objects: Debris generated from cutting, grinding, drilling, or demolition activities that become projectiles
- Swinging objects: Crane loads, suspended materials, or equipment that moves in an arc and strikes workers
- Rolling objects: Materials like pipes, lumber, or concrete blocks that roll or slide unexpectedly
- Vehicle and equipment impacts: Mobile equipment, trucks, or machinery striking workers in their path
Each type requires specific prevention strategies and awareness training to minimize worker exposure and potential injury severity.
Prevention and Control Measures
Effective struck-by hazard control relies on multiple layers of protection implemented systematically across construction operations:
- Engineering controls: Physical barriers, guardrails, toe boards, and debris nets that prevent objects from reaching workers
- Administrative controls: Exclusion zones, spotters for equipment operations, and coordinated work scheduling to separate hazardous activities
- Personal protective equipment: Hard hats, safety glasses, and high-visibility clothing appropriate for specific hazard exposures
- Equipment protocols: Proper securing of materials, regular equipment maintenance, and operator training programs
Successful prevention programs combine these approaches with regular hazard assessments and worker training to maintain awareness of changing site conditions and emerging risks.
Industry Impact and Regulatory Focus
Struck-by incidents represent a leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in construction, prompting significant regulatory attention and industry safety initiatives. Industry research consistently identifies these hazards among the most preventable yet persistent safety challenges facing construction workers.
The economic impact extends beyond immediate medical costs to include project delays, equipment damage, and regulatory penalties. This reality drives continuous improvement in safety technologies, training methods, and hazard recognition programs across the construction industry.
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