Struck-By Incidents in Construction: Preventing One of the “Fatal Four”
Struck-by incidents are a constant risk on construction sites, with heavy equipment, moving materials, and falling objects creating dangerous conditions. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, these incidents are one of the “Fatal Four” hazards, responsible for about 10% of all construction fatalities each year. Even a small hand tool dropped from a height can cause serious injuries, making awareness and prevention critical for every worker on-site.
How Struck-By Incidents Happen
A struck-by incident occurs when a worker is hit by an object, tool, or piece of equipment. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health identifies four major types of struck-by hazards that construction workers face:
- Falling Objects – Tools, materials, or debris dropped from elevated platforms, scaffolds, or cranes can cause serious injuries. Even a small wrench falling from 30 feet can generate over 1000 pounds of impact force.
- Moving Equipment – Cranes, trucks, and loaders have large blind spots, making it easy for workers to be accidentally struck. Reversing vehicles are especially dangerous, as backup alarms may not always be heard over job site noise.
- Flying Debris – High-speed tools like nail guns, grinders, or saws can send debris flying unexpectedly, increasing the risk of eye and facial injuries.
- Materials Under Tension – Cables, chains, or compressed materials can snap or release suddenly, striking nearby workers with extreme force.
Preventing Struck-By Hazards
Preventing these incidents requires a combination of awareness, protective equipment, and enforcing safe work zones. The American Society of Safety Professionals recommends several key safety measures:
- Establish Safe Zones Around Equipment – Clearly mark areas where only essential personnel are allowed near heavy machinery. Maintaining a safe distance from operating equipment reduces the risk of impact injuries.
- Wear High-Visibility Gear – Bright vests and reflective clothing help ensure that equipment operators and drivers see workers in high-traffic areas.
- Secure Tools and Materials at Heights – Use tool lanyards, nets, and barricades to prevent objects from falling and becoming hazards.
- Use Spotters for Moving Equipment – Spotters act as extra eyes for equipment operators, guiding them safely through pedestrian areas and tight spaces.
- Inspect and Maintain Tools Regularly – Worn-out or damaged tools are more likely to break apart and become dangerous projectiles. Routine inspections help identify and remove faulty equipment before accidents occur.
- Restrict Access to Overhead Work Areas – Workers should never stand under scaffolding or suspended loads unless absolutely necessary. Clearly marked exclusion zones help prevent accidental exposure to falling objects.
- Ensure Equipment Has Proper Alert Signals – Backup alarms, flashing lights, and horns are essential for warning workers about moving vehicles and machinery.
Staying Alert on the Job Site
Struck-by hazards can happen in an instant, making situational awareness essential. Workers should always assume that an equipment operator doesn’t see them, maintain a safe distance from moving machinery, and stay out of blind spots whenever possible. Clear communication, proper PPE, and strict adherence to safety protocols are key to preventing these dangerous incidents.
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