CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TALK SERIES – Fatal Four – Struck-By Hazards

Struck-by hazards led to 93 construction worker deaths in 2016. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.

According to OSHA, Struck-by Hazards are defined as injuries produced by forcible
contact or impact between the injured person and an object or piece of equipment.

Types of Situations and What to Be Aware Of

Flying / Falling Objects

• Flying object hazards include
  instances when a piece of material
  separates from a tool, machine, or
  other equipment.
• Falling objects from an elevation to a
  lower level, include instances where
  the injured person is crushed, pinned,
  or caught under a falling object, other
  than collapsing material or structures.

Swinging Objects

• When materials are mechanically lifted,
  they have potential to swing, twist, or
  turn. This movement can catch workers
  by surprise and they could be hit by the
  swinging load.
• Windy conditions are especially
  hazardous because the load will swing
  more. In addition to swinging, loads can
  slip from their riggings and strike workers.

Rolling Objects

• An object which is rolling, moving, or
  sliding on the same level at which the
  worker is located poses a great risk.
• This includes being struck or run over
  by a moving vehicle without being
  caught under it, or instances in which
  the worker is struck-by a sliding object
  or equipment on the same level.

How to protect yourself:

• Use the proper PPE.
• Ensure tools are in proper working order, with
  no loose attachments.
• Only use machinery that is properly guarded.
• Make sure that powder actuated fastener tools
  have proper backing.
• Set up barriers to deflect flying particles.
• Never use compressed air to clean or blow
  debris.
• Use toe boards to prevent items from dropping
  on workers below.

What is Your Employer’s Responsibility?

• Assess hazards that would affect the safe operation of hoisting equipment
  such as, power lines, ground firmness and levelness. Remove personnel
  that would be within the swing radius of items being hoisted.
• Erect barriers to mark the danger zone of a rotating equipment.
• Ensure that the equipment is in safe operating condition.
• Comply with all manufacturer procedures regarding equipment use, and
  attachments.
• Ensure loads are properly rigged by a qualified rigger.
• Ensure all equipment with obstructed view does not operate in reverse
  gear unless the equipment has a reverse signal alarm or a worker has
  been designated to signal when it is safe.

For more information and training on how to prevent the Focus Four Hazards, please visit: https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/construction/focus_four/index.html