Big Four Construction Hazards: Struck-by Hazards
Introduction to Big Four Construction Hazards
Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified four primary hazards that cause the majority of construction worker fatalities and serious injuries. These "Fatal Four" or "Big Four" hazards include:
- Falls: Falling from heights or into holes
- Struck-by Hazards: Being hit by falling, flying, swinging, or rolling objects
- Electrocution: Exposure to hazardous electricity
- Caught-in/Between Hazards: Getting caught in or compressed between equipment or objects
These four hazards were responsible for approximately 59% of construction worker deaths in recent years. Understanding each hazard and implementing proper safety measures can significantly reduce workplace injuries and fatalities. This page focuses on struck-by hazards, which account for approximately 10% of construction-related fatalities annually.
Understanding Struck-by Hazards
A struck-by hazard occurs when a worker is hit by a moving object or piece of equipment. These incidents can cause serious injuries or fatalities. Struck-by hazards are typically categorized into four main types:
- Struck-by Flying Objects: Objects that move through the air, such as tools thrown by equipment, debris from cutting or drilling operations, and items falling from heights.
- Struck-by Falling Objects: Objects that fall from overhead, including tools, materials, or equipment dropped by workers or dislodged from scaffolding.
- Struck-by Swinging Objects: Objects that swing, rotate, or move in an arc, such as crane loads, suspended loads, and excavator buckets.
- Struck-by Rolling Objects: Objects that move along the ground, including vehicles, equipment, concrete pumping trucks, and unsecured loads.
Struck-by Flying Objects
Flying object hazards can occur when workers use power tools, when materials are propelled by compressed air, or when nail guns discharge. These incidents often involve tools or materials moving at high velocities with enough force to penetrate personal protective equipment.
Common Scenarios:
- Using nail guns or power tools without proper safety features
- Working near compressed air operations
- Grinding, cutting, or drilling operations that create flying debris
- Using hand tools improperly, causing pieces to break off and fly
- Working near machinery that can launch objects (e.g., lawnmowers, saws)
Prevention Strategies:
- Always wear appropriate eye and face protection (safety glasses, goggles, face shields)
- Use tool guards and safety features like nail gun triggers that prevent accidental discharge
- Inspect tools before use and remove damaged equipment
- Establish work zones with barriers when using tools that create flying debris
- Position yourself to avoid creating or being in the line of potential flying objects
- Secure loose materials and tools that could become projectiles
Struck-by Falling Objects
Falling objects are a major concern on construction sites, particularly in multi-story projects, and can include anything from hand tools to building materials. These hazards often occur when proper securing methods aren't used or when workers above fail to follow drop prevention protocols.
Common Scenarios:
- Tools dropped by workers at heights
- Materials falling from scaffolding, platforms, or ladders
- Structural components collapsing
- Loose debris from upper levels
- Improperly stacked materials that topple over
Prevention Strategies:
- Use tool lanyards to attach tools to workers or fixed points when working at heights
- Install toe boards, screens, or guardrail systems on elevated work platforms
- Use debris nets, canopies, or catch platforms where falling objects are possible
- Properly stack and secure materials to prevent tipping or falling
- Implement exclusion zones beneath overhead work
- Barricade hazardous areas with signs warning of potential falling objects
- Use containers (buckets, pouches) for transporting tools and materials vertically
Struck-by Swinging Objects
Swinging objects pose significant risks, particularly on sites with cranes, excavators, and other equipment with rotating or swinging components. These hazards can result from equipment malfunction, operator error, or workers entering unauthorized areas.
Common Scenarios:
- Crane loads swinging unexpectedly
- Excavator or backhoe buckets swinging during operation
- Suspended loads during material lifting
- Equipment components extending beyond the expected operating radius
Prevention Strategies:
- Establish exclusion zones around equipment with swinging components
- Use tag lines to control suspended loads
- Ensure all equipment operators are properly trained and qualified
- Never stand under a suspended load
- Use proper rigging techniques and inspect equipment regularly
- Implement communication protocols between operators and ground personnel
- Barricade swing radius areas and post warning signs
Struck-by Rolling Objects
Rolling object hazards involve vehicles, equipment, or materials that move along the ground. Construction sites often have various types of mobile equipment, and interactions between workers on foot and these vehicles create significant risks.
Common Scenarios:
- Back-over incidents where a vehicle strikes a worker while reversing
- Being pinned between vehicles and fixed objects
- Unsecured equipment or materials rolling downhill
- Workers struck by construction vehicles
- Incidents involving trucks and forklifts
Prevention Strategies:
- Implement traffic control plans that separate pedestrians from vehicles
- Use spotters for vehicles with limited visibility
- Equip vehicles with backup alarms, cameras, and proximity warning systems
- Wear high-visibility clothing to ensure you're seen by equipment operators
- Secure all equipment and materials, especially on slopes
- Establish designated travel paths for vehicles
- Train workers on vehicle awareness and safe work practices around mobile equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Struck-by Hazards
While engineering controls and work practices should be the primary defense, appropriate PPE can provide additional protection:
| PPE Type | Protection Provided | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Hats | Protection against falling objects and blows to the head | Whenever there's a potential for objects falling from above or head impact |
| Safety Glasses/Goggles | Eye protection from flying debris, dust, and particles | When cutting, drilling, grinding, or performing tasks that create flying objects |
| Face Shields | Full-face protection from projectiles, chemicals, and heat | When performing high-risk tasks or in addition to safety glasses |
| High-Visibility Clothing | Improved visibility for equipment operators and vehicle drivers | When working near vehicle traffic or heavy equipment |
| Steel-Toed Boots | Protection against heavy objects falling on feet | When there's risk of objects rolling or falling onto feet |
Training and Site Safety Practices
Comprehensive safety training is essential to prevent struck-by incidents. Workers should understand:
- How to identify potential struck-by hazards before beginning work
- Proper equipment operation and limitations
- Communication methods and signals used on the construction site
- Emergency procedures in case of struck-by incidents
- The importance of situational awareness
- Specific safety protocols for unique site conditions
Site supervisors and managers play a crucial role in preventing struck-by hazards by:
- Conducting regular site safety inspections
- Implementing and enforcing safety protocols
- Ensuring proper maintenance of equipment and tools
- Establishing clear communication channels
- Providing ongoing safety training and hazard recognition programs
Emergency Response for Struck-by Incidents
In the event of a struck-by incident:
- Immediately stop work in the affected area
- Call emergency services
- Secure the scene to prevent additional injuries
- Provide first aid to the injured worker if trained and safe to do so
- Preserve the site for investigation if appropriate
- Report the incident as required by company policy and OSHA regulations
- Implement measures to prevent similar incidents
Conclusion
Struck-by hazards represent one of the most dangerous risks on construction sites, but they are largely preventable through proper awareness, training, and implementation of safety controls. By understanding the types of struck-by hazards and implementing comprehensive prevention strategies, construction companies can significantly reduce these incidents and protect their workers from serious injuries and fatalities.
Remember that safety is a collaborative effort. Every worker, from management to tradespeople, plays a crucial role in identifying hazards and implementing preventive measures. A strong safety culture that prioritizes struck-by hazard prevention will help ensure that everyone goes home safely at the end of each workday.
Big Four Construction Hazards Struck-by Hazards and Reference File Download Link
Safety Management Of Construction Engineering Personnel Under Big Data And Artificial Inte...
Environmental Hazards And Disaster Management and Reference File Download Link