There are actually two types of struck hazards: Struck-by and Struck-against. In either type, the injury is produced by forcible contact or impact between the injured person and an object or piece of equipment.
In this module, we'll focus on Struck-by hazards because they occur more frequently and are one of OSHA's Focus-Four hazard types. One in four "struck by vehicle" deaths involve construction workers, more than any other occupation. It is important to point out that in construction, struck-by hazards can resemble caught-in or -between hazards.
To determine whether an event is a Caught event or a Struck event, ask yourself: Was it the impact of the object alone that caused the injury?
When the impact alone creates the injury, the event is considered as "Struck" event. On the other hand, when the injury is created more as a result of crushing injuries between objects, the event is considered as "Caught."
Struck-by hazards are categorized as follows:
1. When the impact alone causes an injury, the accident is considered a _____ event.
a. contactStruck-by hazards in construction cause accidents such as the following:
2. Which of the following is considered a Struck-by accident?
a. A worker runs into a metal columnFlying object hazard exists when something has been thrown, hurled, or is being propelled through space. It can include instances when a piece of material separates from a tool, machine or other equipment, striking a worker, resulting in injuries or fatalities.
Also, a hazard exists if an object is ejected under power by a tool or equipment. Examples include:
Powder-actuated tools are particularly hazardous due to the force behind the fastener. These fasteners are designed to go through wood, concrete and steel, and they can certainly go through a worker. To learn more about nail gun safety, see course 611 Nail Gun Safety.
Using compressed air can also cause flying object hazards. Compressed air is commonly used to power tools and clean surfaces.
Try to identify the hazards in each picture below. Then click on each picture to see if you correctly identified the hazards.
3. Which power tool is most frequently the cause of a serious Struck-by injury or fatality?
a. Nail gunYou are at risk from falling objects when you are directly beneath cranes, scaffolds, or overhead work being performed, etc. Injuries can range from minor abrasions to concussions, blindness, or death.
Examples:
Try to identify the hazards in each picture below. Then click on each picture to see if you correctly identified the hazards.
4. In which situation is a worker most likely to be struck by a falling object?
a. walking by a suspended loadWhen the source of injury has been referred to objects that are not free standing, they are attached at some point or are being held by the worker. This includes instances where a hinge-like motion retracts creating swinging motion in which the worker is struck-by a slamming or swinging motion.
When materials are mechanically lifted, they have the potential to swing and strike workers. As the load is lifted, the materials may swing, twist or turn.
This movement can catch workers by surprise, and the swinging load could hit them. Windy conditions are especially hazardous because the load will swing more. Depending on where the worker is standing and the force behind the load, the worker may fall to another level after being struck and sustain even greater injuries. In addition to swinging, loads can slip from their riggings and strike workers. Loads must be rigged properly to prevent slipage.
Try to identify the hazards in the picture below. Then click on the picture to see if you correctly identified the hazards.
5. What is an especially hazardous condition that makes being struck by swinging objects more likely?
a. Size and shape of a loadStruck-by rolling object is when an object is rolling, moving, or sliding on the same level at which the worker is located. It includes instances in which the worker is 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.
Examples:
Practice Identifying Hazards
Try to identify the hazards in each picture below. Then click on each picture to see if you correctly identified the hazards.
6. What type of Fatal-Four hazard is most likely to cause injuries or fatalities to workers exposed to traffic on a construction site?
a. Struck by flying objectsClick on the "Check Quiz Answers" button to grade your quiz and see your score. You will receive a message if you forgot to answer one of the questions. After clicking the button, the questions you missed will be listed below. You can correct any missed questions and check your answers again.