Construction

Struck-by hazards are among the leading causes of death for construction workers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In this course, we will discuss what are struck-by hazards and their categories, how you can protect yourself from these hazards, and how your employers are responsible for minimizing struck-by hazard risks in your workplace. 

OSHA Focus Four Hazards
Struck-by Hazards


Welcome!
Occupational fatalities caused by struck-by hazards are a serious concern.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that struck-by accidents are the most common among all contact hazards.


A construction worker was hoisting bricks in a bucket to the top of a building.
The bucket tilted, and the bricks spilled out of the bucket, striking the worker in the head.
The worker suffered blunt force trauma to his head, and he died at the hospital eight days later.
The tilting of the bucket is an example of a struck-by hazard resulting in a struck-by injury.
Struck-by injuries are produced by forcible contact or the impact between the injured person and an object or piece of equipment.


Picture the following scenario:


Struck-by Hazards
What are its categories?


Struck-by  Flying Object Hazard
Flying object hazard exists when something has been thrown, hurled, or propelled across space.


Struck-by  Falling Object Hazard
This hazard exists when the source of injury came from an elevated position and fell downwards.
This instance can be seen in an injured person who was crushed, pinned, or caught under a falling object.


Struck-by Swinging Object Hazard
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 poses a swinging-object hazard.


Stuck-by  Rolling Object Hazard
Struck-by rolling object is when an object is rolling, moving, or sliding on the same level at which the worker is located.


You are setting traffic cones at a paving project. There is a steel wheel roller compressing the asphalt, and the traffic cones were being moved so that they would be in the path of the roller.
What should you look out for?


You were instructed by your foreman to set up on a ground slab in the southeastern corner of a building. They were to land and place reinforcing steel using a crane.
What should you look out for?


You are assisting a rigger who attached a load to the block hook of a wheel-mounted crane. The crane operator was positioned in the cab and waiting for the hand signal to make the lift.
What should you look out for?


What are struck-by hazards?

OSHA Focus Four Hazards
Safety Precautions for Struck-by Hazards


Welcome back!
Recognizing hazards is the first step in ensuring your safety at work.
Now let's get you started with some safety precautions in working with actual machinery and some general safe work practices.


You were cutting a 6-inch steel water pipe with a gas-powered abrasive wheel.
Suddenly, the saw kicked back and struck your face shield.
This resulted in a laceration and two fractures to the nose.
What could you have done to prevent this from happening?


Heavy Equipment
Safety precautions when working


We've categorized these reminders to help you remember:
Stay clear!
Do not!
Beware!
Ensure!


Stay clear!
Stay away from heavy equipment when it’s operating: be alert to the location of all heavy equipment whether in use or not.
Stay clear of lifted loads and never work under a suspended load.
Make sure that all workers and other personnel are in the clear before using dumping or lifting devices.


Beware!
Beware of unbalanced loads.
Be aware of the swing radius of cranes and backhoes and do not enter that zone.
Drive equipment [or vehicles] on grades or roadways that are safely constructed and maintained.


Ensure!
Lower or block bulldozer and scraper blades, end-loader buckets, dump bodies, etc., when not in use, and leave all controls in a neutral position.
Haulage vehicles that are loaded by cranes, power shovels, loaders, etc., must have a cab shield or canopy that protects the driver from falling materials.
Workers should confirm and receive an acknowledgment from the heavy equipment operator that they are visible.


Do not!
Do not exceed a vehicle's rated load or lift capacity.
Do not carry personnel unless there is a safe place to ride.


You are operating a crane on a construction site. Which of the following should you look out for before operating the crane?


General Safe  Work Practices
Safety precautions at work


Safety Precautions for Struck-by Hazards 

OSHA Focus Four Hazards
Employer Responsibilities in Minimizing Risk


Welcome back!
Ensuring your safety is not just our job; it's your employer's obligation as well.
Let's talk about what you should expect from your employers in keeping you safe.


Let's do a quick refresher of your rights as a worker under OSHA.
Firstly, you are entitled to work in a safe workplace.
Any violations or shortcomings from your employer in this regard give you the right to report them to us.
Secondly, you are entitled to file a complaint anonymously, without retaliation from your employer.
We deeply care about your safety. Any retaliation from your employer upon your complaint is liable to punishment from us.
You must file this complaint to us within 30 days so we can immediately take action.
Lastly, you are entitled to access all OSHA citations issued to your employer.
It is important for us that your employer is transparent with their workers when it comes to their practices, workplace, and reputation.
We are firm in holding employers accountable when it comes to workplace malpractice.
Let's begin discussing your employer's responsibilities in ensuring your safety so you can look out for yourself too.


Your employer's responsibilities with
Heavy Equipment


Ground Assessment of the Work Zone
Your employer should determine whether the ground is sufficiently level and firm to support the anticipated weight of hoisting equipment and associated loads.


Work Zone Hazards Assessment
Your employer should assess hazards within the work zone that would affect the safe operation of hoisting equipment.
Examples of these are power lines and objects or personnel within the swing radius of the hoisting equipment.


Erection of Barriers
Your employer should erect barriers to mark the area covered by the rotating superstructure to warn workers of the danger zone.


Equipment Assessment
Your employer should ensure that the equipment is in safe operating condition via required inspections.


Compliance with Procedures
Your employer should comply with all manufacturer procedures regarding proper operational functions of equipment, including its use with attachments.


Safety of Rigging Devices
Your employer should ensure the safe attachment of rigging devices such as shackles, hooks, eyebolts, spreader beams, slings, wedge sockets, and wire rope clips.


Driver Safety
Your employer should provide seat belts when required


Maintenance of Roadways & Grades
Your employer should ensure roadways and grades are maintained to accommodate the safe movement of equipment and vehicles.


Reverse Signal Alarm for Equipment with View Obstructions
Your employer should ensure all earthmoving/compacting equipment with an 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.


Which of the following statements are considerations for your employer's hazard assessments?


General Requirements for Protecting Workers
Your employer's responsibilities


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OSHA Focus Four Hazards | Struck-by Hazards

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