Struck-By Hazards

Struck-by injuries are a leading cause of workplace fatalities, particularly in construction, where they are designated as part of OSHA’s "Fatal Four." These incidents occur when a person makes forceful contact with a moving, flying, falling, or rolling object. Unlike "caught-in" injuries, a struck-by event is defined by the impact itself being the primary cause of harm.

OSHA Requirements

Federal safety standards, particularly 29 CFR 1926.701 (Concrete and Masonry Construction) and 29 CFR 1926.601 (Motor Vehicles), establish clear requirements for preventing these accidents. Employers are required to implement strict traffic control plans, ensure back-up alarms are functional on all heavy equipment, and establish "exclusion zones" where workers are prohibited from entering while machinery is in operation.

A key component of preventing struck-by injuries is the rigorous use of High-Visibility Safety Apparel (HVSA). OSHA enforces high-vis requirements through several specific standards:

• 29 CFR 1926.201(a): Mandates that flaggers wear red or orange warning garments, with reflectorized materials required for nighttime work.
• 29 CFR 1926.651(d): Requires that employees in excavations who are exposed to public vehicular traffic must wear warning vests or high-visibility garments.
• General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)): Used to enforce high-vis usage in general construction areas where workers are exposed to heavy equipment or "struck-by" risks not covered by a specific standard.

A key component of preventing struck-by injuries is the rigorous use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and site organization. Materials must be stored and stacked securely to prevent them from toppling (falling objects), and tools used at heights should be tethered to prevent them from becoming projectiles. Dropped Object Prevention Sample Plan

‍Furthermore, high-visibility clothing is not just a suggestion; it is a critical safeguard that ensures equipment operators can see ground workers in all lighting conditions and weather environments.

Situational awareness is the ultimate defense against struck-by hazards. Training programs should focus on identifying "the line of fire"—the path an object will travel if it is released or moved. Whether it is a swinging crane load, a rolling vehicle, or a pressurized hose that could whip if disconnected, workers must be trained to recognize and avoid these paths. Our resources provide 10–15 minute "toolbox talks" that help supervisors lead discussions on these specific risks, complete with knowledge checks to ensure the team understands how to stay out of harm's way.