What's Inside the Full Packet
- Why This Topic Matters2
- Talk Outline2
- Presenter Script3
- Discussion Questions3
- Frequently Asked Questions4
- Related Talks & Complete Training5
- Crew Handout6
- Sign-In Sheet7
Why This Topic Matters
Struck-by incidents are one of construction's Fatal Four, along with falls, electrocution, and caught-in or caught-between injuries. Workers can be hit by vehicles, heavy equipment, falling objects, or flying debris, often in a split second. Staying aware of moving equipment, wearing high-visibility clothing, and keeping out of the line of fire are the keys to preventing struck-by injuries.
Presenter Script
Good morning, everyone. Today's talk is on struck-by hazards — one of construction's Fatal Four, along with falls, electrocution, and caught-in or caught-between injuries.
Struck-by hazards come in four basic types. Falling objects — tools, materials, or debris dropped from above. Flying objects — things like debris kicked up by a saw, grinder, or nail gun. Swinging objects — a crane load, an excavator bucket, or an equipment boom moving through its swing radius. And rolling objects — vehicles, forklifts, or other mobile equipment moving around the site.
Most struck-by incidents happen because a worker on foot and moving equipment or a falling object end up in the same place at the same time, without enough warning.
Here's what to watch for. If you're working below someone, are tools and materials secured so they can't fall? If you're near a crane or excavator, do you know its swing radius, and are you staying clear of it? If equipment is backing up or moving near you, does the operator know you're there, and do you know their blind spots?
Barricades, tag lines, and spotters exist for a reason. If an area is barricaded off for overhead work or equipment operation, don't cut through it, even if it looks clear. And if you're a spotter, stay in a position where the operator can see you and you can see the whole path.
Before you start work in or near an active equipment zone today, make eye contact or make radio contact with the operator. Don't assume they've seen you.
That's it for today. Struck-by hazards are preventable when everyone stays aware of what's moving around them. Thanks, everyone — let's have a safe day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a struck-by hazard?
Any hazard where a worker is hit by a falling, flying, swinging, or rolling object — one of OSHA's Fatal Four causes of construction fatalities.
Why is struck-by considered one of the “Fatal Four”?
OSHA groups falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocution together as the leading causes of construction worker deaths. Confirm the exact requirement using current OSHA rules, manufacturer instructions, and the site-specific safety plan.
What is a swing radius and why does it matter?
It's the area a piece of equipment's boom, bucket, or counterweight sweeps through as it rotates. Workers must stay clear, since an operator may not be able to see everyone within that path.
Who is responsible for barricading a struck-by hazard zone?
Employers and site supervisors are responsible for identifying struck-by hazard areas and installing barricades, warning signs, or spotters. Confirm the exact requirement using current OSHA rules, manufacturer instructions, and the site-specific safety plan.
What should a spotter do near moving equipment?
Stay in a position where the operator can see them and they can see the entire path of travel, and use clear, pre-agreed hand or radio signals.
What are the four main types of struck-by hazards?
Construction struck-by hazards are commonly grouped as falling objects, flying objects, swinging objects, and rolling objects. Identifying the type helps the crew choose controls such as barricades, guards, secure storage, equipment separation, and eye or head protection.