OSHA defines Struck by Hazard thus:
Struck by hazards produces injuries caused by forcible contact or impact between the injured person and an object or piece of equipment. Having said that, it is important to point out that in construction, struck-by hazards can resemble caught in or between hazards.
The struck-by hazard occurs when the impact alone creates the injury.
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Categorized of struck by hazard:
- Struck-by flying object
- Struck-by falling object
- Struck-by swinging object
- Stuck-by rolling object
Examples of struck-by hazards:
A worker was struck by an exterior wall while attempting to lift it in place.
The main difference between being struck by a hazard and caught in between hazard
When the impact alone creates the injury, the event is considered as Struck.
While
When the injury is created more as a result of crushing injuries between objects, the event is considered as Caught.
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Safety tips to prevent struck by injuries
Here are some safety tips to prevent struck-by hazards:
- Wear safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield when using power tools.
- Inspect power tools to ensure protective guards are in good condition
- Steer clear of the line of sight when a nail gun is being used
- Avoid areas where work is being performed above
- Secure tools and materials using toeboards, screens, and debris nets.
- Do not exceed the lifting capacity of cranes and hoists
- Wear a hard hat at all times on a construction site
- Never position yourself under a suspended load
- Stay well outside the swing radius
- Verify that the heavy equipment operator sees you
- Steer clear of vehicles and heavy equipment in use
- Stack materials of the same size to prevent sliding, falling, or collapsing.
- Do not drive a vehicle in reverse gear with an obstructed rear view, unless it has an audible reverse alarm or another worker signals that it is safe.
- Set parking brakes when vehicles and equipment are parked, and chock the wheels if they are on an incline.
- Ensuring all hand tools are maintained in good condition.
- All tools equipped with guards shall have guards in place.
- Use traffic signs, barricades, or flaggers when construction takes place near public roadways.
- Workers must be highly visible in all levels of light. Warning clothing, such as red or orange vests, are required; and if worn for night work, must be of reflective material.
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These Struck By hazards continue to cause many fatalities and serious injuries annually. To stay safe, always identify these hazards in the workplace, and apply the above safety tips to stay safe.
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