In the occupational safety realm, What Is A Struck By Hazard?

OSHA defines Struck by Hazard thus:

Struck-by injuries are produced 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.

Read Also: Top 10 construction hazards

Categorized of struck by hazard:

• Struck-by flying object
• Struck-by falling object
• Struck-by swinging object
• Stuck-by rolling object

Example of struck by hazards:

A workers struck by an exterior wall while attempting to lift it in place.

Main difference between struck by 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.

Read Also: 11 Painting hazards and safety control measures

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 insure 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 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 same size to prevent sliding, falling or collapse.
• 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 types of incidents continue to cause many fatalities and serious injuries annually. To stay safe, always identify these hazards in the work place, and apply the above safety tips to stay safe.