Key Takeaways
- Understanding Hazards: Recognize the four types of struck-by hazards: flying, falling, swinging, and rolling objects.
- Implementing Safety Measures: Use training, PPE, proper equipment maintenance, and safety protocols to protect workers.
- Utilizing Digital Solutions: Leverage FAT FINGER’s digital workflows and safety checklists for consistent safety compliance.
- Proactive Hazard Identification: Use tools like Take 5 Safety and Job Hazard Analysis to identify and mitigate hazards before tasks.
- Continuous Improvement: Employ Near Miss Reporting and Incident Reporting to document, investigate, and improve safety practices.
4 Common Types of Struck by Hazards
Struck-by hazards are a significant concern in various industries. They impact manufacturing safety, and safety in other industries such as construction, warehousing, automotive, aerospace, among others. These hazards occur when a worker is hit by a moving object, which can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the different types of struck-by hazards is crucial for implementing effective safety measures.
In this article, we will explore four common types of struck-by hazards, provide relevant examples, and discuss how digital workflows like FAT FINGER can help mitigate these risks.
Request a demo of FAT FINGER to see how it can enhance your workplace safety.
What Are Struck-By Hazards?
Struck-by hazards are incidents where a worker is hit by an object, tool, or piece of equipment. These hazards are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), struck-by hazards are one of the “Fatal Four” leading causes of death in the construction industry.
Types of Struck-By Hazards
There are four primary types of struck-by hazards:
- Struck-by flying object
- Struck-by falling object
- Struck-by swinging object
- Struck-by rolling object
Struck-By Flying Object
Struck-by flying objects occur when an object is propelled through the air and hits a worker. This can happen due to various reasons, such as:
- Tools or materials being ejected from machinery
- Explosions or pressurized equipment failures
- Debris from cutting or grinding operations
For example, a worker using a nail gun might accidentally discharge a nail, which could strike another worker. To prevent such incidents, it’s essential to use proper guarding on machinery and ensure workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Struck-By Falling Object
Struck-by falling objects occur when an object falls from a height and hits a worker below. Common causes include:
- Improperly secured tools or materials
- Workers dropping objects from scaffolding or ladders
- Structural failures or collapses
For instance, a worker on a construction site might drop a hammer from a scaffold, striking a colleague below. To mitigate this risk, it’s crucial to use tool lanyards, install safety nets, and enforce proper housekeeping practices.
Struck-By Swinging Object
Struck-by swinging objects occur when an object moves in a swinging motion and hits a worker. This can happen due to:
- Unsecured loads on cranes or hoists
- Improperly controlled machinery
- Wind or other environmental factors causing objects to swing
For example, a crane operator might swing a load too quickly, causing it to hit a nearby worker. To prevent such incidents, it’s essential to use proper rigging techniques, maintain clear communication, and establish exclusion zones around moving equipment.
Struck-By Rolling Object
Struck-by rolling objects occur when a worker is hit by an object that is rolling, sliding, or moving on wheels. Common causes include:
- Vehicles or heavy equipment moving in the work area
- Unsecured materials or equipment rolling off surfaces
- Improperly stored materials or equipment
For instance, a forklift operator might accidentally roll over a worker’s foot. To mitigate this risk, it’s crucial to establish clear traffic patterns, use proper storage techniques, and ensure workers are trained in equipment operation.
How FAT FINGER Can Help Mitigate Struck-By Hazards
FAT FINGER offers powerful digital workflows that can help organizations identify and mitigate struck-by hazards. Here are six safety checklists available on FAT FINGER that can enhance workplace safety:
1. Take 5 Safety
The Take 5 Safety checklist encourages workers to take five minutes before starting a task to assess potential hazards. This proactive approach helps identify struck-by hazards and implement control measures before work begins.
2. Near Miss Reporting
Near miss reporting allows workers to document incidents where no injury occurred but had the potential to cause harm. By analyzing near misses, organizations can identify patterns and implement corrective actions to prevent future struck-by incidents.
3. Job Hazard Analysis
The Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) checklist helps workers identify potential hazards associated with specific tasks. By breaking down each task step-by-step, workers can pinpoint struck-by hazards and implement control measures to mitigate risks.
4. Risk Assessment
The Risk Assessment checklist enables organizations to evaluate the likelihood and severity of potential hazards. By assessing risks, organizations can prioritize control measures and allocate resources to address the most significant struck-by hazards.
5. Incident Reporting in the Workplace
Incident reporting allows workers to document and analyze incidents involving struck-by hazards. By investigating incidents, organizations can identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
6. Journey Report
The Journey Report checklist helps organizations track and analyze the movement of workers and equipment. By monitoring journeys, organizations can identify potential struck-by hazards and implement control measures to ensure safe movement within the work area.
Case Studies and Statistics
A survey on occupational hazards in the construction industry reported approximately 15,000 and 20,000 non-fatal struck-by hazards every year, between 2011 and 2019.
In one case, a manufacturing worker was struck by a flying piece of metal ejected from a machine. The incident occurred because the machine’s guarding was not properly maintained. This case underscores the importance of regular equipment inspections and maintenance.
The same CDC study also found that out of the struck by incidents reported in 2019, 47% were caused by vehicles and 26.5% by falling objects.
In one case, a construction worker was struck by a falling piece of scaffolding, resulting in a fatal injury. The investigation revealed that the scaffolding was not properly secured, highlighting the importance of proper safety measures.
Conclusion
Struck-by hazards pose a significant risk to workers in various industries. By understanding the different types of struck-by hazards and implementing effective safety measures, organizations can reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities. Digital workflows like FAT FINGER offer powerful tools to help identify and mitigate these hazards. With checklists for Take 5 Safety, Near Miss Reporting, Job Hazard Analysis, Risk Assessment, Incident Reporting, and Journey Reports, FAT FINGER provides a comprehensive solution to enhance workplace safety.
Create a safety workflow for free on FAT FINGER or request a demo.
FAQs for Struck by Hazards
Q: What are struck-by hazards?
Struck-by hazards occur when a worker is hit by a moving object, leading to injuries or fatalities. These incidents are among the leading causes of workplace injuries and deaths, particularly in construction and manufacturing.
Q: What are the common types of struck-by hazards?
The four primary types are:
- Struck-by flying object: Objects propelled through the air, like tools or debris from machinery.
- Struck-by falling object: Items that fall from heights, such as tools from scaffolding.
- Struck-by swinging object: Objects that move in a swinging motion, like crane loads.
- Struck-by rolling object: Moving objects on wheels, like vehicles or equipment.
Q: How can digital workflows like FAT FINGER help mitigate these hazards?
FAT FINGER provides digital safety checklists, such as Take 5 Safety, Near Miss Reporting, Job Hazard Analysis, and Risk Assessment. These tools help identify and mitigate risks, ensuring consistent safety protocols and reducing incidents.
Q: What specific safety checklists does FAT FINGER offer?
FAT FINGER offers:
- Take 5 Safety: A quick pre-task hazard assessment.
- Near Miss Reporting: Documenting and analyzing near-miss incidents.
- Job Hazard Analysis: Identifying hazards in specific tasks.
- Risk Assessment: Evaluating and prioritizing risks.
- Incident Reporting: Documenting and investigating incidents.
- Journey Report: Tracking movement of workers and equipment to identify hazards.
Q: How can I implement FAT FINGER in my workplace?
You can schedule a demo or try out FAT FINGER’s digital workflows for free to experience first hand how you can enhance safety practices in your specific work environment.