“Struck-By…” Incidents

1st Jul 2024

“Struck-by” incidents happen when a worker comes into contact with a moving object, tool, or piece of equipment. For example, a worker could be struck by a tool falling off a roof, a swinging tool like a hammer, a moving vehicle, compressed air that is suddenly released, or even a broken piece of equipment that flies off and travels through the air.

The most common injuries from struck-by incidents involve fingers, hands, and upper extremities. 

Higher-Risk Industries & Occupations

In the north, struck-by incidents are most often experienced by: 

  • Construction workers
  • Carpenters
  • Mine Workers

These injuries also happen frequently to maintenance workers, nurses, and people who stock shelves.

Preventing Injuries

Together, workers and supervisors can identify and control struck-by hazards before they become an immediate risk or result in an injury. By completing a hazard assessment with your team, you will be able to clearly identify struck-by hazards at the worksite. After hazards are identified, the team should discuss how best to put controls in place to remove or reduce the hazard. Below are examples of how to identify and implement controls, following the Hierarchy of Controls: 
 

  • Can you eliminate struck-by hazards from the worksite? 
    Eliminate struck-by hazards by following good housekeeping practices such as making sure walkways are free of debris, and that heavy tools and equipment are not stored at heights.
  • Can you substitute a piece of equipment or a task with one that has a lower risk? 
    For example, use a scissor lift rather than a ladder that could be struck and knocked over, or use equipment that workers can operate remotely. 
  • Can you engineer a solution? 
    Examples include tethering tools when working at heights, installing covered walkways, or building a snow guard over worksite entrances and exits. 
  • Can you develop an administrative solution? 
    This may include developing procedures and policies to make sure shelves are stocked safely, that signage is posted in high hazard areas, or creating a training program that includes the care and maintenance of hand tools, including worksite and tool inspections.
  • Protect workers with personal protective equipment? 
    For example, use high-visibility, reflective vests on worksites with moving equipment or vehicles, hard hats to protect from falling objects, eye protection, work boots, and protective gloves at high hazard worksites.

Resources