How Many Categories Of Struck-By Hazards Are There?
Struck-by hazards refer to incidents where a person is injured or killed by being hit by a moving object. This can include anything from dropped and falling objects to moving machinery. These hazards commonly cause accidents in various workplaces, especially construction sites, factories, and warehouses.
The specific types can vary widely, but there are four struck-by hazard categories: Struck-by flying object, Struck-by falling object, Struck-by swinging object, and Stuck-by rolling object.
What does it mean to be struck by flying objects?
Struck-by-flying objects refer to incidents where a person is injured or killed by being hit by an airborne object. These objects can be propelled by various means:
- Mechanical forces. For example, a tool or piece of equipment that is accidentally launched due to a malfunction or improper use. A typical example is a nail gun that misfires, sending a nail flying towards a nearby worker.
- Human action. This includes intentionally or unintentionally thrown objects, like hammers, wrenches or drills.
- Natural forces. This can involve objects carried by the wind, such as debris, metal sheets or light materials.
How do you protect yourself from flying object hazards?
To protect yourself from flying object hazards, adopt a multi-faceted approach that combines awareness, prevention, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Be aware and mindful of your surroundings and the potential for flying objects. Identify areas where hazards may exist, such as where the power tools are. Pay attention to warning signs and any verbal or visual cues indicating potential hazards.
- Follow safety procedures and guidelines for handling and using tools and machinery to prevent flying object hazards. Before working, regularly inspect work areas to identify and address potential risks, such as loose objects or damaged equipment.
- Wear PPE all the time in the workplace. Hard hats are essential for protecting your head from flying objects. Safety glasses or goggles can shield your eyes from flying debris. Protective clothing, such as face shields or body armour, may also be necessary in certain situations.
Dropped tools on construction and industrial sites can be a serious flying hazard. When they strike hard surfaces, these tools can ricochet at unpredictable angles, posing a risk to workers and equipment.
Some tools to prevent flying object hazards include tool tethers, which prevent tools from flying off work surfaces or during transportation. Another is *encapsulation* encapsulating tools such as mats and wraps to prevent objects from flying outside the designated area. There are also trade and tool kits. These pre-assembled kits minimise the number of loose tools on a job site, reducing the risk of flying objects.
What does it mean to be struck by falling objects?
Struck-by-falling objects refer to incidents where a person is hit by an object that falls from a higher level. These objects include:
- Construction materials such as bricks, concrete blocks, steel beams, wooden planks, and other building materials from scaffolding, cranes, or other elevated locations
- Tools and equipment like hammers, wrenches, drills, power tools, and other tools from a higher level, especially if they are not stored securely or handled with care
- Debris such as broken glass, metal scraps, loose nails, and other debris from elevated surfaces
- Personal belongings such as cell phones, wallets, keys, or even tools stored in pockets or bags
- Components of machinery, such as bolts, screws, or panels
In Australia, it can also include being hit by a falling person, according to the Safety and Compensation Council.
How do you protect yourself from falling object hazards?
Falling objects pose significant risks. To protect yourself, take the following proactive approach:
- Wear PPE. Hard hats protect your head from falling objects of all sizes, while safety glasses protect your eyes.
- Identify and avoid hazardous areas. Pay attention to signs or markings that indicate potential falling object hazards, and stay clear of areas where work is being done overhead or where materials are being stored or moved above you.
- Follow safe work practices. Ensure that materials are properly secured and stored to prevent them from falling. Regularly inspect equipment, such as scaffolding and ladders, for any signs of damage or instability that could lead to falling objects. In high-risk areas, consider using safety nets and tool tethers to catch falling objects and prevent injuries.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Pay attention to verbal or audible warnings from coworkers or supervisors about potential falling object hazards, and be mindful of what is happening above you.
To prevent falling objects, secure tools to yourself or fixed points using tool connectors, tethers, and belts. Keep tools organised and secure in tool belts or holsters. Protect the floor with drop mats to mitigate the impact of falling objects. Enclose tools or work areas to prevent objects from falling outside the designated area. Choose tools with built-in tether attachment points for easier securing.
What does it mean to be struck by swinging objects?
Struck-by-swinging objects refer to incidents where a person is injured by coming into contact with a moving object that is swinging or rotating.
Here are some examples of swinging objects that can pose a hazard:
- Machinery parts such as gears, belts, pulleys, and chains if not adequately guarded or are dysfunctional
- Tools that are swinging or rotating, such as drills or saws if not used correctly or if a person is caught in their path
- Objects that are suspended from above, such as cranes or cables, if not properly secured or if a person enters the area below
How do you protect yourself from swinging object hazards?
To protect yourself from swinging objects, take the following precautionary measures:
- Be mindful of areas where swinging objects, such as near cranes, lifts, or other heavy equipment, might be present. Maintain a safe distance from these areas, especially when equipment is in operation. Be cautious when walking or working near moving machinery, as objects may swing unexpectedly.
- Wear a hard hat to protect your head from falling or swinging objects and safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes.
- Ensure that tools, materials, and equipment are properly secured and not left unattended. If working in an area with potential swinging object hazards, use barriers or warning signs to alert others. Adhere to established safety procedures and guidelines for construction sites. Conduct regular inspections of equipment and work areas to identify and address potential hazards.
- Effective dropped object prevention controls the movement of tools and equipment, reducing the risk of objects swinging unexpectedly and injuring workers.
To prevent swinging objects, use tool tethers to restrict their movement and again, choose tools that are tether-ready to easily attach them to belts or tethering stations.
What does it mean to be struck by rolling objects?
Struck-by-rolling objects refer to an accident where a person is injured by being hit by a moving object, such as a wheel, drum, or other cylindrical object that is rolling.
Typical scenarios where struck-by-rolling object accidents can happen in:
- Construction sites. One may be struck by rolling materials, such as pipes or beams, that are being moved or stored
- Warehouses. Forklifts and other material handling equipment can inadvertently strike a person with rolling objects.
- Manufacturing facilities. Rolling machinery parts or finished products can pose a hazard to the individuals on the premises
The common causes of these accidents include:
- Loss of control. Objects may roll away if they are not secured correctly or if their load is not balanced.
- Obstructions. Objects may roll into people if they encounter obstructions or uneven surfaces.
- Distractions. Workers may be distracted by other tasks or noise, leading to accidents.
How do you protect yourself from rolling object hazards?
To protect yourself and others from rolling object hazards, follow these safety tips:
- Ensure that all objects, including materials, tools, and equipment, are properly secured before moving them. Use appropriate restraints, such as chains, straps, or nets, to prevent objects from rolling away.
- Avoid working on slopes or inclines where objects may roll downhill. If necessary, use ramps or other means to stabilise objects on slopes.
- Use appropriate equipment designed for the task at hand and is in good working condition. For example, use wheelbarrows with sturdy handles and brakes, and ensure that forklifts are properly maintained.
- Keep a safe distance between yourself and moving objects. Be aware of potential blind spots and avoid walking or working in areas where objects may roll unexpectedly.
- Follow safety procedures and guidelines for your specific workplace. This may include using warning signs, barriers, or other measures to prevent accidents.
To prevent rolling objects, keep tools organised and secure to prevent them from rolling off surfaces. When transporting items, for example, use GRIPPS® transport and storage bags. If possible, use encapsulating kits to prevent items from rolling outside their designated area.
Protect yourself and others from falling objects with GRIPPS® comprehensive range of dropped object prevention solutions. From tethers and anchors to lifting bags and mats, GRIPPS® offers reliable products to keep your workplace safe.
If you found this article helpful, you may like to read more about specific control measures to prevent falling object hazards.