Struck-by hazard

What is a struck-by hazard?

A struck-by hazard describes the risk of being hit by an object, vehicle or piece of equipment on a construction site, one of the most frequently cited causes of serious construction injury and death.

The category is broad, encompassing everything from falling tools and materials to moving vehicles and swinging equipment components on an active job site.

Because it covers such varied situations, the specific prevention measures and the specific evidence relevant to a claim differ considerably depending on exactly what struck the injured person.

It ranks among the leading causes of construction fatalities, alongside falls, which is why regulatory attention to this category is so significant.

What are common struck-by scenarios?

Several recurring situations account for a large share of these injuries.

• Falling tools, materials or debris from elevated work areas
• Being struck by construction vehicles including trucks and heavy equipment
• Swinging crane loads or equipment components
• Vehicles backing up without adequate spotters or warning systems
• Improperly secured materials shifting or falling
• Equipment operating without functioning backup alarms or warning lights

What safety measures should be in place?

Overhead protection and designated exclusion zones below elevated work, along with proper securing of tools and materials to prevent falling objects entirely.

Trained spotters and functioning backup alarms for vehicles and equipment operating in areas where workers are present on foot.

Clear separation between vehicle traffic routes and pedestrian work areas wherever the site layout reasonably permits it.

High visibility clothing requirements in areas with vehicle or equipment traffic are also commonly required as a baseline protective measure.

How is fault established in these cases?

Through site investigation identifying what specifically failed, whether inadequate securing of materials, a malfunctioning safety device, inadequate spotter procedures or a combination of contributing factors.

Equipment maintenance and inspection records reveal whether a malfunctioning warning device or brake system contributed to the incident.

OSHA citations issued following the incident, or prior citations for similar conditions at the same site, are frequently significant evidence of what the applicable safety standard actually required.

Multiple parties are frequently responsible in these cases, since a general contractor's site wide safety obligations often overlap with a specific subcontractor's equipment operation.

Common questions

Who is responsible if I was struck by material dropped from above?

Potentially several parties, including whoever failed to secure the material properly, and the general contractor if site wide exclusion zone protocols were inadequate.

What if the equipment that struck me had a known defect?

This may support a separate claim against the equipment manufacturer or a maintenance contractor, alongside any claim against the site parties.

Does workers' compensation cover struck-by injuries?

Yes, though exclusivity generally bars a separate claim against your own employer, making identification of other responsible parties important for a fuller recovery.