Struck-by Hazards
Struck-by is the term that Ontario’s prevention system uses for the various injuries that occur when workers are hit—or struck—by tools, materials, equipment, or vehicles. Just like falls, struck-by is a leading cause of injury in the industries that IHSA serves.
Struck-by Fatalities
According to the 2016 WSIB Statistical Report By the Numbers, Struck By/Caught in Objects has accounted for 13% of all workplace fatalities in Ontario over the last ten years (2007–2016). It's the third-highest cause of work-related deaths behind Motor-Vehicle Incidents (36%) and Falls (18%).
Struck-by Injuries
The most serious struck-by injuries occur when a worker is stuck by a moving vehicle or piece of equipment. For more information on controlling vehicles and traffic around a jobsite, visit the Traffic Control topic page.
Many struck-by injuries occur when a worker is struck by a flying or falling object, such as a nail or piece of falling equipment. It is also common for workers who slip or fall to be struck by the tools or materials in their hands. For more information, visit the Slips, Trips, and Falls topic page.
Struck-by injuries are a cause for concern in all industries. But among IHSA’s rate groups, most of them happen in General Trucking, Homebuilding, Mechanical and Sheet Metal Work, and Lumber and Builders Supply. When a worker is hit by something, the part of the body that’s injured most often is the eyes.
Resources
Struck-By Incidents and Heavy Equipment (IHSA046)
IHSA, in partnership with the Civil Engineering Sector Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee, has developed this four-page booklet as a resource during the MOL blitz. By follow these guidelines, you can reduce struck-by incidents when working around heavy equipment, reversing vehicles, and moving machinery. Order or download a copy today.
Health and Safety Advisory: Mobile Devices - A Dangerous Distraction on Construction Sites (W454)
There are many hazards associated with using your mobile device on a construction site, especially when operating or working around vehicles and equipment. This advisory provides guidelines on limiting the use of mobile devices to prevent distractions and lower the risk of being struck by moving vehicles and equipment on a jobsite.
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Health and Safety Advisory: Working Safely On or Around Heavy Equipment (W455)
Working on or around heavy equipment is high-risk work. If an incident occurs, the result is often a life-altering injury such as a broken bone, head injury, or even loss of life. This advisory contains safe work practices when working around equipment, when operating equipment, when maintaining or inspecting equipment, or when storing equipment.
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Health and Safety Advisory: Safe Guarding Around Powered Trolley Hoists (W457)
A large part of roofing work involves moving supplies and equipment with hoisting systems. The most popular materials-handling system for this task is a conventional powered trolley hoist. Workers who operate a trolley hoist must handle two lever clutches and a brake system. Critical injuries and damage to property and roofing equipment can occur if the hoist system or hoist drum are not set up or designed properly.
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Reducing the Risk of Workers Being Struck by Vehicles or Mobile Equipment (W402)
Every year, serious injuries and fatalities occur when workers on foot are struck by vehicles or mobile equipment on jobsites. This document outlines a number of ways to control struck-by hazards through proper site planning. It includes a fillable template that employers can use to identify risk factors and possible controls for each work task on their jobsite.
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Hand Signals Cards
These pocket-sized cards can help ensure that operators and spotters follow the same signals.
IHSA Health and Safety Magazine
Volume 13, Issue 3, of IHSA Health and Safety Magazine focuses on the increasing problem of struck-by injuries and ways to prevent them. Read the issue now.
Training Courses
Prevent struck-by injuries with the right training
IHSA provides a number of courses that can help you build awareness of struck-by hazards and reduce injuries and fatalities. Courses are taking place in your area. In addition, IHSA can fine-tune a program specific to your company’s needs and provide training when and where you need it.
Products
Safety Talks
Supervisors often conduct on-site safety talks. A five-minute safety talk is hands-on way to remind workers that health and safety are important on the job and can help workers recognize and control hazards. IHSA’s Safety Talks manual (V005) contains over 100 talks. Visit the Safety Talks page or download the sample talks below.
PPE
Rigging and Hoisting
Vehicles
Trenching
Techniques and Tools
Articles
Checklist
Topics & Hazards |
Struck-by Hazards