Stop the Drop! The Secret Dangers of "Struck-By" Hazards That Bosses (and Workers) Must Know

Have you ever had something fall near you? That feeling of surprise or getting a little bump is what we're talking about, but on a much more serious level when you are at work.

Struck-by objects are one of the most common and dangerous ways people get seriously hurt on the job. That's why the government group dedicated to keeping workers safe, OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration), has strong rules about them.

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What is a "Struck-By" Hazard?

A "struck-by" hazard is when a person is hurt by a moving object that hits them. It’s one of the four most common ways people get seriously hurt or even lose their lives on the job site.

Think of it simply: You are the target, and the object is moving and hits you.

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The Four Types of Struck-By Dangers

OSHA separates these hazards into four main groups:

Type of Hazard	What Happens	Safety Fix Example
Falling Object	A tool or material drops from a high place (e.g., a hammer falls off a scaffold).	Use nets or toe-boards (small walls) on platforms.
Flying Object	A small piece of material flies into the air (e.g., wood chips from a saw hitting your face).	Always wear safety glasses or goggles.
Swinging Object	A heavy load being moved by a crane swings and hits a worker.	Keep a safe distance from lifting areas and use guides.
Rolling/Sliding Object	A pile of unsecured pipes or lumber rolls onto a person, or a vehicle backs up and hits someone.	Secure stacks of materials and use a spotter when driving large trucks.

The Numbers Tell a Scary Story

Struck-by hazards are not rare. They are one of the "Fatal Four" in construction, the top four causes of worker deaths.

Did you know? 2 out of every 5 serious injuries that happen because of objects on a construction site are struck-by injuries!

This is why following safety rules, like wearing a hard hat, is critical. A hard hat is the number one defense against falling objects.

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The Safety Pyramid: Hierarchy of Controls

OSHA teaches that there are five best ways to fix a danger. The boss must always try the solutions at the top of the ladder first because they work the best.

Level	Action	Struck-By Example	Effectiveness
Elimination	Remove the hazard completely.		Most Effective
Substitution	Replace the dangerous item with a safer one.	Use a lighter tool instead of a heavy, metal one that is hard to carry.
Engineering Controls	Build a physical barrier between the worker and the danger.	Install nets or build protective tunnels over walkways.
Administrative Controls	Change the rules and the way people work.	Post warning signs; create rules that ban walking under cranes.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)	Wear gear to protect the body if the accident happens.	Wear a hard hat and safety glasses.	Least Effective

A good safety plan always tries to Eliminate or use Engineering Controls first, only using rules and gear as a last defense.

The Boss's Big Job: Employer Responsibility

Safety is a two-way street, but the boss has the most important job: to make sure the workplace is safe.

The main OSHA rule, called the General Duty Clause, says a boss must provide a workplace that is "free from recognized hazards."

This means they must:

• Look for Dangers and fix them right away.

• Provide the Right Gear (like hard hats and glasses) for free.

• Train Everyone on the safe way to do their job.

Looking for Dangers, Providing the Right Gear, and Training everyone – that's where a Safety Services Consulting Company like D&D Safety comes in. We see things differently.

Contact D&D Safety today!

What Happens If the Boss Ignores Safety?

OSHA can give the company a very big fine if they break the rules. These fines are meant to be so large that they make companies understand that safety is serious.

Type of Violation (Safety Mistake)	What it Means	Fine Amount
Serious Violation	The boss should have known about a danger that could cause death or serious harm.	Up to $16,131 for each mistake.
Willful Violation	The boss knowingly ignored a safety rule and didn't care about the danger.	Up to $161,323 for each mistake.

How to Stay Safe: Simple Checklist

• Wear a Hard Hat and Safety Glasses every day.

• Stay Out of the "Drop Zone": Never walk under people who are working above you.

• Keep Tools Safe: If you work up high, tie your tools down so they cannot fall.

• Look Around! Be aware of materials that could roll or vehicles that are moving nearby.

Safety is everyone's job! By knowing what a "struck-by" hazard is and following simple rules, workers and bosses can make sure everyone gets home safe at the end of the day.

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