Preventing Struck-by-Object Accidents: Risks, Causes, and Safety Measures in the Workplace

Understanding Struck-by-Object Hazards in High-Risk Industries

Struck-by-object accidents occur when workers are hit by moving objects, including falling tools, swinging equipment, or flying debris. These incidents are among the top four workplace safety hazards, leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Industries like construction, manufacturing, and warehousing are particularly vulnerable due to high levels of moving equipment and elevated work areas.

Common Causes of Struck-by-Object Accidents

Struck-by-object accidents can result from various hazards, including:

  • Falling Objects: Tools, materials, or equipment falling from elevated surfaces due to improper securing.
  • Swinging or Rotating Equipment: Cranes, hoists, and other machinery can swing unexpectedly, hitting workers nearby.
  • Vehicular Accidents: Forklifts, trucks, and heavy machinery pose collision risks in high-traffic areas.
  • Flying Debris: Power tools, grinding equipment, and compressed air tools can generate hazardous projectiles.

Implementing Effective Safety Strategies to Prevent Moving Object Injuries

Safety Training and Awareness

  • Conduct regular safety training on hazard identification and proper protective measures.
  • Ensure workers understand site-specific dangers and how to mitigate them.
  • Encourage a safety-first culture where reporting hazards is prioritised.

Securing Tools and Materials

  • Use tool lanyards, safety nets, and proper stacking methods to prevent objects from falling.
  • Conduct daily inspections to ensure materials and tools are properly stored.
  • Implement engineering controls, such as toe boards and debris nets, in elevated work zones.

Enhancing Workplace Visibility and Signage

  • Install clear signage around high-risk areas to alert workers to hazards.
  • Mark designated walkways and high-risk zones to reduce pedestrian-vehicle collisions.
  • Ensure workers wear high-visibility clothing to improve recognition in busy areas.

Machinery Safety Measures

  • Equip machinery with protective guards and barriers to prevent moving parts from hitting workers.
  • Implement lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures for equipment maintenance.
  • Regularly inspect and maintain workplace machinery to prevent malfunctions.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Require workers to wear hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and gloves in high-risk areas.
  • Provide additional face shields and body protection when dealing with high-velocity debris.

Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Workplace Safety Compliance

The Role of Digital Safety Solutions

Technology plays a crucial role in preventing struck-by-object accidents by streamlining safety reporting and compliance.

  • DIGI CLIP mobile forms enables organisations to conduct real-time safety inspections and track hazard reports instantly.
  • Digital checklists ensure that PPE compliance, tool inspections, and machine maintenance are completed as per schedule.
  • Automated alerts notify teams of potential risks before they become critical incidents.

Learn how digital checklists enhance workplace safety, streamline reporting, and reduce risk in our post How Digital Checklists Improve Workplace Safety.

Key Takeaways

  • Struck-by-object accidents are a leading cause of workplace injuries.
  • Common causes include falling objects, swinging equipment, and vehicular collisions.
  • Preventive measures involve safety training, proper material handling, PPE use, and engineering controls.
  • DIGI CLIP mobile forms helps businesses improve safety compliance and reduce workplace accidents.

Learn more about workplace accidents and how to prevent them in our post Workplace Safety: Preventing Common Accidents.

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FAQs

Industries such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing face the highest risks due to frequent use of moving equipment and elevated work areas.

Essential PPE includes hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, gloves, and high-visibility clothing to reduce the risk of injury.

Employers should conduct regular training, reinforce safety policies, implement workplace signage, and encourage employees to report hazards proactively.

Technology, such as DIGI CLIP mobile forms, helps organizations streamline safety inspections, automate hazard reporting, and ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations.

Safety inspections should be performed daily or weekly depending on workplace hazards, with high-risk environments requiring continuous monitoring.

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