Choose The List That Includes All The Struck-by Hazard Categories.

Choose the List that Includes All the Struck-By Hazard Categories

Struck-by hazards represent a significant portion of workplace accidents, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. Understanding the diverse range of these hazards is crucial for implementing effective safety measures. This comprehensive guide explores the various categories of struck-by hazards, ensuring you're fully equipped to identify, assess, and mitigate risks within your workplace.

Defining Struck-By Hazards

Before delving into the specific categories, let's establish a clear definition. A struck-by hazard occurs when a person is injured by being hit by an object, whether falling, swinging, rolling, or otherwise in motion. This encompasses a broad spectrum of potential dangers, ranging from the obvious (e.g., falling objects from construction sites) to the less apparent (e.g., being struck by a moving vehicle in a warehouse). The severity of the injury depends on various factors, including the weight, speed, and nature of the object, and the area of the body impacted.

Comprehensive List of Struck-By Hazard Categories

The following list comprehensively covers the major categories of struck-by hazards:

I. Falling Objects: This is arguably the most common category and includes:

• Falling materials: This encompasses a wide range of materials, from bricks and concrete to lumber and steel. Construction sites are particularly susceptible, but falling materials are also a risk in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and even offices (e.g., falling ceiling tiles). Prevention strategies focus on proper storage, secure scaffolding, and the use of safety nets.

• Debris: This refers to smaller pieces of material that can be just as dangerous as larger objects. Debris can range from small rocks and nails to shards of metal and glass. Effective control measures include thorough cleanup procedures, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and secure work practices.

• Tools: Tools accidentally dropped from height pose a significant threat. Preventive measures include using tool lanyards, designated tool belts, and maintaining a tidy workspace.

• Equipment: Larger pieces of equipment, whether intentionally or accidentally dropped, can cause catastrophic injuries. Safety protocols require regular equipment inspections, secure storage, and proper lifting techniques.

II. Flying Objects: These hazards involve objects propelled through the air, often at high speeds:

• Projectiles: This includes anything launched forcefully, such as fragments from explosions, projectiles from machinery malfunctions, or objects flung during impact. Mitigation focuses on implementing robust safety protocols for explosive materials, regular machinery inspections, and the use of protective barriers.

• Shattering materials: This involves objects that break apart, sending shards or fragments flying. This includes glass, ceramic, and even certain types of plastics. Protective strategies prioritize shatter-resistant materials where possible and the use of appropriate eyewear.

III. Swinging Objects: This category includes hazards from objects in motion due to swinging or rotating actions:

• Overhead cranes: These are especially hazardous in industrial settings. Safeguarding involves strict adherence to safety protocols, proper training for crane operators, and clear communication between crane operators and ground personnel.

• Swinging loads: During lifting operations, loads can swing unexpectedly, posing risks to nearby workers. Crucial safety measures involve proper rigging techniques, careful load handling, and designated exclusion zones.

• Rotating equipment: Machinery with rotating components, such as belts, pulleys, and gears, can fling objects outwards. Preventative action requires guarding or shielding rotating components, maintaining proper machine operation, and ensuring regular maintenance checks.

IV. Rolling Objects: This category involves objects that move along the ground:

• Vehicles: This encompasses forklifts, trucks, and other vehicles that operate within a facility or on a construction site. Safety protocols emphasize designated traffic routes, clear communication, high visibility safety clothing and proper training.

• Materials handling equipment: This includes rollers, conveyors, and other systems used to move materials. Protective measures focus on proper equipment guarding, employee training on safe operating procedures, and regular inspections.

V. Other Struck-By Hazards: This category accounts for hazards that don’t neatly fit into the previously mentioned categories:

• Backed-over incidents: Workers can be struck or run over by vehicles reversing or maneuvering in tight spaces. Measures to mitigate include backup alarms, spotters, designated reversing zones and worker awareness.

• Impact from falling trees or limbs: This is a significant concern in outdoor work environments, particularly forestry or landscaping. Safety precautions focus on proper tree assessment, felling techniques, and clear communication.

• Animal strikes: While less common, this is a possibility in certain occupational settings. Measures to control depend on the specific animal involved and usually incorporate animal control techniques.

Implementing Effective Struck-By Hazard Control Measures

Controlling struck-by hazards requires a multi-faceted approach that involves engineering controls, administrative controls, and the use of PPE.

Engineering Controls: These are designed to physically eliminate or reduce the hazard. Examples include:

• Guarding: Shielding potentially hazardous machinery or work areas to prevent access.
• Barriers: Creating physical barriers to separate workers from potential hazards.
• Safety nets: Providing nets to catch falling objects.
• Improved material handling systems: Using equipment that reduces the risk of materials falling or rolling.

Administrative Controls: These involve changes to work practices and procedures. Examples include:

• Safe work procedures: Developing and implementing clear procedures for all tasks involving potential struck-by hazards.
• Training: Providing comprehensive training to all workers on the risks of struck-by hazards and how to avoid them.
• Supervision: Ensuring adequate supervision to enforce safety rules and procedures.
• Communication: Implementing clear communication systems to alert workers to potential hazards.
• Permit-to-work systems: Implementing a permit-to-work system for high-risk tasks.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This provides a final layer of protection if other controls fail. Examples include:

• Hard hats: Protecting the head from falling objects.
• Safety glasses or goggles: Protecting the eyes from flying debris.
• High-visibility clothing: Making workers more visible to vehicle operators.
• Safety footwear: Protecting the feet from falling objects and rolling materials.

Developing a Comprehensive Struck-By Hazard Prevention Program

A robust struck-by hazard prevention program is essential for maintaining a safe workplace. This program should include:

• Hazard identification: Regularly conducting thorough assessments to identify all potential struck-by hazards.
• Risk assessment: Evaluating the likelihood and severity of each hazard.
• Control measures: Implementing appropriate control measures to mitigate the identified risks.
• Training: Providing ongoing training to all workers on struck-by hazard prevention.
• Emergency procedures: Establishing clear emergency procedures in case of a struck-by incident.
• Regular inspections: Regularly inspecting the workplace to identify and correct any potential hazards.
• Record-keeping: Maintaining accurate records of all incidents, near misses, and control measures implemented.
• Continuous improvement: Continuously reviewing and improving the program based on lessons learned and best practices.

By understanding the comprehensive range of struck-by hazard categories and implementing robust safety measures, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of these preventable accidents, creating a healthier and safer working environment for all employees. Remember, proactive hazard identification, risk assessment and effective control measures are key to preventing struck-by injuries and fatalities.