Struck-by Road Hazards are Included in OSHA's Focus Four

Struck-by hazards are one of the OSHA FOCUS FOUR which are the top 4 causes of fatalities in the construction industry. A struck-by hazard is the potential for an incident in which a worker may be hit by an object, tool or equipment. Struck-by hazards are often caused by improper material and equipment handling, poor housekeeping and lack of training about site/equipment awareness.

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‍Struck-by road hazards can be present in many activities, work environments, and tasks such as working on or near roads, bridges or highways, working near heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes, or cranes and working as a rigger, or near rigging, lifting, or materials handling operations.

OSHA Standard 1926.21(b)(2) The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.

• If team members are at risk for struck-by road hazards, the following important points must be covered during the safety meeting.
• Personnel working on or near roads must be protected from struck-by hazards from traffic.
• Barricades, traffic control signs, cones, and other barriers should be correctly set up in accordance with specific state requirements.
• Workers in trenches and excavations should be in visible line-of-sight of equipment operators to avoid being struck by the equipment.
• Equipment with obstructed views to the rear should be equipped with audible alarms and working horns.
• Workers should wear high visibility clothing such as safety vests to make them visible to equipment operators, site traffic and road traffic.

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