Struck-By Hazards Toolbox Talk

Struck-By Hazards Toolbox Talk – Free PDF Download

Struck-by hazards toolbox talk — Struck-by incidents are one of the “Fatal Four” causes of death in construction. Workers are killed or injured by flying objects, falling objects, swinging loads, and moving vehicles every day. This free struck-by hazards toolbox talk covers the four types of struck-by dangers, PPE inspection, the most common fatal mistakes, and discussion questions for your crew.

Why do struck-by hazards matter?

Struck-by incidents cause more than 75 deaths per year in construction, making them the second leading cause of construction fatalities after falls. Every single one of these incidents is preventable with proper awareness, PPE, and site controls. OSHA identifies struck-by hazards as one of the Fatal Four — the four accident types responsible for the majority of construction worker deaths.

The 4 types of struck-by hazards

• Struck by flying objects – Debris from cutting, grinding, or power tools. Always wear safety glasses and face shields when these operations are underway nearby.
• Struck by falling objects – Tools, materials, or debris falling from above. Wear hard hats at all times and secure tools with lanyards when working at height.
• Struck by swinging loads – Crane loads, equipment, or materials in motion. Never stand under or near suspended loads under any circumstances.
• Struck by moving vehicles – Forklifts, trucks, and excavators backing up or turning. Use spotters and always wear high-visibility vests near moving equipment.

PPE and site inspection — before every shift

Never start a shift without verifying the following:

• Hard hat – Inspect for cracks, dents, or damage; replace if dropped from height or after any impact
• Safety glasses – Check for scratches, cracks, or loose frames; must be impact-rated to ANSI Z87.1
• Face shield – Required when grinding, cutting, or chipping; must be worn over safety glasses, not instead of them
• High-vis vest – Wear near all moving vehicles or equipment; must be clean and fully reflective
• Barricades – Verify all drop zones and swing areas are barricaded with appropriate signage
• Tool lanyards – All tools used at height must be tethered; check lanyard connections are secure before use

Common mistakes that kill

• Walking under suspended crane loads — never position yourself under a load for any reason
• Not wearing a hard hat because “nothing is overhead” — objects can fly sideways from adjacent work areas
• Leaving tools unsecured on elevated surfaces — a falling wrench can be fatal to someone below
• Standing in equipment blind spots — operators cannot see you and cannot stop in time
• Not using spotters when vehicles are backing up — reversing is the most dangerous vehicle movement on any job site

Safety tips to remember

• Hard hat on at ALL times on site — no exceptions, even for quick tasks
• Never stand under a load — stay clear of all crane operations and hoisting zones
• Secure all tools and materials at height — use tool lanyards, toe boards, and safety nets
• Make eye contact with equipment operators before entering their work area — if they can’t see you, you’re in danger
• Stay alert — watch for moving equipment, swinging loads, and overhead work at all times

OSHA struck-by hazard requirements

OSHA addresses struck-by hazards across several standards in 29 CFR 1926. Key requirements include:

• Hard hats must be worn in all areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from falling or flying objects (29 CFR 1926.100)
• Eye and face protection must be provided when workers are exposed to flying particles, including during grinding, cutting, and chipping (29 CFR 1926.102)
• Workers must never be permitted to work or pass under suspended loads (29 CFR 1926.753)
• High-visibility PPE is required for all workers exposed to vehicle or equipment traffic on construction sites
• Spotters must be used when equipment operators have limited visibility, particularly when backing up
• Overhead protection (barricades, toe boards, safety nets) must be in place when workers are below elevated work areas

Struck-by violations are among the most frequently cited OSHA hazards in construction each year.

Frequently asked questions about struck-by hazards

What is the most common type of struck-by fatality in construction? Struck-by vehicle incidents are the most common, particularly involving workers on foot being hit by backing vehicles or equipment on active job sites. This is why spotter use and high-visibility vests are critical controls.

When must tool lanyards be used? Tool lanyards should be used for any hand tool, power tool, or equipment being used at an elevation where a dropped object could strike someone below. OSHA’s dropped object prevention guidelines recommend tethering all tools at height regardless of the distance.

Do hard hats protect against flying objects? Standard hard hats protect against vertical impacts. For lateral flying object protection, safety glasses rated to ANSI Z87.1 and face shields are required. Always use the right combination of PPE for the specific hazard present.

What should I do if I see an unsecured load being hoisted? Stop work, move clear of the hazard zone immediately, and report the unsafe condition to your supervisor. Never walk under or near a load that is not properly rigged or controlled.

Download the struck-by hazards toolbox talk PDF

Download this struck-by hazards toolbox talk PDF available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Turkish. Print it, share it, and collect your crew’s signatures using the included attendance sheet. Conducting regular struck-by hazards toolbox talks helps keep every worker on site aware, alert, and protected.