Struck-By Hazards
General info only. These talks don't replace your company's safety program, your site rules, or OSHA rules. Follow those first, and ask your safety lead if something here doesn't match.
Start here
Getting hit by something is one of the top ways people get hurt in construction. Today we cover the big ones.
Key points
- Make eye contact with equipment operators before you walk near their machine. If you can't see their eyes, they can't see you.
- Stay out of the swing radius of excavators and cranes.
- Never walk or stand under a suspended load.
- Wear high-vis, especially near traffic and equipment.
- Tie off tools when you work at height, and keep materials back from edges.
- Use guards on saws and grinders, and wear eye and face protection.
- Work zones next to traffic need a plan, signs, and a spotter if needed.
Bottom line: Keep your head up and your eyes open. Phones down when you're near equipment.
Talk it over
- Where on this job do people and equipment share space?
- What is the safest way to get an operator's attention?
- What could fall from above in our work area today?
Before you wrap up: have everyone sign the sign-in sheet, write today's date and the topic, and note any questions or hazards the crew brought up. Need a sheet? Use the free toolbox talk template.
Next talk: Electrical Awareness →