Safety Focus: Preventing Struck-By Injuries From Objects Handled By Others

In a recent study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it was determined that approximately 16% of fatal work injuries involving forklifts were cases where workers were struck by falling objects. Employers in industries with longshoremen rely on forklifts to provide material handling assistance to workers. While forklifts enhance employee efficiency, they also introduce a variety of inherent hazards such as being struck by the loads they are lifting or handling.

Being Struck by an Object Handled by Others: What are the Exposures?

A "struck-by object handled by others" hazard is one in which a worker could potentially be injured by an object or load being lifted or handled by a forklift or other type of powered industrial truck. This type of struck-by hazard is often caused by unsecured/unstable loads or by the forklift being operated in an unsafe or improper manner, causing the load to be hurled or toppled from the forks.

• Struck-By Flying Object Hazards: Flying object hazards exist when something is hurled, thrown, propelled across space. When a piece of material separates from a forklift and strikes a worker, it could result in injury or fatality.
• Struck-By Rolling Object Hazards: Struck-by rolling object hazards exist when a rolling, moving or sliding object hits a worker. For example, when a worker is struck by steel pipes that have rolled off the forklift forks.

In the industries covered by the U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act,  it is almost impossible to avoid working in an area where these types of struck-by hazards exist due to the prevalence of powered industrial trucks performing critical work operations.

This particular type of exposure, and the control measures used for these exposures, require specific work planning. While some hazards can be easily addressed, many require additional evaluation and planning to eliminate or mitigate. Workers should avoid areas where objects handled by others work is being performed. A strike zone area should be established to protect workers from being struck by falling or hurled loads.

Exclusive for ALMA Members: Struck-By Objects Lifted or Handled Resource Site

As part of our monthly Safety Focus initiative, the ALMA member resource website has a page providing safety resources related to struck-by hazards from objects handled by others Resources include:

• Guidance around suspended load and drop zone safety
• OSHA guidance
• Facility posters cautioning workers about the danger of struck-by hazards
• Toolbox talks
• Safety bulletins 
• Drop Zone Plan template