--- title: "Safety Focus: Preventing Struck-By Injuries When Lifting or Handling Objects" description: There is a danger present for anyone under or near the elevated work position when working at elevated heights. image: https://blog.amequity.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/struck-by-3.jpg --- - [Report a Claim](https://www.amequity.com/report-a-claim) - [Member Login](https://www.amequity.com/log-in) [![Amequity](https://blog.amequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Amequity_Feb2022/images/AEU-full-logo-color.png?width=252&height=81&name=AEU-full-logo-color.png "Amequity")](https://www.amequity.com/) - [Coverage](https://www.amequity.com/coverage) - Resources - [Safety Resources](https://www.amequity.com/resources/safety-resources) - [Claims Resources](https://www.amequity.com/resources/claims-resources) - [Medical Management Resources](https://www.amequity.com/resources/medical-management-resources) - [Leadership Training](https://www.amequity.com/resources/leadership-training) - [Advisory Services](https://www.amequity.com/resources/advisory-services) - [Events](https://www.amequity.com/events) - [Blog & Podcast](https://blog.amequity.com/) - [Join Our Mailing List](https://www.amequity.com/join-our-mailing-list) - Who We Are - [About AEU](https://www.amequity.com/who-we-are/about-aeu) - [Newsroom](https://www.amequity.com/who-we-are/newsroom) - [Leadership](https://www.amequity.com/who-we-are/leadership) - [Careers](https://www.amequity.com/who-we-are/careers) - [Contact](https://www.amequity.com/contact) Longshore Insider All other pages Jul 01, 2021 # Safety Focus: Preventing Struck-By Injuries When Lifting or Handling Objects ![Safety Focus: Preventing Struck-By Injuries When Lifting or Handling Objects](https://blog.amequity.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/struck-by-3.jpg)     The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are more than 50,000 “struck by falling object” recordable injuries every year in the United States. That’s one injury every 10 minutes caused by a dropped object in the workplace. Anytime overhead work is performed there is a real risk of tools, material, or equipment falling from an elevated area. There is a danger present for anyone under or near the elevated work position when working at elevated heights.   ### **Understanding Exposures for Being Struck By Objects Lifted or Handled** A struck-by object lifted or handled hazard refers to a hazard in which a worker could potentially be hit and injured by an object, tool or equipment. Struck-by hazards are mostly related to improper material and equipment handling such as a pedestal crane lifting pipe out of a hold or a crawler crane lifting steel plate onto a dry dock. In the industries covered by the U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (requiring USL&H coverage), it is almost unavoidable to be working in an area where struck-by objects handled or lifted hazards are present.  This type of exposure and controlling the exposures can require specific work planning. While some hazards are easily corrected, many do require additional evaluation and planning to eliminate.  Struck-by objects being lifted or handled hazards originate from many sources. The most common include: - Loads being lifted by a crane operations - Tools, equipment, and materials being left loose on a load - Poorly stacked materials that may fall, slip and slide   ### **Considerations When Working With or Around Objects Being Lifted or Handled** Lifting equipment movements should always be considered prior to set up. Every effort should be made to avoid having to move the load over the work area. If this cannot be done, work should be temporarily halted, and the area cleared while the lift is taking place.   Riggers and others may have to work near a suspended load in order to guide it into position. The use of tag lines and push/pull poles can help keep you out of harm's way. The tag line or push/pull pole will put distance between yourself and the load in the event the load shifts or moves unexpectedly. Tag lines and push/pull poles can help keep a load under control but remember, your weight is no match against a load that has started to swing or spin and develop momentum. Let it settle down on its own.   Be sure if you are guiding a load with a tag line that your travel path is clear and safe before the load is suspended. You will be spending a lot of time watching the load, rather than where you are going. It would be a shame to take all of the precautions to avoid being caught by the load, only to be injured in a fall.   ### **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.](https://www.amequity.com/member-access/safety-focus/struck-by-objects-lifted-or-handled) Resources include: - Guidance around suspended load and drop zone safety - Drop Zone Plan template - OSHA guidance - A facility poster cautioning workers about the danger of struck-by hazards - Toolbox talks - Safety bulletins  ALMA members may access that page  [by clicking here](https://www.amequity.com/member-access/safety-focus/struck-by-objects-lifted-or-handled) (login required). If you have not yet registered for access,  [click here to do so](http://amequity.com/register).     [![Need Longshore Coverage? 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(AEU) delivers specialized coverage and risk management solutions to waterfront employers across the United States. As an industry leader in U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation (USL&H), AEU also provides state act workers’ compensation, Maritime Employers’ Liability (MEL), marine general liability, and automobile liability for waterfront employers. AEU provides services such as claims handling, loss control, and underwriting, as well as longshore consulting and leadership training to help businesses protect their people and manage risk with confidence. ## Related Topics [Safety Focus Campaign](https://blog.amequity.com/longshore-insider/article/tag/safety-focus-campaign), [Safety](https://blog.amequity.com/longshore-insider/article/tag/safety), [Struck-by](https://blog.amequity.com/longshore-insider/article/tag/struck-by) ## More Resources Jul 30, 2026 #### [Heat Stress: Why “I’m Fine” Could Be a Warning Sign](https://blog.amequity.com/longshore-insider/article/heat-stress-why-im-fine-could-be-a-warning-sign) May 4, 2026 #### [Spring Cleaning for Maritime Operations: Housekeeping Practices That Support Safety](https://blog.amequity.com/longshore-insider/article/spring-cleaning-for-maritime-operations-housekeeping-practices-that-support-safety) Jan 30, 2026 #### [Longshore Insider Podcast | Promoting Safety with Incentive Programs](https://blog.amequity.com/longshore-insider/article/longshore-insider-podcast-promoting-safety-with-incentive-programs) Jul 25, 2025 #### [Safety Is Everyone's Job](https://blog.amequity.com/longshore-insider/article/safety-is-everyones-job) Mar 20, 2025 #### [Motivating a Multigenerational Workforce](https://blog.amequity.com/longshore-insider/article/motivating-a-multigenerational-workforce) ## Legal Disclaimer Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language. 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