5.2: Struck-by Descriptions

Struck-by flying object

Flying object hazard exists when something has been thrown, hurled, or is being propelled across space. It can include instances when a piece of material separates from a tool, machine or other equipment, striking a worker, resulting in injuries or fatality. Also a hazard exists if an object is ejected under power by a tool or equipment usually designed for that purpose such as, a nail from a nail gun: The nail is propelled from the gun by force, it is discharged. This force can be either pneumatic or powder-actuated. Powder-actuated tools are particularly hazardous due to the force behind the fastener. These fasteners are designed to go through wood, concrete and steel and they can certainly go through worker. Using compressed air can also cause flying object hazards. Compressed air is commonly used to power tools and clean surfaces.

Examples:

■ Worker was removing a frozen bolt from the track of a caterpillar front end loader and was struck-by a bolt that entered his forehead.

■ Worker was freeing a pump component under pressure and was impaled by the pump component.

■ A worker was killed when a blast of compressed air from a gas pipeline struck him. A compressor was started to fill the pipeline with compressed air in an effort to push out a "pig." when the pipeline suddenly cleared, the employee was still in the way and was killed. The area should have been cleared before the compressor was started.

■ The victim was in the process of using an 8-foot step ladder to gain height to nail a strap onto a

residential home single story construction project. The victim used a nail gun with a 16d nail to affix the strap to the exterior wall. Using his right hand for the gun, he leaned over to the left and tried to place a nail into the strap. The nail ricocheted and him on the left side of his head just above the left ear. He fell to the ground and eventually passed out. Fellow workers transported him to the hospital. He died approximately two days later.

Struck-by falling object

When the source of injury is falling from an elevation to a lower level, including instances where the injured person is crushed, pinned, or caught under a falling object, other than collapsing material or structures, resulting from being struck by a falling object or equipment.

Examples:

■ Worker was tearing down a transmission structure using a digger-derrick when a pole broke and struck him on the head.

■ Worker was struck by a load of wall panels that fell off his truck.

■ Four workers rebuilding a bridge that had washed out by floods were injured when a crane

boom cable broke, and the boom fell on them.

■ Worker was engaged in cutting an 8,000-lb boiler in sections with a cutting torch. The section being cut, fell off allowing the remaining section, 5000 lbs, to flip over onto its bottom and land on the worker.

■ A worker was assisting a rigger who had attached a load to the block hook of a wheel mounted crane. The crane operator was positioned in the cab and waiting for the hand signal to make the lift. During this process, the jib of the crane fell from its stowed position on the boom and struck the worker. The worker died later at the scene. It was discovered that the pin used to secure the jib to the boom was missing thus allowing the jib to be displaced. The crane was not inspected prior to use.

Struck-by swinging object

When materials are mechanically lifted, they have the potential to swing and strike workers. As the load is lifted, the materials may swing, twist or turn. This movement can catch workers by surprise and they could be hit by the swinging load. Windy conditions are especially hazardous because the load will swing more. Depending on where the worker is standing and the force behind the load, the worker may fall to another level after being struck and sustain even greater injuries. In addition to swinging, loads can slip from their riggings and strike workers. Loads must be rigged properly to prevent slippage.

When the source of injury has been referred to objects which are not free standing, they are attached at some point or are being held by the worker. This includes instances where a hinge-like motion retracts creating swinging motion in which the worker is struck-by a slamming or swinging motion.

Examples:

■ Worker was working within the swing radius of a barge-mounted crane used in dredging operations. He was hit and killed.

■ Two workers were instructed by their foreman to set up on a ground slab in the southeastern

corner of a building. They were to land and place reinforcing steel using a crane. A truck crane was positioned at street level, 30 ft higher in elevation than the ground slab and approximately 162 ft from the landing area. The landing area was approximately 40 ft beyond the radius limit for the crane, as specified by the manufacturer. The 24 piece bundle of 28 1/2 ft long #9 rebar that was to be picked up and loaded onto the crane's hoist line was at street elevation, 50 ft in front of the crane. The operator made the pickup and was swinging around and lowering it to his left using hand signals when the right pennant line broke at the yoke/bridle. The boom collapsed, striking one of the workers on the head and killing him.

Struck-by rolling object

Struck-by rolling object is when an object which is rolling, moving, or sliding on the same level at which the worker is located. Includes instances in which the worker is struck or run over by a moving vehicle without being caught under it or instances in which the worker is struck-by a sliding object or equipment on the same level.

Examples:

■ While walking along track, worker was struck by unmanned rail car at airport.

■ Worker (security guard) was struck by tractor trailer and dragged, resulting in fatal injuries

■ Worker suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a moving semi-truck while loading/unloading freight.

■ Worker was performing repair operations on an impact attenuator and was struck by a truck.

■ Worker was flagging traffic and was struck by a truck.

■ A four-person ground crew was working with a mobile under-hung bridge crane. The crane ran over one of the crew members, who had walked too close to the wheel of the crane. The employee died of his injuries.

■ A worker was setting traffic cones at a paving project. A steel wheel roller was compressing the asphalt, and the traffic cones were being moved so that they would be in the path of the roller. The worker was injured when he was struck by an automobile. He was thrown over the hood of the car and into another lane of traffic, where he was struck by another automobile. He was dragged 141 ft by the second vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.