Struck-by accidents are one of OSHA’s “Fatal Four”—the four leading causes of construction worker deaths. Each year, hundreds of workers are killed and thousands more injured when they’re hit by falling objects, swinging loads, flying debris, or moving vehicles and equipment.
At Phillips Law Offices, we represent construction workers and families devastated by preventable struck-by accidents. Understanding these hazards—and the safety violations that cause them—is essential for protecting your legal rights.
The Fatal Four: Struck-By Hazards
OSHA identifies the “Fatal Four” as the leading causes of construction deaths:
- Falls – 38.7% of construction deaths
- Struck-By – 9.4% of construction deaths
- Electrocution – 7.2% of construction deaths
- Caught-In/Between – 5.4% of construction deaths
Together, the Fatal Four account for more than 60% of all construction fatalities. Eliminating these hazards would save hundreds of lives annually—yet workers continue to die because employers fail to implement basic safety measures.
Types of Struck-By Accidents
OSHA classifies struck-by accidents into four categories:
1. Struck-By Falling Objects
Objects falling from height strike workers below. Common scenarios include:
- Tools dropped from scaffolds, ladders, or elevated work areas
- Materials falling during crane lifts or hoisting operations
- Debris falling through floor openings
- Improperly stacked materials that collapse
- Bricks, lumber, or steel falling from upper floors
2. Struck-By Flying Objects
Objects propelled through the air hit workers:
- Debris from cutting, grinding, or drilling operations
- Nails from pneumatic nail guns
- Fragments from struck materials
- Pieces ejected from power tools
- Materials thrown by rotating equipment
3. Struck-By Swinging/Slipping Objects
Suspended loads or objects in motion strike workers:
- Crane loads swinging out of control
- Materials slipping from forks or rigging
- Pipes or beams sliding off stacks
- Loads shifting during transport
- Improperly secured items falling from conveyors
4. Struck-By Rolling/Moving Objects
Vehicles and equipment strike workers:
- Backing vehicles striking workers behind them
- Equipment running over workers in blind spots
- Rolling vehicles when not properly secured
- Moving construction equipment in congested areas
- Delivery trucks in work zones
OSHA Standards for Struck-By Protection
Multiple OSHA standards address struck-by hazards:
Head Protection (29 CFR 1926.100)
Workers must wear hard hats when there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, falling or flying objects, or electrical shock. This basic protection is mandatory on virtually all construction sites.
Falling Object Protection (29 CFR 1926.501(c))
Employers must protect workers from falling objects by:
- Installing toeboards, screens, or guardrails on elevated platforms
- Erecting canopies over walkways and work areas
- Barricading areas where overhead work is occurring
- Ensuring materials are properly secured on elevated surfaces
Crane and Rigging Safety (29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC)
Standards for crane operations include:
- Qualified operator requirements
- Load capacity limits
- Rigging inspection requirements
- Swing radius precautions
- Communications protocols
Motor Vehicle Safety (29 CFR 1926.601-602)
Requirements for vehicles on construction sites include:
- Backup alarms on certain equipment
- Clear lines of sight or use of spotters
- Proper traffic control plans
- Speed limits in work zones
Common Struck-By Violations
Based on OSHA citations and accident investigations, these violations frequently cause struck-by injuries:
- No hard hats required or worn
- Missing toeboards on scaffolds and platforms
- Overhead work without barricades below
- Improper rigging causing load drops
- Crane operation without qualified operators
- No spotters for backing vehicles
- Lack of high-visibility clothing near equipment
- Tools not secured with lanyards at height
- Materials improperly stacked or stored
- No traffic control plan for vehicle movements
Injuries from Struck-By Accidents
Struck-by accidents cause severe injuries due to the weight and force involved:
- Traumatic brain injuries – Even with hard hats, severe impacts cause brain damage
- Skull fractures – Falling objects can penetrate or crush skulls
- Spinal cord injuries – Impacts to the back can cause paralysis
- Crush injuries – Heavy objects landing on workers
- Broken bones – Fractures throughout the body
- Internal organ damage – Impact trauma to the torso
- Eye injuries – From flying debris without proper protection
- Amputation – Limbs caught under or severed by equipment
- Death – Many struck-by accidents are fatal
Liability for Struck-By Accidents
Multiple parties may share responsibility for struck-by injuries:
The Employer
Direct employers must provide PPE, implement safety protocols, and train workers on struck-by hazards.
General Contractors
General contractors controlling job sites are often responsible for overall safety, including traffic control and overhead work protection.
Crane and Equipment Operators
Negligent operation causing struck-by injuries can result in liability for operators and their employers.
Equipment Manufacturers
If equipment defects contribute to struck-by accidents—such as failed backup alarms or defective rigging hardware—product liability claims may be available.
Property Owners
Property owners who retain control over safety or create hazardous conditions may share liability.
Preventing Struck-By Accidents
OSHA recommends these preventive measures:
- Always wear required PPE including hard hats and safety glasses
- Never stand under suspended loads
- Stay clear of equipment swing radii
- Wear high-visibility clothing near moving equipment
- Use tool lanyards when working at height
- Secure all materials on elevated surfaces
- Establish and respect barricaded zones
- Use spotters when operating equipment with blind spots
Your Legal Options After a Struck-By Accident
Illinois workers injured in struck-by accidents have multiple avenues for compensation:
- Workers’ compensation – Benefits available regardless of fault
- Third-party liability claims – Against parties other than your employer
- Product liability claims – For defective equipment or safety devices
Third-party claims allow recovery of full damages including pain and suffering—compensation not available through workers’ comp alone.
Contact Phillips Law Offices After a Struck-By Accident
Struck-by accidents are preventable when employers follow OSHA requirements. When safety failures cause injuries, negligent parties must be held accountable. At Phillips Law Offices, we investigate struck-by accidents, identify all liable parties, and fight for maximum compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and work to secure the compensation you deserve.