Every day on construction sites across the United States, workers face real and immediate dangers — and one of the most overlooked is being struck by a moving object. Whether it’s a speeding vehicle, a swinging crane, or a dropped tool from above, these incidents can be sudden, severe, and tragically fatal.
Held each April during Work Zone Awareness Week, the National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-By Incidents initiative invites construction employers and workers to pause their day-to-day tasks and engage in focused conversations about struck-by hazards. It’s a chance to reinforce training, share real-life experiences, and implement safety measures that make a difference.
The Reality Behind the Risk
Did you know that struck-by incidents are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and the second leading cause of fatalities among construction workers in the U.S.? These types of injuries are so serious and frequent that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has named Struck-By incidents as one of its “Focus Four” hazards — the four leading causes of death in construction, alongside falls, electrocutions, and caught-in/between incidents. Because of their severity, these hazards even receive dedicated attention in OSHA 10- and 30-hour training programs.
The daily risks tied to common jobsite activities include:
- 75% of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment like trucks, cranes, or loaders.
- Many injuries come from flying or falling objects, swinging equipment, or even tools dropped from scaffolding
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), of the approximately 10,700 fatalities on construction job sites between 2011 and 2021, 65.5% fell within the Focus Four categories. Struck-by incidents alone made up a staggering 17% of all construction-related fatalities—a clear signal that more awareness and action are urgently needed to keep workers safe on the job.
What’s Standing in the Way?
In 2022, a survey conducted by the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) highlighted several key barriers to preventing struck-by injuries:
- 30% of respondents reported lack of pre-task planning
- 22% cited production being prioritized over safety
- 20% pointed to insufficient training in identifying and preventing hazards
How You Can Take Action
Looking for actionable ways to reduce struck-by risks?
- Hold a toolbox talk focused on vehicle and equipment awareness
- Mark and maintain safe pathways around mobile equipment
- Make sure workers are trained in hazard recognition and PPE use
- Schedule regular pre-task planning to align safety with productivity
Employers and crews don’t need to start from scratch. Organizations like NIOSH, OSHA, and CPWR also offer a wealth of free tools, including:
- Printable safety checklists
- Pre-planned toolbox talks
- Training videos in English and Spanish
- Equipment safety guidelines
“Participating in this Struck-By Stand-down is a great way to pause our busy schedules and focus in on a workplace hazard that injures and takes the lives of our fellow workers every year,” says Todd Bernardoni, Amerisure Risk Management Expertise Specialist. “This is our chance to show to our employees that safety is not just a program on the shelf, it is a commitment that we are taking to ensure all employees go home the same way they came to work that day.”
A Commitment to Safer Jobsites
National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-By Incidents is more than a week-long initiative—it’s a movement toward building a culture where safety leads the way. Construction workers face complex, high-risk environments every day—but through intentional planning, clear communication, and proactive safety habits, we can dramatically reduce struck-by injuries and save lives. Let’s make this season a turning point for jobsite awareness and protection.
For more proven strategies and tools to strengthen your safety program, visit our Risk Management page—your go-to resource for creating safer, smarter worksites from the ground up.
