2024 Construction Struck-by Stand-down Takes Place in April
The National Occupational Research Agenda Construction Sector will host their annual National Stand-down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents. This stand-down will take place April 15-19, 2024, in coordination with the National Work Zone Awareness Week. The goal of the initiative is to stop, talk and act. Talking about potential struck-by risks on the job site can help prevent struck-by incidents from being the leading cause of death among construction workers.
This is a voluntary event employer are encouraged to participate in to inform employees of common struck-by hazards in the construction industry. This event increases employee awareness around struck-by safety and reiterates the importance of training and prevention.
How Can Businesses Participate?
To get involved, employers should visit the Center for Construction Research and Training website, which provides information on the event and offers resources to employers to use in support of this initiative. Employers are also encouraged to plan a stand-down on their job sites and use the time to educate employees on how to identify and prevent struck-by hazards.
Common Struck-by Hazards
The four most common struck-by hazards that employers should discuss with their employees at this stand-down include:
- Flying objects
- Swinging objects
- Falling objects
- Rolling objects
Employers are encouraged to share stand-down materials with their employees, including toolbox chats, infographics and webinars on topics like heavy equipment, life zone safety, work zone safety and dropped objects.
After the Event
After the stand-down concludes, employers should keep open communication with their employees in regard to struck-by accidents, implementing safety measures where possible to prevent them.