CPWR Panel Outlines Multi-Layered Safety Measures to Prevent Struck-By Accidents on Job Sites

During a webinar hosted by CPWR (The Center for Construction Research and Training), safety panelists recommended adopting a holistic safety approach to address struck-by hazards on construction sites. Struck-by incidents represent a substantial share of industry casualties, with federal data indicating hundreds of fatal contact and transportation incidents annually. Panelists shared operational practices, including securing overhead materials, tethering tools, and utilizing barriers to separate pedestrian routes from heavy machinery. The discussion also detailed internal traffic planning, clear protocols and radio communication for equipment spotters, and safety controls around autonomous machinery.

Key takeaways

• Panelists highlighted methods for overhead safety, such as tool tethering, covering openings, using debris netting, securing materials against wind, and clipping upright drywall.
• Contractors implemented portable barriers and fencing to separate pedestrian traffic from vehicles and marked dedicated exclusion zones around autonomous pile drivers equipped with collision avoidance.
• Safety directors advised establishing internal traffic control plans to delineate equipment routes, eliminate vehicle backing, and conduct route walk-throughs with spotters before moving machinery.
• Panelists emphasized radio communication for spotters and urged empowering crews to halt operations whenever communication fails or an unauthorized person enters the work area.