Construction workers face significant risks from struck-by incidents, which accounted for 17% of construction fatalities and 21.5% of nonfatal injuries between 2011 and 2021, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
To address this issue, panelists at a November 4 webinar hosted by CPWR — The Center for Construction Research and Training, discussed the concept of a “sphere of safety.” This approach encourages looking beyond immediate tasks to identify hazards like loose material above, machine blind spots, or shifting trailer loads.
By proactively identifying these risks, contractors can protect workers from falling or swinging objects and reassess hazards as work progresses.
In 2024, the most recent data available, 161 of the industry’s 1,034 fatalities were classified as contact incidents, and 244 as transportation incidents, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Panelists shared practical examples of creating a sphere of safety. Travis Weber, senior director of environmental, health, and safety at Haselden Construction, recommended tethering tools, covering openings, and installing debris netting.
He also advised securing stored materials against wind and keeping workers away from the far side of trailers during unloading. These practices are part of the Associated General Contractors of Colorado’s Stop the Drop campaign.
On a Texas data center project, Sundt Construction used portable barriers to separate vehicles from workers near a lunch tent. They also marked pedestrian routes with fencing and secured drywall to framing with clips when storing sheets upright.
For solar projects, Sundt employs autonomous pile drivers with cameras and collision avoidance technology. These machines stop automatically if someone enters their operating zone.
Travis Parsons, director of occupational safety and health at the Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America, emphasized the importance of an internal traffic control plan.
This involves mapping worker, delivery truck, and equipment routes, identifying crossings, and minimizing backing maneuvers. Signs should mark routes, and subcontractors and drivers should be briefed on layout changes.
Effective communication between operators and spotters is essential. Jay Hocutt, a heavy equipment program manager at United Cleanup of Oak Ridge, suggested using radios to allow spotters to maintain a safe distance from moving equipment.
He also recommended that crews reassess the need for a spotter at each briefing and whenever conditions change. At United Cleanup, workers who call a halt can earn a recognition coin, reflecting the company’s commitment to proactive safety measures.
