Tips to Prevent Struck-By-Object Accidents in the North Carolina Workplace

Struck-By-Object Accidents in the North Carolina

At the Ramsay Law Firm, P.A., our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys know that falling objects pose an inherent risk for struck-by injuries in any North Carolina workplace or job site.

Struck-by-object injuries involve a worker being hit by any piece of equipment or object that’s falling, swinging, or rolling, including a moving vehicle.

Tools, materials, and other objects can fall from scaffolds and other overhead working levels causing serious injuries to those working below. However, even objects falling from lower levels — like a truck or dolly — can lead to significant injuries.

According to the National Safety County Injury Facts, there have been about 700 workplace deaths due to these types of incidents every year for the past decade, and hundreds of thousands of injuries annually that involve days away from work.

How Can North Carolina Workers Help Decrease Struck-By-Object Accidents, Injuries & Fatalities?

Struck-by-objects injuries are one of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s “fatal four” hazards, but there are measures workers can take to minimize the risks.

They include:

• Always walk behind moving equipment if possible.
• Avoid working underneath loads being moved.
• Barricade hazard areas and post warning signs.
• Check vehicles before use to make sure they are in safe operating condition.
• Do not exceed lifting capacity of cranes and hoists.
• Ensure workers are highly visible.
• Inspect cranes and hoists to see that all components, such as wire rope, lifting hooks, and chains, are in good condition.
• Inspect tools and equipment to ensure that protective guards are in good condition.
• Limit access to work areas.
• Lower blades and lock moving parts of machines when not in use.
• Make sure all safety devices on your equipment are in good working order before use.
• Never obstruct your vision by overloading moving equipment.
• Only operate equipment you are professionally trained to use.
• Secure all loads and lift them evenly to prevent them from slipping.
• Secure and store loose materials.
• Secure items that are stored at a height.
• Stack materials to prevent sliding, falling, or collapsing.
• Store heavy objects close to the floor.
• Use extra caution around corners and near doorways.
• Use protective measures such as toe boards and debris nets.
• Wear the proper personal protective equipment for your environment, such as steel-toed shoes, eye protection, and a hard hat.
• When large equipment is being operated, always make eye contact with the operator before approaching.

When employees work together to ensure their workplaces are safe, there are fewer accidents, more productivity, and higher morale. When everyone does their part, all workers can make it home safely.

Have You Been Injured in a North Carolina Workplace?

Our dedicated Charlotte workers’ compensation law firm provides free consultations to all employees who have suffered a workplace injury in North Carolina by calling 704-376-1616 or contacting us online.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.