Shop NRCA has the industry resources you need
News Dec. 8, 2022

CPWR launches program to protect workers from struck-by accidents

CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training reports from 2018 to 2020, transportation incidents were the second leading cause of death in construction and contact with objects or equipment was the fourth, according to www.constructiondive.com. Those deaths happened despite the known dangers of struck-by hazards, which the Occupational Safety and Health Administration describes as an injury or death produced by forcible contact between a person and an object, such as a moving car or falling piece of equipment.

CPWR has developed and is workshopping a toolkit to help contractors identify risks, plan for the job and then develop “nudges,” or reminders, which could be ongoing training or incentives.

CPWR surveyed employers—commercial contractors made up 80% of the respondents—and found working around heavy equipment vehicles and falling or flying objects at heights and the same level as the workers posed the greatest risk of a struck-by incident. CPWR is encouraging contractors to plan around those hazards first. When contractors know which types of tasks will introduce more hazards, they can ensure workers have the proper safety knowledge. 

About 25% of respondents said lack of understanding about how to address hazards and scheduling pressure are the biggest barriers for employers to engage in the safest practices. Thirty percent said the biggest barrier for workers was the lack of pre-task planning.

Nearly 80% of respondents said worker training regarding how to identify and prevent struck-by hazards would help their employees prevent struck-by incidents.

Along with planning and education, CPWR emphasizes actively reinforcing the training; using job-site posters to remind workers to wear personal protective equipment; and implementing reminders such as text messages, emails or stickers to help keep rules and practices at the forefront, as well as incentives or rewards for engaging in daily planning.

Although identifying hazards and planning is the first step, CPWR recommends reinforcing the practices with consistent nudges to help keep workers safe.


NRCA’s classes, webinars and products offer information to ensure you can keep your employees safe on job sites. Visit NRCA’s bookstore and course catalog

Advertisement

Subscribe for Updates Join 25,000+ roofing professionals following NRCA

Subscribe to NRCA