Struck-by and Caught-in/Between Hazards Flashcards

A worker is directing a crane operator near an active roadway. Which struck-by hazard control is considered the hierarchy's first priority?

Answer: Establish a barricaded exclusion zone that eliminates worker exposure to the swing radius

Elimination/substitution sits at the top of the hierarchy of controls. Establishing a physical exclusion zone removes workers from the hazard area entirely, which is more effective than PPE or administrative controls that rely on human behavior.

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926, what is the minimum safe distance workers on foot must maintain from the path of a swinging crane load unless otherwise protected?

Answer: 10 feet

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1425 requires workers to stay at least 10 feet away from the path of a swinging crane load or be protected by a physical barrier. This prevents struck-by injuries from load swing or dropped material.

Which of the following best describes a 'caught-in/between' fatality mechanism?

Answer: A worker's hand compressed between a rotating auger and a fixed guard

Caught-in/between hazards occur when a body part is caught, compressed, or crushed between objects. A rotating auger and a fixed surface is a classic caught-in/between scenario. The other options describe struck-by, fall, and electrocution hazards respectively.

A concrete pump hose whips free under pressure and strikes a worker. This is classified as which OSHA Fatal Four hazard type?

Answer: Struck-by

A pressurized hose whipping and hitting a worker is a struck-by event — the worker is hit by a moving object with force. OSHA's struck-by category includes projectiles, flying objects, and moving equipment/materials.

What is the most effective control to protect workers from being struck by vehicles in an active construction work zone?

Answer: Physical separation of worker zones from vehicle travel paths using concrete barriers or k-rail

Physical barriers (engineering controls) provide positive separation between workers and moving vehicles, eliminating the hazard regardless of worker attention or driver behavior. High-vis vests (PPE) and signage (administrative) are lower on the hierarchy and depend on human compliance.

A worker is cleaning beneath a suspended load while the crane operator takes a break. Which OSHA principle does this violate?

Answer: All of the above

All three principles apply: OSHA 1926.1417 requires operators to remain at controls with a suspended load; 1926.1425 prohibits working under suspended loads; and loads should be lowered or otherwise secured before an operator steps away. Violating any one of these creates a struck-by or crushing hazard.