Why it matters
Struck-by incidents — vehicles, swinging equipment, falling loads — are a Fatal Four category, and backing equipment is the classic killer.
Talk points
- Make eye contact with the operator before crossing any equipment path — assume they can't see you.
- Stay out of the swing radius of excavators and cranes; barricade it where possible.
- Never walk or work under a suspended load. Wait for it to land.
- Secure loose materials on upper levels — tools, blocks, and rebar caps come down fast.
- Hi-vis and a designated spotter for every backing operation.
Ask the crew
- What's moving on this site today, and where are its blind spots?
- Where will loads be hoisted, and how do we keep people out from under them?
- Who is spotting for the equipment working near the crew?
"If you can touch the equipment's path, you're too close."
Site checklist: Struck-by hazard OSHA checklist