Xuanwen Wang, PhD, Rebecca Katz, MPH, Scott Schneider, CIH ... · Xuanwen Wang, PhD, Rebecca Katz, MPH, Scott Schneider, CIH, Babak Memarian, PhD, Xiuwen Sue Dong, DrPH* KEY FINDINGS

DATA REPORTQuarterly

S E C O N D Q U A R T E R 2 0 1 7W W W . C P W R . C O M

Struck-by Injuries and Prevention in the Construction Industry

Xuanwen Wang, PhD, Rebecca Katz, MPH, Scott Schneider, CIH, Babak Memarian, PhD, Xiuwen Sue Dong, DrPH*

KEY FINDINGS

• From 2011 to 2015, 804 construction workers died from struck-by injuries, more than any other major industry; 52% were struck by an object or equipment, and the rest were struck by a vehicle.

Struck-by hazards are a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in construction, and have been defined as one of the Focus Four hazards identified by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (the other hazards are falls, caught-in-between, and electrocution; OSHA 2011). Struck-by injuries can occur in many different ways. To prevent construction workers from struck-by injuries, specific hazards and working environments should be taken into account for safety and health intervention programs. This Quarterly Data Report includes data on deaths and injuries from being struck by vehicles, objects, and equipment. Primary sources of struck-by injuries and vulnerable worker groups for such injuries were also analyzed and are presented in the report. Numbers of fatal and nonfatal injuries were obtained from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) and the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII), respectively. Both the CFOI and SOII are data collections of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In addition to the BLS data, this report introduces solutions to prevent struck-by injuries selected from a variety of sources, including OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and CPWR.

• More than half (51%) of fatalities involving being struck by an object or equipment were caused by falling objects or equipment.

• Construction workers 65 years or older experienced the highest rate of struck-by fatalities, whereas workers under 20 years had the highest rate of nonfatal struck-by injuries.

• The risk of nonfatal struck-by injuries in construction is nearly double the risk of all industries combined.

• The majority (57%) of struck-by vehicle deaths in construction occurred in work zones.

• Most (96%) nonfatal struck-by injuries were from being struck by an object or equipment.

* Correspondence to: Xiuwen Sue Dong, [email protected].

• Highway maintenance workers had the highest rate of struck-by fatalities, while helpers had the highest rate of nonfatal struck-by injuries.

2

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DATA REPORT 2

SECTION 1: TRENDS OF FATAL STRUCK-BY INJURIES IN

The general trends of struck-by fatalities1 followed the overall fatality trend in construction (Dong et al., 2017), falling during the recession and increasing afterwards. In 2015, 162 construction workers died from struck-by injuries, a 2.5% (4 deaths) increase from 2011 and 34% higher than the low point (121 deaths) in 2010 (chart 1). Although the number of struck-by fatalities slightly increased from 2011 to 2015, its share of the overall fatal injuries in construction dropped from 20% to 16% during this time period. On average, nearly one in five (18%) construction workers who died did so as a result of being struck by an object/equipment or a vehicle.

1Struck-by fatalities in this study include struck by object or equipment (Event codes 62xxxx in OIICS 2.01 and Event codes 02xxxx in OIICS 1.01) and struck by a vehicle (Event codes 24xxxx in OIICS 2.01 and Event codes 43xxxx in OIICS 1.01). * Other fatalities are fatalities from all causes except struck-by. Note: In 2011, the injury coding was switched from OIICS version 1.01 to OIICS version 2.01, therefore the numbers before and after 2011 are not directly comparable. Source: Fatal injury data were generated by the CPWR Data Center with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.

1. Number of fatalities in construction, struck-by and other fatalities*, 2003-2015

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Second Quarter 2017

Struck-by Injuries and Prevention

218 246 249 235 195 195 158 121 158 169 164 151 162

1,1711,278 1,243

1,2971,239

1,016

879802 781

849 856933

985

0

300

600

900

1,200

1,500

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Num

ber o

f dea

ths

Year

Other fatalities*

Revised OIICS

Struck-by

CONSTRUCTION

DATA REPORT 3

Section 1: Trends of Fatal Struck-by Injuries in Construction Second Quarter 2017

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When stratified into more detailed categories, more than half (52.2%) of struck-by fatalities that occurred from 2011 to 2015 were due to being struck by an object or equipment (chart 2). The number of deaths due to being struck by an object or equipment increased 20%, from 80 in 2011 to 96 in 20152, while deaths due to being struck by a vehicle fell 15% during the same period.

2In 2011, the injury coding was switched from OIICS version 1.01 to OIICS version 2.01, therefore the numbers before and after 2011 are not directly comparable. Source: Fatal injury data were generated by the CPWR Data Center with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.


2. Number of fatal struck-by injuries in construction, 2003-2015

104 91 116 112

85 83 75 55 78 87 78 75 66

114 155 133 123

110 112 83

66

80 82 86 76 96

218

246 249 235

195 195

158

121

158 169 164

151 162

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Num

ber o

f dea

ths

Year

Struck by vehicle Struck by object or equipment

Revised OIICS

.

DATA REPORT 4


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From 2011 to 2015, 804 construction workers died from struck-by injuries, more than any other major industry (chart 3). Specifically, the construction industry had the highest number of fatalities due to being struck by a vehicle and the second highest number of deaths due to being struck by an object or equipment among all major industries.

3. Number of fatal struck-by injuries, by major industry, sum of 2011-2015 (All employment)

98

43

60

89

143

363

97

384

19

83

147

139

255

291

260

630

420

Utilities

Public admin.

Retail

Mining

Wholesale

Manufacturing

Waste management

Transportation

Agricultrue

ConstructionNumber of deaths

Struck by vehicle

Struck by object orequipment

126

804

176

199

434

344

623

727

30

117

*

29

*Eleven deaths were from being struck by vehicle, and 19 deaths were from being struck by object or equipment. Source: Fatal injury data were generated by the CPWR Data Center with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.


DATA REPORT 5


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Among construction workers who died from being struck by an object or equipment, more than half (51%, or 216) were struck by falling objects or equipment, followed by nontransport vehicles3 (33%; chart 4). The majority (57%, or 220) of struck by vehicle deaths in construction occurred in work zones4, and another 19% or 73 deaths happened in nonroadway areas5. Overall, 57% (217 deaths) of struck by vehicle fatalities were due to being struck by forward-moving vehicles, and another 26% (101 deaths) were struck by backing-up vehicles.

4. Fatal struck-by injuries in construction, struck by vehicle versus struck by object or equipment, sum of 2011-2015

In work zone, 57.3% In nonroadway

area, 19.0%

In roadway, 10.7%

On side of road, 9.6%

Other, 3.4%

Struck by vehicle (n=384)

.

Falling object or

equipment, 51.4%

Powered vehicle-

nontransport, 33.1%

Dicharged or flying object,

6.2%

Handheld object or

equipment, Other, 6.7%

Struck by object or equipment (n=420)

3This category includes being struck or run over by vehicle or mobile equipment in nontransport-related incidents. 4“Work zones” includes the vicinity of road construction, maintenance, or utility work or within an area marked by signs, barricades, or other devices. 5“Nonroadway areas” or “nonhighway” includes industrial, commercial, residential, and farm premises; parking lots; and logging roads. Source: Fatal injury data were generated by the CPWR Data Center with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.


DATA REPORT 6


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From 2011 to 2015, among construction workers who died from being struck by vehicles, 114 (30%) were struck by passenger vehicles, and another 29% (112) were struck by trucks6 (chart 5a). Together these two sources caused 59% of struck-by vehicle deaths in construction during these years. Among workers who died of being struck by an object or equipment, 19% (78) were struck by construction, logging, and mining machinery, and another 18% (74) were struck by solid building materials (chart 5b).

5a. Number of fatal injuries from being struck by vehicle in construction, by primary source, sum of 2011-2015

8

13

52

85

112

114

Other

Off-road and industrial vehicles-powered

Construction, logging, and mining machinery

Multi-purpose highway vehicles *

Trucks

Passenger vehicles—automobiles, buses, and passenger

Number of deaths

6Forty-four out of 112 were dump trucks. *This source category includes vehicles that can be used either for transport of passengers or of goods and materials as their primary function. Source: Fatal injury data were generated by the CPWR Data Center with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.


5b. Number of fatal injuries from being struck by object or equipment in construction, selected primary source, sum of 2011-2015

7

8

9

12

18

18

19

27

37

38

74

78

Trusses, girders, beams

Multi-purpose highway vehicles

Fasteners, connectors, ropes, ties

Machine, tool, and electric parts

Vehicle and mobile equipment parts

Handtools

Containers, furniture, and fixtures

Material and personnel handling machinery

Trucks

Trees, logs, limbs

Building materials—solid elements

Construction, logging, and mining machineryNumber of deaths

DATA REPORT 7


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Struck-by fatalities were more likely to occur among larger establishments. From 2011 to 2015, 34.4% of struck-by fatalities occurred in establishments with 50 or more employees, compared to 22.1% for all construction fatalities (chart 6).

6. Fatal injuries in construction, by establishment size, sum of 2011-2015 (Wage-and-salary workers)

29.0%

9.6%

15.0%

34.4%

12.0%

Fatal struck-by(n=718)

1-10 employees 11-19 employees 20-49 employees 50+ employees Not reported

38.4%

9.8%12.6%

22.1%

17.1%

All fatalities(n=3,495)

.

Note: Self-employed workers were excluded. Source: Fatal injury data were generated by the CPWR Data Center with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.


8

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DATA REPORT 8

SECTION 2: FATAL STRUCK-BY INJURIES AMONG

Of the construction subsectors, the highway, street, and bridge construction sector had the highest number of struck-by fatalities from 2011 to 2015; the majority of these fatalities were due to being struck by a vehicle on the job (chart 7). However, more site preparation construction workers died of being struck by an object or equipment than did workers in other subsectors.

* Five deaths were from being struck by vehicle and six deaths were from being struck by object or equipment. Source: Fatal injury data were generated by the CPWR Data Center with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.

7. Number of fatal struck-by injuries, selected construction subsectors, sum of 2011-2015

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Second Quarter 2017

4

15

8

8

10

10

29

40

207

9

9

17

19

27

38

59

84

57

Roofing Contractors

Masonry Contractors

Electrical Contractors

Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure

Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning

Nonresidential Building

Residential Building

Utility System

Site Preparation

Highway, Street, and Bridge

Struck by vehicle


Number of deaths

264

11*

13

24

25

27

37

48

88

124


CONSTRUCTION SUBGROUPS

DATA REPORT 9

Second Quarter 2017

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The number of deaths due to struck-by injuries in the highway, street, and bridge construction subsector dipped in 2013 and increased afterwards (chart 8). Despite the increasing trend, the number of struck-by fatalities in this subsector in 2015 was still lower than that in 2011. On average during this time period, 41 deaths due to being struck by a vehicle and 11 deaths due to being struck by an object or equipment occurred yearly in this subsector.

8. Number of fatal stuck-by injuries in Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction subsector, 2011-2015

42 50

36 39 40

16

14

6 9 12

58 64

42 48

52

0

20

40

60

80

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Num

ber o

f dea

ths

Year


Source: Fatal injury data were generated by the CPWR Data Center with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.


Section 2: Fatal Struck-by Injuries among Construction Subgroups

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DATA REPORT 10

Section 2: Fatal Struck-by Injuries among Construction Subgroups Second Quarter 2017

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By occupation, construction laborers, the largest trade in construction, had the highest number of fatal struck-by injuries among all construction occupations between 2011 and 2015 (243 deaths; chart 9). However, highway maintenance workers had the highest rate of fatalities due to struck-by injuries, with 16 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers (FTEs). Power-line installers and excavating/loading machine operators also had high risk of struck-by fatalities, each with 10.2 deaths per 100,000 FTEs.

Source: Fatal injury data were generated by the CPWR Data Center with restricted access to BLS CFOI micro data. Numbers of FTEs were estimated using the Current Population Survey. Calculations by the authors. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.

9. Number and rate of fatal struck-by injuries in construction, selected occupations, sum of 2011-2015

0.2 0.6 0.6 1.3

2.8 3.1 3.3 3.4 3.6 4.2 4.5

9.2 10.2 10.2

16.0

Construction managerCarpenter

ElectricianPlumber

HelperOp. engineer

WelderForemanLaborer

Truck driverIronworker

Paving/surfacing equip. operatorExcavating/loading machine operator

Power-line installerHighway maintenance worker

Deaths per 100,000 FTEs

16 11

71

15

18

99 243

35

10

16 27

7 43

9

29

Number of deaths


11

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DATA REPORT 11


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Highway maintenance workers (SOC 47-4051) are at high risk of being struck by motorists as they perform their work alongside highways exposed to traffic. The majority of workers in this construction trade are employed with local or state governments (BLS, 2017). Correspondingly, most victims of fatal struck-by injuries in this trade were public employees in Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction (NAICS 23731). While the number and rate of struck-by deaths dipped in 2013, they increased for the following two years, though remaining below the 2011 level (chart 10). In 2015, both the number and rate of struck-by fatalities more than doubled from 2013. In addition to data fluctuations year to year due to relatively small death numbers, increased traffic volume (U.S. Department of Transportation, 2016) and distracted driving (StateFarm, 2015) could be partially responsible for the increased death numbers in recent years. On average, about 14 highway maintenance workers died of struck-by injuries per year during this time period.


10. Number and rate of fatal struck-by injuries among highway maintenance workers, 2011-2015

19 18

7

12 15

23.0

20.5

8.2

11.6

17.6

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

0

5

10

15

20

25

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015


Num

ber o

f dea

ths

Year

Number Rate


12

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DATA REPORT 12


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The rate of fatal struck-by injuries in construction varies among subgroups. On average from 2011 to 2015, black non-Hispanic workers experienced a much higher rate of fatal struck-by injuries (2.64 deaths per 100,000 FTEs; chart 11) than any other worker group. Wage-and-salary construction workers also had a higher rate of such deaths (2.04 deaths per 100,000 FTEs).


11. Rate of fatal struck-by injuries in construction, selected worker characteristics, average of 2011-2015

1.72 1.73

2.64

1.73

0.79

2.04

1.74

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

White, non-Hispanic

Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic

Foreign-born

Self-employed

Wage-and-salary

workers

All

Dea

ths p

er 1

00,0

00 F

TEs


13

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DATA REPORT 13


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By age, about a quarter (25.3%) of struck-by decedents were 45 to 54 years old, the largest proportion among all age groups (chart 12). While less than 8% of struck-by decedents were 65 years or older, this age bracket experienced the highest rate of struck-by fatalities of any age bracket, at 4.3 deaths per 100,000 FTEs, more than three times the rate for those ages 25-34. In addition, the youngest age group had an elevated risk of struck-by fatalities.


12. Percentage and rate of fatal struck-by injuries in construction, by age group, average of 2011-2015

2.0%

8.0%

17.5%

20.7%

25.3%

18.9%

7.7%

2.7

2.0

4.3

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

16-19 20-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+


Perc

enta

ge o

f fat

al st

ruck

-by

inju

ries

Age group

Percentage

Rate


DATA REPORT 14

SECTION 3: TRENDS OF NONFATAL STRUCK-BY INJURIES IN

Coinciding with the fatal struck-by injury trend, both the number and rate of struck-by injuries resulting in days away from work (DAFW) in construction hit a low in 2010 and increased afterward. In 2015, 17,050 struck-by injuries occurred in construction, 2,430 more than in 20117, about a 17% increase (chart 13). The rate however slightly decreased, from 29.3 in 2011 to 28.7 injuries per 10,000 FTEs in 2015. All nonfatal injury numbers in this report refer to those resulting in DAFW.

7In 2011, the injury coding was switched from OIICS version 1.01 to OIICS version 2.01, therefore the numbers before and after 2011 are not directly comparable. Source: 2003-2015 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.

13. Number and rate of nonfatal struck-by injuries in construction, 2003-2015 (Private wage-and-salary workers)

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Second Quarter 2017

30.0 29.1 32.1 31.6

27.9 26.1

16.2 12.6

14.6 15.2 17.5 16.6 17.1

50.1

28.7

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Injuries per 10,000 FTEs

Num

ber o

f inj

urie

s (in

thou

sand

s)

Year

NumberRate

Revised OIICS

CONSTRUCTION


15DATA REPORT 15

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Section 3: Trends of Nonfatal Struck-by Injuries in Construction Second Quarter 2017

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By more detailed categories, about 96% of all nonfatal struck-by injuries in construction from 2011 to 2015 were caused by an object or equipment (chart 14). The increase (2,430) between 2011 and 2015 can be attributed to such equipment and object injuries, given that the number of struck-by vehicle injuries was approximately the same in both 2011 and 2015.

14. Number of nonfatal struck-by injuries in construction, by vehicle versus by object or equipment, 2003-2015 (Private wage-and-salary workers)

28.9 28.0 30.6 30.2

27.0 25.3

15.6 11.9 13.8 14.8 17.2 15.9 16.3

30.0 29.1 32.1 31.6

27.9 26.1

16.2

12.6 14.6 15.2

17.5 16.6 17.1

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Num

ber o

f inj

urie

s (in

thou

sand

s)

Year


Note: In 2011, the injury coding was switched from OIICS version 1.01 to OIICS version 2.01, therefore the numbers before and after 2011 are not directly comparable. Source: 2003-2015 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.


16DATA REPORT 16

Second Quarter 2017

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In 2015, construction had the third-highest number of overall struck-by injuries after manufacturing and retail (chart 15a). Construction was also ranked third in injuries due to being struck by a vehicle, after transportation and retail. Moreover, construction had the highest risk of being struck by an object or equipment among all industries, at 27.4 injuries per 10,000 FTES, nearly twice the risk of all industries combined (chart 15b).

Source: 2015 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses

Section 3: Trends of Nonfatal Struck-by Injuries in Construction

15a. Number of nonfatal struck-by injuries, by major industry, 2015 (Private wage-and-salary workers)

2,450

6,460

10,260

10,390

16,260

21,270

24,330

Utilities

Mining

Agriculture

Waste management

Wholesale

Transportation

Construction

Manufacturing

RetailNumber of injuries

Struck by vehicle


2,630

25,250

6,940

11,500

10,760

17,050

22,000

370

1,040

15b. Rate of nonfatal injuries from being struck by object or equipment, by major industry, 2015 (Private wage-and-salary workers)

14.1

6.4

11.4

12.7

17.2

18.1

20.7

23.3

24.8

27.4

All industries

Utilities

Mining

Waste management

Manufacturing

Wholesale

Retail

Transportation

Agriculture

ConstructionInjuries per 10,000 FTEs


17DATA REPORT 17

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Section 3: Trends of Nonfatal Struck-by Injuries in Construction Second Quarter 2017

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Solid building materials were the most common source of nonfatal struck-by injuries in 2015, accounting for about 3,500 injuries (chart 16). Other common sources were hand tools (both nonpowered and powered), and scraps, waste, and debris. Together these four sources caused 64% of nonfatal struck-by object injuries.

16. Number of nonfatal injuries from being struck by object or equipment in construction, selected primary sources, 2015 (Private wage-and-salary workers)

240

390

480

490

520

600

890

1,100

2,530

3,260

3,500

Material and personnel handling machinery

Structures other than buildings

Other structural elements

Containers

Highway vehicles- motorized

Fasteners- connectors- ropes- ties

Furniture and fixtures

Scrap- waste- debris

Handtools--powered

Handtools--nonpowered

Building materials--solid elementsNumber of injuries

Source: Numbers were obtained from the BLS through special requests. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS.


18DATA REPORT 18

SECTION 4: NONFATAL STRUCK-BY INJURIES AMONG

The plumbing, heating, and air conditioning construction subsector had a higher number of struck-by object injuries than other subsectors, with 3,100 workers suffering such injures in 2015 (chart 17). However, the masonry contractor subsector experienced the highest rate of struck-by object injuries, with 48.2 injuries per 10,000 FTEs in 2015.The residential building subsector experienced the second highest number of injuries and the second highest rate.

Source: 2015 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses www.cpwr.com

Second Quarter 2017

17. Number and rate of nonfatal injuries from being struck by object or equipment, selected construction subsectors, 2015 (Private wage-and-salary workers)

13.3

16.9

22.8

24.1

26.0

34.4

38.8

46.4

48.2

Electrical Contractors

Site Preparation

Utility System

Highway, Street, and Bridge

Nonresidential Building

Plumbing, Heating, and A/C

Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure

Residential Building

Masonry ContractorsNumber of Injuries Injuries per 10,000 FTE

RateNumber

3,100

560

2,790

2,730

1,820

1,090

1,040

720

480


CONSTRUCTION SUBGROUP

19DATA REPORT 19

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Section 4: Nonfatal Struck-by Injuries among Construction Subgroup Second Quarter 2017

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By occupation, construction laborers had more DAFW injuries due to being struck by an object than other occupations, with 4,220 laborers taking work off due to struck-by injuries in 2015 (chart 18). Carpenters, the second largest trade in construction, had the second-highest number of nonfatal struck-by injuries in construction (2,220 injures). Together, these two occupations accounted for 40% of nonfatal struck-by injuries in construction. Construction helpers had the highest rate of struck-by injuries (168.4 injuries per 10,000 FTEs), more than seven times the rate of all construction occupations combined (22.5 injuries per 10,000 FTEs).

18. Number and rate of nonfatal injuries from being struck by object or equipment, selected construction occupations, 2015 (Private wage-and-salary workers)

7.27.410.410.811.617.920.521.823.230.931.634.8

48.050.3

160.6168.4

Operating engineerForeman

Construction ManagerBrickmason

WelderElectrician

RooferTruck driver

PainterCarpenter

PlumberLaborer

IronworkerHeat A/C mech*

Sheet metalHelper

Injuries per 10,000 FTEsNumber of injuries

760

2,220

4,220

1,360

1,230

680

860340

340

150360500

120

510

110

210

* This refers to the Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics occupation. Source: Number of nonfatal injuries were obtained from the BLS through special requests. Numbers of FTEs were estimated using the Current Population Survey. Calculations by the authors.


20DATA REPORT 20

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Section 4: Nonfatal Struck-by Injuries among Construction Subgroup Second Quarter 2017

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Unlike fatal struck-by injuries (see chart 12), younger construction workers had a higher risk of nonfatal struck-by injuries than their older counterparts. Construction workers under 20 years old had the highest rate of nonfatal struck-by injuries, with 64 injuries per 10,000 FTEs, while workers ages 65 years and older had the lowest rate of such injuries. Construction workers ages 25 to 34 years old had the largest proportion of struck-by object injuries (28.7%; chart 19). This age group had a higher injury rate than older ones and shared a larger proportion of construction employment as well.

19. Percentage and rate of nonfatal injuries from being struck by object or equipment in construction, by age group, 2015 (Private wage-and-salary workers)

4.5%

12.9%

28.7%

22.3%20.5%

7.4%

1.2%

64.0

33.0

24.919.6 20.4

13.2 9.6

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

16-19 20-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

Injuries per 100,000 FTEs

Perc

enta

ge o

f non

fata

l stru

ck-b

y in

jurie

s

Age group

Percentage

Rate

.

Source: Numbers were obtained from the BLS through special requests. Numbers of FTEs were estimated using the Current Population Survey. Calculations by the authors.


DATA REPORT 21

SECTION 5: PREVENTING STRUCK-BY INJURIES IN CONSTRUCTION

Struck-by injuries and deaths are preventable. Training (OSHA, 2011), personal protective equipment, engineering controls, safety protocols, and other solutions may be implemented to prevent struck-by injuries among construction workers. For example, many struck-by vehicle injuries can be prevented by back-up cameras, highly visible clothing, barriers and enforcement in road construction zones, and internal traffic control plans (Table 1). The implementation of safety solutions such as the ones listed in the table below can greatly reduce unnecessary deaths due to struck-by injuries.

Source: For sources cited in the table, please see the attached supplement.

Table 1: Solutions to Prevent Struck-By Injuries

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Second Quarter 2017

noituloS drazaH tnevEStruck-by vehicles Backover Back-up cameras1a, 6a

Back-up alarms radar systems1a,6a

Backover prevention standards 7, 10, 11

Broad spectrum alarms2

Blind Spot Diagrams6b

Internal Traffic Control Plan1b

Runover and backover during night work

Hardhats with active illumination3a

Hardhat mounted mirrors 12

High visibility clothing4b,5a

Work zone lighting systems3b,5a

Work zone intrusions from passenger vehicles in highway maintenance and road construction

Concrete/water filled barriers5b,8c

Mobile/Movable longitudinal barriers1a,1d,3d

Temporary-barriers1c

Intrusion alarms1e

Use of advance traffic signs8e

Gradual tapering of any lane closure8e

Police traffic enforcement in work zone 8e

Injuries among flaggers Automated Flagging Assistant Devices (AFAD)3c

Struck-by falling objects

Injuries from falling objects when working or walking below elevated work surfaces Injuries from falling objects when materials are being moved overhead Injuries from falling objects when carrying / lifting heavy loads

Hand tools tethered to worker’s belt by lanyard9

Hardhats4c

Pedestrian walkways8c or sidewalk sheds8c

Toe-boards, screens, debris nets, and guardrails on scaffolding8a, 8e

Workers remain a safe distance from suspended loads 8d

Proper storage of materials 8d

Workers don’t exceed the equipment’s load or lift capacity8e

Barricades for all dangerous areas and posted warning signs 8e

Struck-by flying objects

Injuries from flying objects created by power tools (such as pneumatic nail gun) and activities such as pushing, pulling, or prying Injuries from flying objects caused by grinding or striking materials

Workers trained on safe operation of power tools8e

All tools inspected before use8e

Sequential triggers for nail guns8b

Protective gear (Safety glasses4c, Hardhats4c,Face Shields 8d)

Struck-by swinging or slipping object

Injuries from swinging or slipping objects

No one working under loads as they are being lifted 8d

All loads secured and lifted evenly to prevent them from slipping.8d

Struck-by equipment Injuries due to being struck by heavy equipment or machinery

All equipment inspected before use8e

Operators trained and certified to operate equipment safely8e

Extreme caution used when approaching heavy equipment 8d

A highly visible reflective vest 8d


DATA REPORT 22

Conclusion

Struck-by hazards are a major cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in construction. During the period of 2011 to 2015, 804 construction workers died from struck-by injuries, more than any other major industry. Construction also had the highest rate of nonfatal struck-by injuries among all industries.

Hazards leading to fatal and nonfatal struck-by injuries in construction were quite different. About half (52.2%) of struck-by fatalities were caused by an object or equipment, while about 96% of nonfatal struck-by injuries were due to the same cause. The risk of struck-by injuries varied by occupation. The highway maintenance worker, power-line installer, and excavating or loading machine operator occupations were the most dangerous in terms of struck-by fatalities, whereas helpers and sheet metal workers had the highest risk of nonfatal struck-by injuries. In general, older construction workers had a higher risk of struck-by fatalities, while younger workers had a higher risk of nonfatal struck-by injuries.

Struck-by injuries and fatalities are preventable. The select solutions presented in this report summarizes struck-by prevention methods in construction, including safety standards and regulations, engineering controls, proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and safety and health training. These methods may be applied separately or together based on specific circumstances in order to prevent construction workers from struck-by injuries.

References• Dong XS, Wang X, Katz R, West G, Bunting J. 2017. Fall Injuries and Prevention in the Construction

Industry http://www.cpwr.com/sites/default/files/publications/Quarter1-QDR-2017.pdf (Accessed June 2017).

• OSHA. 2011. Construction Focus Four: Outreach Training Packet https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/construction/focus_four/constrfocusfour_introduction.pdf (Accessed June 2017).

• StateFarm. 2015. Distracted Driving Trends: Use of Hand-Held Cellphones for Talking Decreasing, Increasing for Internet and Social Media. https://newsroom.statefarm.com/20151207distracted-driving-trends/#wWsXBYB0sJRcebKt.99 (Accessed June 2017).

• U.S. Department of Transportation, 2016. Traffic volume trends. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm (Accessed June 2017).

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2017. Occupational Employment and Wages. 47-4051 Highway Maintenance Workers. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes474051.htm (Accessed June 2017).

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Second Quarter 2017

DATA REPORT 23

Supplement: Sources of Table 1 (accessed June 2017)

1. American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). National Work Zone Safety Clearinghouse https://www.workzonesafety.org/data-resources/ a. Back-up cameras and radar systems https://www.workzonesafety.org/data-resources/other- resources/runover-backover-manufacturers/ b. Internal Traffic Control Plans https://www.workzonesafety.org/data-resources/runover-backover/itcp/ c. Temporary-barriers https://www.workzonesafety.org/work_zone_topics/temporary-barriers/ d. Mobile barrier: https://www.workzonesafety.org/data-resources/mobile-barriers/ e. Intrusion alarms https://www.workzonesafety.org/work_zone_topics/intrusion-alarms/

2. Australian Acoustical Society. Broad spectrum alarms https://www.acoustics.asn.au/conference_proceedings/AAS2012/papers/p126.pdf

3. CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. CPWR Solution Database a. Hardhats http://www.cpwrconstructionsolutions.org/heavy_equipment/solution/933/illumination- ring-for-hard-hats.html b. Work-zone-lighting http://www.cpwrconstructionsolutions.org/solution/875/work-zone-lighting. html?sess_id=eb42ff866b43cc308b05fcbb546e69a1 c. Automated Flagging Assistant Devices (AFAD) http://www.cpwrconstructionsolutions.org/ solution/934/automated-flagging-assistant-devices-afad.html?sess_id=1c647558a27fc3f5f5112469 8c6402d2

d. Movable Longitudinal Barriers http://www.cpwrconstructionsolutions.org/solution/967/movable- longitudinal-barriers.html?sess_id=f46f66515d612df29cdf458e1c7b930a

4. International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). a. ANSI/ISEA Standard Z87 https://safetyequipment.org/isea-standards/ansiisea-z87-accredited- standards-committee/ansiisea-z87-1-2015-standard/ b. ANSI/ISEA standard 107 https://safetyequipment.org/ansiisea-107-2015/ c. ANSI/ISEA Standard Z89 https://safetyequipment.org/standard/ansiisea-z89-1-2014/

5. Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America. a. Visibility in Work Zones at Night https://www.lhsfna.org/index.cfm/lifelines/april-2014/can-you- see-me-now-visibility-in-work-zones-at-night/ b. Work-zone-intrusion https://www.lhsfna.org/index.cfm/lifelines/april-2016/solving-the-work- zone-intrusion-problem/

6. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). a. Preventing Worker Injuries and Deaths from Backing Construction Vehicles and Equipment at Roadway Construction Worksites https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-solutions/2014-125/ pdfs/2014-125.pdf b. Blind Spot Diagrams https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/highwayworkzones/BAD/imagelookup.html

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Second Quarter 2017

DATA REPORT 24

Supplement continued...

7. Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs/Office of Management and Budget https://www.reginfo. gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=201610&RIN=1218-AC51

8. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). a. Standard 29 CFR 1926.451(h)(2): Toe-boards on scaffolding https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=10752 b. Nail Gun Safety https://www.osha.gov/Publications/NailgunFinal_508_02_optimized.pdf c. Concrete and Masonry Construction https://www.osha.gov/Publications/3106.html d. Big four construction hazards: struck-by hazards https://www.osha.gov/dte/grant_materials/fy08/ sh-17792-08/struck_by_english_r6.pdf e. ‘Struck-By’ Hazards Trainer Guide https://www.osha.gov/dte/grant_materials/fy07/sh-16586- 07/2_struckby_hazards_trainer_guide.pdf

9. PROTO® Industrial Tools. http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/Pages/Tethered-Tools.aspx#

10. Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Backover prevention standards http://www.doli.virginia.gov vosh_enforcement/reverse_signal.html

11. Washington State. Backover prevention standards http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=296- 155&full=true#296-155-610

12. Wikipedia. Hardhat Mounted Mirror https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardhat_mounted_mirror

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Second Quarter 2017

DATA REPORT 25

Data Sources:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2003-2015 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries• Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2003-2015 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses • Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2011-2015 Current Population Survey

Second Quarter 2017

© 2017, CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved.

CPWR is the research and training arm of North America’s Building Trades Unions. Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement OH 009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH.

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Please visit CPWR’s other resources to help reduce construction safety and health hazards:

Construction Solutions http://www.cpwrconstructionsolutions.org/ Construction Solutions ROI Calculator http://www.safecalc.org/ The Electronic Library of Construction OSH http://www.elcosh.org/index.php Falls Campaign http://stopconstructionfalls.com/ Hand Safety http://choosehandsafety.org/ Work Safely with Silica http://www.silica-safe.org/

About the CPWR Data Center

The CPWR Data Center is part of CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training. CPWR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and training institution created by North America’s Building Trades Unions, and serves as its research arm. CPWR has focused on construction safety and health research since 1990. The Quarterly Data Reports – a series of publications analyzing construction-related data, is part of our ongoing surveillance project funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

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