Construction safety focus of Struck-By, Work Zone events

Two events held April 17-21 highlight the importance of construction worker and work zone safety: NIOSH’s National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents and National Work Zone Awareness Week.

Struck-by incidents – such as swing hazards from cranes and falling objects or tools – are the second leading cause of workplace deaths and the leading cause of nonfatal injuries among construction workers.

During a safety stand-down, normal work is paused and groups of workers or the entire site centers its attention on a specific safety issue. This year’s focus is on:

• highway work zones,
• vehicular and heavy equipment hazards,
• dropped objects,
• dump trucks, and
• vehicle recovery.

National Work Zone Awareness Week is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will host this year’s event with the theme “You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us.”

Nationwide events include:

• Monday, April 17 - Work Zone Safety Training Day
• Tuesday, April 18 - Kickoff Event hosted by Missouri DOT
• Wednesday, April 19 - Go Orange Day
• Thursday, April 20 - Social Media Storm
• Friday, April 21 - Moment of Silence

Because everyone plays a role in spreading awareness for worker and work zone safety, organizations and individuals are encouraged to participate by joining in these national events or hosting their own.