Struck-by incidents are among the leading causes of serious workplace injuries, especially in construction and industrial environments. These accidents can occur when a moving object, such as tools, machinery, or materials, hits a worker. Employers must protect workers from struck-by hazards by creating a safe and proactive environment that anticipates and prevents these incidents.
At Schmidt & Salita Law Team, we’ve supported countless injured workers in Minnetonka and Minnesota through the complexities of workers’ compensation claims.
A struck-by hazard refers to any scenario in which a worker comes into forceful contact with an object that is moving or falling. These are distinct from caught-in or caught-between hazards because the injury comes from the impact of the object itself, not from being pinned or crushed. Common examples include:
Struck-by incidents are among workers’ most dangerous risks on active job sites. These are preventable with proper safety practices and employer oversight.
According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, employers should offer job training, supply the right tools and PPE, keep work areas clean, and provide proper supervision. These steps help prevent injuries and show a commitment to workplace safety.
A proactive and well-maintained work environment significantly reduces the risk of struck-by injuries. Employers must provide the information, orientation, and necessary tools and equipment to guide workers in making appropriate choices when performing their work. Supporting safety from the start sets the tone for the entire organization. Employers can help promote a safer workplace by:
Preventing occupational injuries boosts morale, lowers costs, and creates a culture where employees understand their safety is a top priority.
According to Safety Notes, clear safety policies help establish expectations for behavior, hazard reporting, and accountability. Strong internal guidelines give employees a clear understanding of what’s acceptable and what’s not, which helps reduce the risk of injuries.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety goggles, and reflective vests, is essential for minimizing the severity of struck-by accidents. Employers must train workers on proper usage, regularly inspect gear, and replace anything worn or damaged.
Maintaining a tidy and structured workspace also makes a difference. Routine cleanups, properly stored materials, and unobstructed pathways all help prevent avoidable accidents. When workers are encouraged to share safety concerns and participate in regular safety meetings, it builds a culture where everyone plays a part in keeping the site safe.
Report the incident immediately. Timely reporting ensures you meet all legal requirements and strengthens your claim. After informing your supervisor, seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury seems minor. In Minnesota, workers’ compensation laws allow employees to recover medical costs, wage loss, and rehabilitation benefits without proving employer negligence. However, missed deadlines or incomplete paperwork can lead to denied claims.
Document the details of the incident thoroughly:
Save any medical records, diagnostic reports, and prescriptions. These will be essential during the claims process.
Understanding Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system can be overwhelming when you’re in pain or out of work. An attorney who handles these cases routinely will guide you through the complex forms and tight deadlines. They can assist in building a strong case by collecting medical documentation, witness statements, and employment records that support your claim.
If your case progresses to a hearing or appeal, legal representation can be invaluable in presenting the facts clearly and effectively. When retaliation or an unfair denial arises, a lawyer advocates for your rights and pushes for the benefits you lawfully deserve. Many workers are unsure of their rights and settle for less than they should receive. Having knowledgeable legal support ensures you pursue and recover the full benefits allowed under Minnesota law.
Many workers underestimate the risk of being struck by equipment or materials, assuming their experience or awareness is enough to stay safe. In reality, these injuries happen quickly and often without warning. Common causes include unsecured loads, malfunctioning equipment, and workers operating in blind spots. These hazards can be present in every industry, from construction to manufacturing, warehouse jobs to delivery routes.
Over 15% of workplace fatalities in construction are linked to struck-by incidents. These aren’t isolated accidents. They’re often tied to inadequate training, ignored safety protocols, or outdated machinery. That’s why employers must remain vigilant and enforce preventative measures daily.
Struck-by injuries often result in more than just temporary setbacks. Victims may suffer long-term physical limitations such as nerve damage, chronic pain, or impaired mobility. This affects their ability to return to their job and may also reduce their overall earning potential and quality of life. Mental health effects, including anxiety, PTSD, and depression, are also common and can persist for years following the incident.
Recovering such an injury frequently involves extended medical treatment, physical therapy, and job retraining. For many workers, returning to full capacity is not always possible. That’s why it’s critical for injured employees to fully understand their legal rights and access the compensation and support they’re entitled to.
While struck-by hazards are critical to address, other job site dangers often go hand in hand and increase the risk of injury. For instance, poor lighting can prevent workers from spotting moving objects or machinery in time. Similarly, excessive noise may prevent one worker from hearing warning calls or signals from another. Loose tools left unsecured at height, unstable shelving, or malfunctioning lifting devices add to the danger. Even wind gusts on open-air job sites can send lightweight tools or materials flying into someone’s path.
Workers and supervisors should complete daily site walkthroughs to check for these conditions. Creating checklists and encouraging peer reporting of hazards can help eliminate risks before an incident happens.
Preventing struck-by incidents begins with leadership. It’s not just about following rules but fostering a workplace culture that values and prioritizes safety daily. Employers play a decisive role in setting expectations and modeling behavior. Workers follow suit when management consistently emphasizes caution, accountability, and training. Safety should be a conversation that happens often, not just during onboarding or after an incident. Regular meetings, updates to safety procedures, and open-door communication policies help reinforce the idea that protection is everyone’s responsibility.
Supervisors should also be trained to recognize warning signs, such as workers ignoring PPE requirements or equipment that’s due for inspection. Being proactive instead of reactive keeps a job site running efficiently and safely. This commitment builds trust and contributes to lower injury rates, fewer lost workdays, and higher morale overall.
Regarding job site safety, employers must protect workers from struck-by hazards by taking responsibility for prevention, preparation, and response. If you’ve been hurt on the job in Minnetonka, don’t face the process without trusted support.
Let the Schmidt & Salita Law Team help you understand your options, protect your claim, and fight for what you’re owed. Call (952) 473-4530 today for a free consultation.
Dean Salita is a seasoned Personal Injury lawyer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in workplace injuries and occupational diseases like asbestos-related illnesses. He’s the chair of the Minnesota Association for Justice Workers’ Compensation section and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer with an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Dean is dedicated to providing personal, compassionate legal support to his clients, guiding them through trials and the legal process.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Dean M. Salita, with more than 30 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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