Struck-by incidents are the 2nd leading cause of death among construction workers, and the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the construction industry.[1] The National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. This year’s Stand-Down took place April 20-24, 2026, but you can hold a mini-Stand-Down any time of year! Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on “Struck-by Hazards” and reinforcing the importance of training and prevention.
Watch Getting Ready for the National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents in Construction: A Webinar (also available with Spanish audio)
A report from CPWR, Struck-by Hazards, Barriers, and Opportunities in the Construction Industry — 2022 Survey Results, explores causes of struck-by injuries; barriers to their prevention; and examines measures to protect workers and barriers to implementing them. Based on these research findings and research on the use of nudges to guide decision-making, CPWR developed a Planning Program to Prevent Struck-by Incidents.
The following are materials developed by CPWR, NIOSH, and the NORA Construction Sector Council to use in support of this initiative.
Stand-Down Materials
- Sphere of Safety Sticker Artwork
- 2023 NIOSH Struck-by Stand-Down Science Blog: Struck-By Injuries in the Construction Sector: Common Hazards, Barriers, and Opportunities to Keep Workers Safe
- Preventing Struck-by Incidents Infographic: English PDF & JPEG; Spanish PDF & JPEG
- Electrical Transmission & Distribution Partnership Infographic on Preventing Struck-by Incidents
- One-page summary of resources on struck-by hazards
- PowerPoint presentation on Struck-by Hazards and the Stand-Down
Dropped Objects
- Toolbox Talks:
- Infographics:
- Webinars & Videos:
- Preventing Struck-by Incidents from Dropped Tools & Other Objects: Recording & PDF of Slides
- Prevención de Incidentes por Atropellos: Zonas de Trabajo, Equipos Pesados e Impacto de Objetos: ver video & descargar presentación
- Hard Hats and Helmets: Keeping Workers Safe (ISEA)
- Preventing Head Injuries webpage
- New! Employer Handout: Selecting Head Protection for Construction Work
Work Zone Safety Resources
- NIOSH Science blog: Using Internal Traffic Control Plans to Prevent Construction Worker Injuries and Fatalities in Work Zones
- Toolbox Talks:
- Infographics:
- STAY ALERT IN WORK ZONES! (English PDF & JPEG, Spanish JPEG)
- OPERATORS! 4 Steps for Work Zone Safety (English PDF & JPEG, Spanish JPEG)
- CONTRACTORS! Work Zone Safety Starts with Your Internal Traffic Control Plan (English PDF & JPEG, Spanish JPEG)
- Head Protection (English PDF & JPEG)
- In 1 Strike You Could Be Out (English PDF & JPEG)
- Webinars:
- Use of Positive Protection Devices for Work Zone Safety: Play Recording / Spanish Audio / Download Presentation
- Developing and Enforcing Internal Traffic Control Plans: Play Recording Spanish Audio Download Presentation
- Preventing Struck-by Incidents in Roadway Work Zones: Recording & PDF of Slides
- Preventing Struck-By Incidents: Learning by Experience: Recording & PDF of Slides
- Prevención de Incidentes por Atropellos: Zonas de Trabajo, Equipos Pesados e Impacto de Objetos: ver video & descargar presentación
- Roadway Safety Alliance Internal Traffic Control Plans
Lift Zone Safety Resources
- NIOSH Science Blog: Preventing Struck-by Injuries in Construction: Lift Zone Safety
- Toolbox Talks:
- Infographics:
- Crane and Lift Zone Safety: Planning for a Safe Lift (English PDF & PNG; Spanish PDF & PNG)
- In 1 Strike You Could Be Out (English PDF & JPEG)
- Struck-by Incidents Are a Leading Cause of Injury in Construction (English PDF & PNG; Spanish PDF & PNG)
- Best Practices for Safe Crane Lifts (English PDF & PNG; Spanish PDF & PNG)
- Struck-by Incidents are the 2nd Leading Cause of Work-Related Death in Construction (English PDF & PNG; Spanish PDF & PNG)
- Webinars:
- What’s the risk? Best Practices to reduce the likelihood of struck-by injuries from heavy equipment and crane activities: Recording & PDF of Slides
- Cranes & Lifting – Avoiding Struck-By Incidents Under the Hook: Recording & PDF of Slides
- Prevención de Incidentes por Atropellos: Zonas de Trabajo, Equipos Pesados e Impacto de Objetos: ver video & descargar presentación
- NIOSH Alert: Crane Tip Overs
Heavy Equipment
- Equipment Recovery Plan Template
- NIOSH Fact Sheet: Preventing Dump Truck-related Injuries and Deaths During Construction – Guidance for Employers
- NIOSH Science Blog: Preventing Stuck-by Fatalities Related to Excavator Quick Couplers, Buckets, and Attachments
- Toolbox Talks:
- NIOSH Workplace Solutions: Preventing Worker Injuries and Deaths from Backing Construction Vehicles and Equipment
- NIOSH Webpage: Construction Equipment Visibility (aka, blind area diagrams)
- Webinars:
- What’s the risk? Best Practices to reduce the likelihood of struck-by injuries from heavy equipment and crane activities: Play Recording & PDF of Slides
- Preventing Struck-By Incidents: Learning by Experience: Play Recording & PDF of Slides
- Prevención de Incidentes por Atropellos: Zonas de Trabajo, Equipos Pesados e Impacto de Objetos: ver video & descargar presentación
Additional CPWR Resources to Prevent Struck-by Incidents
- NEW! Cut-Off Saw Factsheet
- Nail Gun Safety webpage
- Trench Safety webpage
- Toolbox Talks:
- CPWR Data Bulletin: Fatal and Nonfatal Focus Four Injuries in Construction
Additional NIOSH Resources to Prevent Struck-by Incidents
- NIOSH Science Blogs:
- Construction Helmets and Work-Related Traumatic Brain Injury (English, Spanish) (2022)
- Preventing Struck-by Injuries in Construction (2020)
- Media Advisory: 2023 Struck-by Stand-Down
- Trenching and Excavation Webpage
- Nail Gun Safety Webpage
- Aerial lift simulator (boom & scissor lift options)
- State FACE Reports: Highway Work Zones
- NIOSH FACE Reports: Highway Work Zones
