Module 4

Struck-By/CaughtBetween
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DISCLAIMER
This material was produced under
grant number SH-22248-1 from the
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, U.S. Department of
Labor. It does not necessarily
reflect the views or policies of the
U.S. Department of Labor, nor does
mention of trade names,
commercial products, or
organizations imply endorsement
by the U.S. Government.
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Objectives
After this module you should be
able to
identify the most common struck-by
and caught-between hazards
take the necessary steps to avoid
those hazards

First, Lets Talk About

Struck-Bys

A struck-by is an accident in which

any part of the body is struck by an
object that is in motion, whether
moving, swinging, flying, falling,
etc.

Struck-By Hazards

Site clearing
Moving pipe and casing
Using tongs and spinning chain
Falling overhead objects
Working around mobile equipment
Loads being moved
Improper use of hand tools
Whipping pressurized lines
Using elevators
Using turnbuckles and load strapping
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Tree Felling Struck-Bys

Figure out the best felling direction

Plan, clear, and use an escape path
Figure out the proper hinge size
Use proper controlled felling techniques
Maintain safe separation distances from
other workers or machines
Wear required PPE

Danger!

Tree felling requires special training!

while the rig is being set up at the site,

workers can get struck by a crane, load,
truck, forklift, tool, etc.

its important that the worker is knowledgeable of

the hazards present and is aware at all times of 7

a worker can get struck by

moving, swinging, or falling
drill pipe

stand clear of this area

when pipe is being lifted to
the rig floor

while tripping in/out, a

worker can get struck by
tongs or spinning chain

always determine and stand clear of the

swing radius of these items when possible

10

if connections break free, high-pressure

lines and hoses can quickly become
struck-by hazards

ensure that lines and hoses are properly

secured, connections are not worn, and whip-

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a small crack or other damage

to a hand tool can cause a
struck-by incident

Corrective Actions: inspect

tools before use; take defective

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cable used to rig this load up

may suddenly snap, slicing
anything in its path

as much as possible, stand

clear of the cable while it is

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a tool stuck through the middle of a

turnbuckle to tighten it can kick back
and strike you

use a crescent wrench at

one end of the turnbuckle

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this load could shift or fall

suddenly striking or falling
on the worker

Corrective Action: a tag line would

be ideal here; take the time to set one

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this is another example

of where a tag line
should be used

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if they attached the tag line to the load rather

than the rigging, these employees would be
correctly using a tag line

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while working at heights, if you loose

your grip on a tool, it could fall onto a
worker or equipment

use a device like this or

simply use a tail rope to

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Now, Caught-Betweens
A caught-between is an accident in
which the whole body or part of the
body is pinched or crushed
between objects.

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Caught-Between
Hazards

Moving pipe and casing

Using tongs and spinning chain
Working around mobile equipment
Unguarded moving parts
Working under suspended loads
Improper use of hand tools
Wearing loose clothing
Improper handling of slips or elevators

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crushing hazards
can exist when
setting up the rig

always stand clear; keep hands and other

body parts away

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while tripping in/out, a worker

can get caught between tongs
or spinning chain

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workers fingers or hands

can get smashed when
setting the slips

always keep hands on the

handles

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workers hands or thumbs can

get caught between the elevator
and the stump

always place hands on designated

handles
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this worker is cutting

through a bad spot while
the truck is moving

Corrective Actions: never take chances

like this when the space is this limited;

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always use a spotter

when what is behind you
cannot be seen

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belt and pulleys of machines are common

pinch points

ensure that the guarding is installed; do

not place hands in the area while
machine is operating

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choking up on tools and

smashing fingers is very
common

the first 6 of this handle is painted red

to indicate that hands should not be
placed there

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this employee is using

proper hand placement
on a sledge

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hands and fingers can get

caught while maneuvering
stands of pipe

what can a worker do to keep

hands from getting pinched

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this worker is using a tag line,

keeping his hands free from
crushing hazards

Warning!
when your hands get to the
end of the tagline, there should

The next slide

contains graphic
content.

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heres what could

happen

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Corrective Action: do what needs

to be done before the load is
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Your Employer Is
Responsible For

Providing appropriate PPE and

other appropriate safety
equipment
Providing tag lines and tail ropes
Ensure equipment is properly
guarded
Replacing tools that are worn or
damaged

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You Are Responsible

For

Wearing the appropriate PPE

Operating and working around
mobile equipment carefully,
keeping in mind that such
equipment has blind spots
Using caution when working
around potential struck-by or
caught-between hazards

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Case Study
Because the company failed to do
inspections, the crown sheave
shaft came out of one of its mounts
releasing the sheaves, the drilling
line, and 165,000-pound drillstring. These components fell to
the drilling floor killing two
workers.

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Case Study
A dump truck driver was
attempting to repair a leaking
brake line. When the hydraulics
failed, the dump bed came down
and pinned him to the chassis. He
died from extensive internal
bleeding shortly after EMS
unpinned him.

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Always Remember
Secure or remove any loose
equipment before setting up or
breaking down a rig
Be aware of and do not enter the
swing radius of tongs and/or spinning
chain
Take damaged tools out of service
Dont choke up on tools
Never work under a suspended load
Ensure machine guarding is in place
Never wear loose clothing
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Memory Check
1. How should a person on the
ground control a suspended load
being moved?
a.
b.
c.
d.

use a pole with a hook on the end

grab the rigging
grab only the load
use a tag line

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Memory Check
2. Which of the following is NOT a
step in controlling pressurized
lines?
a. install whip checks
b. match thread and size of
connections
c. test connection by running an
extremely high pressure through
the line
d. ensure connections are not worn or
damaged
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Memory Check
3. How many seconds is it
acceptable to stand under a
suspended load?
a.
b.
c.
d.

0
1
2
3

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