Safety isn’t just a box we check at Ampacity—it’s the foundation of how we operate.
We go beyond industry standards to protect our people, partners, and communities. From proactive risk mitigation and rigorous training to smarter planning and field-ready solutions, safety is built into every decision we make.
For National Construction Safety Week 2026, Ampacity’s safety team is doing a deep dive on five critical safety topics. We’ll share practical insights, lessons learned, and best practices drawn from real-world experience across clean energy projects.
Follow along as we put safety front and center—where it belongs.
“Struck-by” incidents
A “struck-by” incident occurs when a worker is struck by an object, piece of equipment, or vehicle. Struck-by incidents in the field and warehouse are one of the leading causes of injury and death for construction workers. The heavy equipment, moving vehicles, and suspended loads handled in solar work contribute to those risks.
Examples of struck-by incidents in solar construction
Some struck-by incidents that could occur in solar construction include:
- A worker is struck by a swinging torque tube during installation
- A crew member is hit by a forklift reversing in a congested laydown yard
- A module box falls during the offloading process and strikes the spotter
- A pile slips from the sling and hits the ground worker during pile driving
Preventing struck-by incidents
Minimizing struck-by incident risk starts with instituting a few key prevention measures:
- Maintain clear communication between operators and ground personnel
- Establish exclusion zones around moving equipment and suspended loads
- Use spotters and proper signaling for vehicle movement
- Inspect rigging and lifting equipment daily
- Secure all materials to prevent shifting or rolling
Importance of PPE
Using the right personal protective equipment (PPE) is also crucial for keeping workers safe from these struck-by incidents. Workers should always wear high-visibility vests and hard hats to help vehicle operators see them, eye protection to guard against any flying debris, and safety-toe boots to protect feet from dropped objects. Workers should also always stay alert and maintain eye contact with any equipment operators.
If any struck-by incidents, near-misses, or hazards occur, it’s crucial for workers to report them to management immediately to identify any weak spots with room for improvement. All workers should also be aware of stop-work authority—everyone has the right to stop working in the face of unsafe conditions.
FAQs
What is a struck-by incident, and why does it matter in solar construction?
A struck-by incident happens when a worker is hit by an object, vehicle, or piece of equipment. In solar construction, risks include swinging torque tubes, reversing forklifts, falling module boxes, and shifting piles.
How can we prevent struck-by incidents on the job?
Prevention starts with communication and awareness. Establish exclusion zones around moving equipment and suspended loads, use spotters and proper signaling, and inspect rigging daily. Secure all materials to prevent shifting or rolling—and always maintain clear communication between operators and ground crews.
What PPE should I wear to protect against struck-by hazards?
High-visibility vests and hard hats help equipment operators see you. Eye protection guards against flying debris, and safety-toe boots protect your feet from dropped objects. Stay alert, maintain eye contact with operators, and if you spot a hazard or near-miss, report it immediately. Everyone has the right to stop work when conditions feel unsafe.
