Safety is not just the absence of incidents; it is the presence of effective controls. To foster a truly safe environment, we must prioritize the identification and control of job-site hazards, with a deliberate focus on high energy hazards, also known, at some organizations, as Stuff That Could Kill You (STCKY). Eliminating these high energy hazards begins with identifying the hazards associated with the task. The second step is to ensure that controls are implemented prior to beginning work.
Our families depend on us to return home after shift. By understanding and addressing the risks associated with hazardous energy, we can ensure the safety and well-being of all team members.
Focus on High Energy Hazards (STCKY) Recognition
High energy hazards can lead to serious injuries or fatalities if not properly controlled. Recognizing them is crucial for prevention since research has shown that regardless of years of experience or level of expertise, workers only identify 45% of the hazards they face during the work shift. Examples of high energy hazards that are frequently seen on construction sites include:
Motion – Equipment, machinery, trucks, traveling public
Picks & Lifts – Crane work, excavator, loader, forklift lifting or carrying any materials
Falls – Fall from heights, falling objects, materials, and tools
Pinches or Crushes – Conveyor systems, material crushing, moving parts and machinery
Stressed & Tensioned – Release of stored energy, hydraulic, pneumatic, gravity, steam
Shock/Electrical – Power lines, electrical cords, circuit breakers, arc flashes
Toxic & Flammable – Hazardous materials, chemicals, fires
Others – Ask the group to discuss what high energy hazards they work around
The energy wheel has been developed as a tool to assist in the identification of high energy or STCKY hazards. Use this tool during pre-task planning, safety audits, and throughout the day as a resource to help identify high energy hazards. The energy wheel is not something extra you have to do, it is a tool to help us be even more effective at things we are already doing.
Collective Responsibility
Safety is a shared duty across all organizational levels. Everyone must feel empowered to identify hazards and take action to implement controls.
- Encourage open communication with craft professionals about jobsite hazards.
- Focus on high energy hazards throughout the day.
- Ensure that all necessary controls are in place prior to beginning every task, and maintained as needed throughout the work.
