I think it is fairly common, particularly when the thing doing the action is non-human and the object of the action is human. You can also use it with two humans when you want to make sure the focus it put on the object and not the subject. Here are some examples: I was hit by a ball. I was bit by the dog. He was tackled by the lineman. (American football) She was chosen by the judges. Hope this helps!

thank you Sara