Man on floor in construction site wearing vest in pain with man crouching in vest and helmet there to help. A probable "fatal 4" accident.

What Are The “Fatal 4” In Construction Sites? 

It’s safe to say that construction isn’t the safest profession. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), over 20% of workplace accidents happen in this industry. Each year, millions of construction laborers sustain long-term injuries that leave them unable to work. If this happens to you, know that you can get compensated for your losses.

What Is OSHA’s “Fatal 4” And How To Avoid Them

While the accidents associated with construction jobs are numerous, OSHA reports that a few main types of accidents cause the most injuries and deaths. Also known as the “Fatal Four,” they are responsible for over 60% of construction fatalities yearly.

To avoid becoming a victim of these accidents, here are a few more details about each one:

Falls

Falls are the most common accident construction workers have on the job, and according to the CDC, they account for roughly a third of all construction injuries. Most happen due to workers falling into holes or sides without protection, failing to use safety gear properly, or ignoring safety procedures while using a ladder or scaffolding.

To prevent falling on the job, a worker should always review the construction site’s blueprint and keep an eye out for any dangerous areas where a fall may happen. Before starting the workday, you should also ensure that your safety equipment, such as harnesses, is working correctly and ready to use.

Getting Stuck By An Object

Struck-by accidents happen when an object directly hits you and causes an injury. OSHA has four distinct categories for struck-bys, including:

  • Falling objects
  • Swinging objects
  • Rolling objects
  • Flying objects

Regardless of how it happens, these injuries can be hazardous and happen when you least expect it. For this reason, OSHA requires workers to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times and check to see if any on-site equipment meets the safety requirements before using it.

Caught-Between Or Caught-In

There are specific construction projects where you’ll have to work between two solid structures. However, a caught-in accident can happen anytime and leave you stranded if you aren’t careful.

Setting up proper protection for the site and ensuring all heavy machinery isn’t’ moving while you’re in between them is crucial to avoid an accident from happening. Also, excavation sites must have the proper safety systems or benching before working in those areas.

Electrocutions

Electrocutions account for over 8% of construction accidents. Just one exposed wire or misuse of an extension cord can lead to deadly burns and even death.

Before you start working, be aware of any electrical wires and power lines on the site. You should also ensure that the appropriate ground fault protection is in place to help shut off the electricity if there is a problem.

Our Lawyers Will Help You Win Your Claim

Working in construction can be much riskier than other lines of work. With a high percentage of accidents each year, you have a higher chance of falling victim to the “Fatal 4” if you aren’t careful. But as long as you follow OSHA’s safety precautions each time you start work, you can always stay safe.

Have you been seriously injured at your job? Our workers’ compensation lawyers are here to help you win compensation for any damages. Please contact us using our website’s online form, or call us at (800) 469-7429 to schedule your free case review today.