According to OSHA, there are four specific types of hazards that are the leading causes of death for construction workers. These are known as the fatal four, and they comprise falls, electrocutions, struck-by incidents, and caught-in/between incidents. Understanding what they are and how to avoid them is essential for survival on a construction site.
Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S., leading to a rise in construction worker accident claims. Workers and their families deserve to understand their rights when the worst happens.
The Fatal Four and How They Can Be Prevented
Here are the leading accidents in the construction industry and tips on preventing them:
Falls
Falls are the most common cause of death on construction sites, and the numbers are alarming. These accidents usually happen because of a few key issues, such as unguarded edges, unprotected floor openings, or improper use of ladders and scaffolding. Even something as simple as working without a harness at six feet off the ground can turn deadly in seconds.
Here’s how you can avoid fatal falls:
- Use personal fall arrest systems and make sure they’re anchored correctly.
- Install guardrails, safety nets, and covers where required.
- Keep walking and working surfaces dry and free from holes.
- Train everyone to recognize fall hazards and how to use safety gear.
Electrocution
Electrocution is the second most common cause of death in construction and one of the most unpredictable. These incidents typically happen when workers come into contact with live wires, overhead power lines, or faulty equipment.
In many cases, the danger isn’t visible until it’s too late. A frayed extension cord, an improperly grounded tool, or a metal ladder placed too close to power lines can turn an ordinary workday into a fatal one.
Here’s how to prevent electrocution:
- Always identify and de-energize live wires before beginning work.
- Use insulated tools and proper PPE.
- Maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines.
- Make sure licensed electricians install and maintain temporary wiring.
Struck-By Incidents:
Struck-by incidents happen when a worker is hit by an object, whether it’s falling, flying, swinging, or rolling. These incidents might not sound as dramatic as falls or electrocutions, but they’re just as deadly. They often involve tools dropped from scaffolding, debris kicked loose from rooftops, or materials falling off poorly loaded trucks.
On busy sites where cranes, forklifts, and power tools are everywhere, these risks are constant. In many cases, the injuries come from being hit in the head or upper body, leading to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or even death. Nail guns, grinders, and drills can send objects flying at high speeds.
Cranes can swing loads suddenly if not properly controlled. Even a simple miscommunication can result in someone standing in the wrong place at the wrong time.
To reduce the risk of these accidents:
- Wear hard hats, always.
- Stay clear of areas where loads are being lifted or machinery is operating.
- Secure tools and materials when working at height.
- Use toe boards and guardrails on scaffolding.
Caught-In/Between
Caught-in or caught-between accidents happen when a worker is trapped, compressed, or crushed between two objects or pieces of equipment. These types of incidents often occur without warning and are almost always serious or fatal.
One common example is trench collapses, where a worker is buried in soil. Others include being pinned between a vehicle and a wall, pulled into machinery, or crushed by shifting materials.
What makes these accidents especially dangerous is that they tend to happen quickly. A worker might be cleaning a machine that suddenly restarts due to a lack of proper lockout/tagout procedures. Or they might be in a trench that wasn’t properly supported when the soil gave way. In both cases, there’s often little or no time to react.
To avoid being caught in between machinery or any dangerous object:
- Never work in an unprotected trench deeper than 5 feet without a protective system.
- Keep clear of moving equipment, and never place yourself between machinery and fixed objects.
- Ensure equipment has proper guards and lockout/tagout procedures in place.
- Stay alert when working around cranes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery.
