Workplace fatalities, particularly in the construction industry, are a major concern. In this article, we address the four primary hazards identified by OSHA as the leading causes of fatalities in construction. These hazards, known as the “Fatal Four,” significantly contribute to the overall number of fatalities in the construction sector. Understanding and mitigating these risks are essential steps towards improving safety outcomes in the construction industry.
The Significance of Construction’s “Fatal Four”
The construction industry is characterized by its high incidence of workplace fatalities, with over 22% of worker fatalities in the United States occurring in this sector. Alarmingly, nearly 60% of these fatalities are attributed to what OSHA has identified as the “Fatal Four” hazards.
Effectively addressing these hazards can substantially reduce the overall number of workplace fatalities in the construction industry.
Let’s dive deeper into each of these hazards and explore strategies for mitigating their impact on worker safety.
What Are the “Fatal Four” in Construction?
The “Fatal Four” hazards, listed in order of their contribution to fatalities in construction according to the most recent OSHA data, are as follows:
Falls (33%)
Struck-by-object (11%)
Electrocutions (8-9%)
Caught-in and/or caught-between (5-6%)
“Fatal Four” Hazard 1: Falls
Falls account for more fatalities in construction than all other “Fatal Four” hazards combined. These incidents can occur in various scenarios, including working on roofs, ladders, scaffolds, or near floor openings.
Key Fall Hazards in Construction:
Leading edges
Overhead bricklaying
Roofing work
Residential construction activities
Walking and working surfaces
Hoist areas
Holes
Ramps and runways
Excavations
Equipment
Wall openings
Effective Fall Hazard Controls:
Guard rail systems
Safety net systems
Personal fall arrest systems
Positioning device systems
Fall restraint systems
Warning line systems
Controlled access zones
Safety monitoring systems
Toeboards
Canopies
Workplace Training for Falls:
Employers should provide comprehensive training on fall prevention measures, including proper use of fall protection equipment, hazard identification, and safe work practices when working at heights.
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Struck-by incidents occur when individuals experience forcible contact with objects or equipment. These hazards can be further categorized into various types, including struck-by flying, falling, swinging, or rolling objects.
Examples of Struck-by Hazards:
Worker hit from above by falling bricks during construction
Workers struck by vehicles while working near highways
Workers injured by heavy objects falling during construction activities
Preventive Measures:
Never hang objects over guardrails
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment at all times
Inspect tools and equipment
Properly stack and store objects
Workplace Training for Struck-by-Object Hazards:
Training should focus on awareness of surroundings, proper storage of materials, and safe handling practices to reduce the risk of being struck by objects.
Electrocution ranks as the third-leading cause of fatalities among the “Fatal Four” hazards in construction. This hazard encompasses exposure to lethal electrical energy, resulting in burns, shock, arc flash, fire, or explosions.
Major Electrocution Hazards in Construction:
Contact with power lines
Contact with energized sources
Improper use of extension and flexible cords
Preventive Measures:
Maintaining a safe distance from overhead power lines
Using ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)
Inspecting portable tools and extension cords
Following lockout/tagout procedures
Workplace Training for Electrocution Hazards:
Training should cover electrical safety protocols, including proper use of equipment, identification of electrical hazards, and emergency response procedures in case of electrical accidents.
“Fatal Four” Hazard 4: Caught-in or Caught-between
Caught-in or caught-between hazards involve individuals being squeezed, crushed, or compressed between objects or machine parts. These incidents often result from inadequate machine guarding or unsafe work practices.
Common Caught-in or Caught-between Hazards:
Machinery with unguarded moving parts
Workers being buried or pinned between objects
Strangulation due to clothing entanglement in machinery
Risk Mitigation Strategies:
Properly guarding hazardous machines
Ensuring secure support for machinery
Implementing safe practices on excavation sites
Workplace Training for Caught-in or Caught-between Hazards:
Training should focus on proper use of machinery, awareness of pinch points, and procedures for safely working around heavy equipment and machinery.
Vector Solutions is your partner in promoting workplace safety and preventing fatalities. With our comprehensive suite of safety training and management solutions, we empower construction companies to create safer work environments and protect their most valuable asset—their employees.
Our Learning Management System (LMS) provides access to a vast library of online construction safety training courses, covering essential topics such as fall prevention, hazard identification, and electrical safety.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Partner with Vector Solutions today to strengthen your organization’s safety culture and prevent workplace fatalities. Explore our solutions now and take the first step towards a safer tomorrow.
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