What is the OSHA Fatal Four?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified four types of workplace accidents that account for the majority of construction worker fatalities. These accidents are known as the OSHA Fatal Four. They include:

• Falls
• Electrocutions
• Being struck by an object
• Caught-in/between hazards

Each of these accidents can have deadly consequences if not prevented or mitigated correctly.

What You Should Know About The OSHA Fatal Four

Falls

Falls are one of the most common causes of death in the construction industry, accounting for a little under 40 percent of all deaths. Most falls occur due to a lack of fall protection equipment or failure to use it correctly. Employers need to ensure that their employees are properly trained on how to use their safety gear, such as harnesses, guardrails, and lifelines.

Additionally, workers should be provided with appropriate protective equipment for every job they do at height and be aware of any potential fall hazards.

Electrocutions

Electrocutions account for over 7 percent of work-related deaths in the construction industry and are often caused by exposure to live wires or poorly insulated equipment. It’s essential that employers maintain all electrical systems regularly in order to prevent electrical accidents from occurring on-site. All personnel should also be properly trained on how to stay safe when working with electricity so that they can recognize potential dangers before it’s too late.

Struck By Objects

Being struck by an object accounts for another 15 percent of deaths in the construction industry, making it one of the most dangerous occupations out there. Properly training employees on using tools safely is key in preventing these types of incidents from happening on your job site.

Additionally, workers should always wear protective gear such as safety glasses or hard hats when necessary, especially when working near heavy machinery or large objects that could cause injury if they were dropped or dislodged in any way.

Caught-in/Between Hazards

Caught-in/between hazards refers to situations where a worker gets trapped between two objects or pieces of equipment, such as large rocks or heavy machinery; this type of accident accounts for over 5 percent of all workplace fatalities in the construction industry. Employers must always provide appropriate safety measures for workers who will be operating heavy machinery or performing tasks around moving parts, such as guards and warning signage, whenever applicable. Workers should also remain vigilant while performing tasks near hazardous equipment and take extra precautions like wearing gloves and steel-toe boots if needed.

The OSHA Fatal Four accidents account for a significant portion of fatalities among construction workers each year—which is why it’s so important to make sure that proper precautions are taken by both employers and employees alike in order to mitigate these risks on job sites! Employers need to ensure that their workers are properly trained on how to identify potential hazards and use safety equipment correctly; meanwhile, employees need to stay alert at all times while performing tasks around potentially dangerous conditions so that injuries can be avoided altogether.

Finding Justice After a Workplace Accident with Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A.

At Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A., workers who have been injured on the job or lost a loved one due to an accident may be able to pursue compensation for their losses. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and fight for justice on your behalf. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you believe that you or someone you care about has been the victim of a workplace accident. We are here to help you get the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at (888) 499-6206 for a free consultation.