Four Leading Causes of Death in Construction Accidents
The ‘Fatal Four’ named by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), are responsible for over 60% of all accidents that result in a construction worker’s death.
While governed by strict OSHA safety standards, compliance failures and improper safety initiatives result in these 4 leading causes of death.
The Fatal Four:
- Falls
- Struck by an Object
- Electrocution
- Trapped in Between / by an Object
A 2015 OSHA report determined out of 4,300 fatalities about 21% or 1 in 5 deaths were in the construction sector. Reducing or eliminating the “Fatal Four” can save more than 600 lives per year in the US!
- Falls — 39% of total deaths in construction (364 our of 937 deaths in 2015)
- Struck by Object – Almost 10% or 90 deaths
- Electrocutions – 9% or 81 deaths as a result of electrocution
- Caught-in/between equipment or job site objects – 7% or 67 deaths in 2015 study
Top OSHA Violation Citations Contributing to Fatal Four
Of the top 10 OSHA violation citations in 2016, several can easily be identified as contributing factors to the Fatal 4. Violations occurred in the following areas:
- Fall protection
- Hazard communication standard
- Scaffolding, general requirements
- Control of hazardous energy (lock out/tag out)
- Ladders
- Electrical, wiring methods, components and equipment
- Electrical systems design, general requirements
Proper safety initiatives and safety training are absolutely critical in any workplace, but exponentially important in the construction industry. Hardworking men and women should expect safety on any job site!
What to do if you were injured or a loved one was killed
If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a construction job or was killed as the result of an accident at work – You must contact me immediately. Having an experienced personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney is critical. From medical care to living expenses and more – Your rights will be protected and we will fight for the justice you deserve.
I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over four decades, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities. You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 877.944.4373.