What Every Construction Worker Should Know About the Fatal Four

Construction work is among the most hazardous careers in the nation. Every year, many workers get injured and die while performing their jobs. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), most of these deaths result from the “Fatal Four,” which comprises four major hazards.

Knowing the common causes of death in the construction industry will help a worker foresee and understand dangers before they happen. This article outlines the four major hazards that cause the most fatalities on construction sites — and how to reduce risk every day.

1.  Falls: The Leading Killer on Construction Sites

Falls remain the leading cause of death among construction workers. Many occur from ladders, scaffolds, and roofs. But a fall from just one story can be deadly if you land the wrong way.

Most fatal falls happen when workers skip safety harnesses, ignore guardrails, or rush through a task. OSHA requires fall protection anytime you’re working six feet or more above ground. That includes using secure anchor points, proper scaffolding, and stable ladders.

Simple things like checking your gear and keeping walkways clear can save a tragedy, and in that instant, a lifetime of happiness could be snatched away. Always slow down, clip in, and double-check your footing before moving.

2.  Electrocution: The Hidden Hazard

Electricity surrounds construction sites in the form of power lines, tools, and unfinished wiring. It just takes one misstep to turn a typical day at work into a deadly accident. The combination of water and electricity is lethal: even a small puddle can carry enough current to be fatal.

Most deaths from electrocution occur when workers contact overhead lines, damaged cords, or energized panels. Look for overhead power sources before starting work, and be aware of live wires in the area where you will be working. Ensure that all tools are grounded and that cords do not have damaged or frayed insulation.

OSHA recommends that employers train workers to recognize electrical hazards and to de-energize circuits before making repairs. Never assume a line is safe until you’ve tested it yourself or confirmed it’s locked out.

3.  Struck-By Accidents: The Danger You Don’t See Coming

Struck-by accidents occur when a worker is struck by something in motion, such as a swinging board, falling debris, or heavy machinery. These accidents often occur without warning, giving the victim little time to react.

The greatest hazards come from vehicles, cranes, and loaders. You can be struck by moving parts or material that slips loose. Hard hats and safety glasses help, but awareness is your best protection. Stay alert when equipment is operating nearby, and never enter blind spots around vehicles.

4.  Caught-In/Between Accidents: The Silent Threat

Caught-in/between accidents are those that involve a worker being caught between two objects or inside machinery. A typical example is being pinned between a vehicle and a wall. Many of these types of accidents result in death due to the tight spaces and blind spots involved.

Most of these can be prevented if proper training and supervision have taken place. Always keep out of the way of moving vehicles and heavy machinery. Make sure backup alarms are operational, and never stand between equipment and solid surfaces.

Other hazards include trenching. Collapsed trenches are one of the top causes of caught-in deaths. For any excavation deeper than five feet, OSHA requires protective systems such as sloping, shoring, or trench boxes. Taking the time to follow those rules can be the difference between life and death.

Take Away

Construction will always involve risk, but the Fatal Four remind us that most deadly incidents can be prevented with steady awareness and safe habits.

The biggest dangers to watch for are:

• Falls from ladders, roofs, or scaffolds.
• Electrocution from power lines or live wiring.
• Struck-by accidents involving equipment or falling objects.
• Caught-in/between hazards from machinery or trench collapses.

Staying alert and sticking to safety practices every day is what keeps workers alive.