OSHA Fatal Four in Construction

You’ve probably heard of the infamous Fatal Four. You’ve maybe heard them referred to as the OSHA Focus Four or the OSHA Big Four. They’re the same thing. Today we’re going to discuss these Fatal Four in construction specifically. At the foundation of your company’s success is the health and survival of your workforce.

Your employees deserve to be safe. They work hard to give your business the name and reputation you’re proud of. What are the fatal four events? Read on to discover all the details and understand how you can prevent them.

What Are the OSHA Fatal Four?

Let’s talk about the four leading causes of death in the construction industry.

1. Falls
2. Struck-By Accidents
3. Caught-In Accidents
4. Electrocution

If you’re concerned at any point, contact Safety by Design. While you’re reading, you may realize that your workers aren’t as safe as possible. We make that a priority. We’re ready to help you avoid the construction Fatal Four today.

4 Major Construction Hazards and How to Prevent Them

Here’s the OSHA Fatal Four list. We’ll cover what they are, and the best ways to ensure they don’t occur. Let’s focus on eliminating risks.

1. Falls

Avoid fall hazards altogether. These situations can occur when a worker loses their balance or isn’t properly supported.

Here are ways to prevent them:

• Wearing, using, and maintaining your fall protection equipment are paramount.
• All ladders and scaffolding should be inspected and deemed safe. Workers should be trained to use them properly and meet all OSHA scaffolding requirements.
• Perimeter protection should be successfully installed and monitored closely.
• Floor openings should be covered with secure materials and labeled.

Check out our article about fall protection safety tips for more information. We took an in-depth look at dangers while working at height, and we’d love for your team to benefit.

2. Struck-By Accidents

To avoid these accidents, it’s important to understand how to identify these potential situations before they’re in motion. If they’re in motion, your workers must realize how to mitigate.

Here are ways to prevent them:

• Be sure your workers wear highly visible clothing (colors, vests, belts, hats, etc.). They should be seen by everyone in the workplace.
• You nor your workers should position yourself between a fixed object and a moving (or potentially moving) object.

3. Caught-In Accidents

This occurs when an employee is being crushed, squeezed, caught, compressed, or pinched by two or more objects. Recognizing where these accidents can occur is a huge component of worker safety.

Here are ways to prevent them:

• No worker should ever enter unprotected trenches. Excavations 5 feet deep (or deeper) need protective systems in place. Even unstable trenches under 5 feet deep may need these systems. Follow all excavation safety precautions.
• Be aware of which system is best and necessary. Understand shoring, sloping, benching, and shield systems.

4. Electrocution

Avoid lethal levels of electric energy.

Here are ways to prevent it:

• Understand utilities’ locations before work begins.
• Take time to look around. Overhead power lines should not be near operating equipment. You must maintain a safe distance. Learn these OSHA requirements and remain compliant on every project. Use our overhead powerline safety resource for more information.
• Refrain from using portable electric tools. If they are grounded or double insulated, that’s certainly safer.
• Employ ground-fault circuit interrupters for your workers’ protection.
• Power lines aren’t the only issue here. Be aware of other electrical hazards when atop scaffolding, ladders, or other raised platforms.

These construction hazards maybe seem like they would be easily avoidable. But each year, many work environments see accidents that could have been prevented. Take advantage of your resources. Use the Safety By Design safety consulting firm. Your and your workers’ safety is why we exist. Reach out and see how we can assist you in creating the safest workplace for your company.

Contact Safety By Design to Help Prevent The OSHA Big Four

Year after year, the industry sees these Fatal Four construction accidents happening. And year after year, we hope to see fewer issues. These fatalities can be prevented.

Often, they’re the results of carelessness. But sometimes, it’s due to lack of training. Workers should be reminded regularly of the risks on the job. They should understand company policy and procedures. Most importantly, they should implement this knowledge on the job.

Perhaps you’re taking safety for granted. Maybe you take unnecessary risks all the time. Keep your employees actively alert – their lives may depend on it.

Use Safety by Design’s Houston safety training to ensure you’re Fatal Four OSHA compliant. We understand those requirements. Our team can assess your workers and their environment. You’ll meet with organization, effective design, and a safer atmosphere for your workers.

Contacting us today is a step in the right – and safest – direction.