Construction workers face several hazards when they’re doing their job duties on a daily basis. While the risks vary from one job to the next, there are four that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has dubbed the “Fatal Four.” These four types of incidents cause the vast majority of construction worker deaths each year.
Companies should focus heavily on these four types of accidents, but they can’t neglect others that might occur.
- Falls: Falls are No. 1 on the list of fatal accidents in this industry. They account for around 36.5% of deaths.
- Struck by an object: This is number two on the list with around 10.1% of deaths being attributed to this cause.
- Electrocutions: Around 8.6% of fatalities are due to electrocutions.
- Caught in or between: Being caught in or between objects leads to around 2.5% of deaths.
Having a proper safety plan in place can prevent many of these accidents. New workers should be briefed on the safety procedures, even if they’ve been in the industry for a long time. Additionally, all workers should have refreshers about them. The onus falls squarely on the employer to keep workers safe, so the more comprehensive the plan is, the better.
Workers who suffer injuries due to any of these types of accidents should be covered by workers’ compensation. They should file a claim to get the benefits they’re due. If a worker is killed in one of these accidents, their spouse or next of kin can seek benefits. Working with an attorney is beneficial due to the complexities of the workers’ compensation system.