What Are the Fatal Four Causes of Fatal Construction Accidents?

Construction workers are more at risk for serious injury or death than laborers in other occupations. Statistics compiled by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) show that around 20 percent of 2019 fatal private-sector workplace accidents occurred in the construction industry. That means 1,061 construction workers lost their lives on the job that year. (Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries)

Here at The Law Offices of Aaron Allison, we represent injured construction workers, so we understand the dangers they face. To protect construction workers, employers and other workers need to understand what led to these tragedies and create safety measures to stop them. The following information can help achieve that goal.

The Common Causes of Fatal Construction Accidents

When it comes to fatal construction accidents, there are certain causes that happen more often than others. OSHA recognized this fact and created a list of the four most common fatal causes of construction accidents. This list includes:

1. Falls. The most common cause of fatal workplace accidents is falling. Around 36.5 percent of fatal workplace accidents in the construction industry were the result of falls.
2. Struck by objects. Falling objects can often cause fatal accidents. OSHA statistics show that being “struck by an object” accounts for 10.1 percent of fatal construction incidents.
3. Electrocution. Construction workers can come into contact with deadly amounts of electricity. Electrocutions are the cause of 8.6 percent of construction industry fatalities.
4. Caught in-between objects. Some fatal construction accidents occur when workers are caught in-between objects, machinery or structures. This type of accident accounted for 2.5 percent of construction deaths.

These causes are known as OSHA’s “Fatal Four”, but the agency has also released measures to mitigate these dangers.

1. Prevent falls by wearing proper fall arrest gear, install perimeter protection, cover/secure floor openings and safely utilize scaffolding and ladders.

2. Prevent object strikes by wearing high visibility clothing and avoid getting caught between moving and fixed objects.

3. Prevent shocks by knowing where live utilities are nearby, maintain a safe distance from energized sources, watch for overhead powerlines when operating machinery, use grounded tools and use GFCI plugs.

4. Prevent getting caught between objects by protecting excavations with sloping, shoring, benching or trench shields. You should avoid entering any trenches unprotected by these measures.

Are There Other Dangers Construction Workers Need to Know About?

Another danger not addressed in OSHA’s “Fatal Four” is motor-vehicle accidents. These incidents also play a major role in accidents across all workplaces. Construction vehicles and onsite vehicles are vulnerable to the same roadway hazards as every other passenger vehicle. Avoiding distracted drivers, intoxicated drivers, and fatigued drivers is important. Zones where vehicles will be operating or passing through need to be marked.

To learn more about other dangers that could affect your construction site, check out this list of OSHA’s most frequent citations.

Can Construction Workers Receive Compensation for Accidents?

Construction workers may have several options to recovering compensation for workplace injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits can help pay for medical bills, lost income and potentially other expenses caused by injuries. In addition, it may be possible to file a lawsuit against an employer or a third party. Even in the event of a wrongful death, the families of these workers still have legal options.

You can contact Austin construction accident attorney Aaron Allison to determine which options may be available for your situation. Our law office offers free initial consultations, so call (512) 474–8346 or use our online case review form.