Fatal Four: In the construction industry, certain hazards are responsible for the majority of worker fatalities. These life-threatening risks continue to impact job sites, despite advancements in safety protocols. Understanding these dangers and how to prevent them is essential for protecting workers and creating a safer work environment.
Fatal Four
OSHA’s Fatal Four Hazards include:
- Fall Hazards
- Struck-By Hazards
- Caught-In/Caught-Between Hazards
- And, Electrocution Hazards
Fall Hazards
Fall hazards are a common cause of fatal accidents in construction. Falls can be prevented by following proper safety procedures, such as:
- Wear and use personal fall arrest systems
- Install and maintain perimeter protection
- Cover and secure floor openings and label floor opening covers
- And, use ladders and scaffolds safely
Struck-By Hazards
Struck-by hazards can include incidents where workers are hit by falling or flying objects. To prevent these hazards, never position yourself between moving and fixed objects, and wear high visibility clothing near equipment and vehicles. High-visibility clothing helps ensure that other workers and equipment operators can easily spot your location, enhancing safety on the job site.
When working at heights where falling objects may be a hazard, secure the area below and limit access to reduce the risk of being struck by debris or falling objects.
Caught-In/Caught-Between Hazards
These hazards include incidents where workers may become trapped between objects or caught in hazardous situations.
Caught-In Example: A worker’s hand gets caught in the moving parts of a conveyor belt.
Caught-Between Example: A worker is trapped between a moving piece of heavy machinery and a stationary object.
Prevention methods can be implemented to reduce these hazards, including:
- Never enter an unprotected trench or excavation 5 feet or deeper without an adequate protective system in place
- Use protective systems, if needed, on trenches or excavations less than 5 feet deep
- Wear high visibility clothing
- Install protective barriers to block off hazardous zones
- And, follow Lockout Tagout (LOTO) procedures when working with moving parts
Electrocution Hazards
These hazards include incidents involving contact with electricity. Electrocution hazards can be prevented by implementing safe work procedures, including:
- Locate and identify utilities prior to starting work
- Look for overhead power lines when operating equipment
- Maintain a safe distance from powerlines; learn safe distance requirements
- Use Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) for protection
- And, be alert to electrical hazards when using ladders, scaffolds, and other platforms
Training
The Construction Focus Four Training includes lesson plans on each of the focus four hazards. Training can help workers understand what precautions to take to reduce or eliminate hazards associated with OSHA’s Fatal Four.
Importance
Understanding OSHA’s Fatal Four can help employers and safety professionals prioritize the most critical risks and implement targeted measures to prevent these fatal incidents. By addressing and understanding these hazards, you can improve the overall safety culture, reduce workplace injuries, and help the business comply with safety regulations.
Conclusion
The Fatal Four represent the most significant safety risks in the construction industry, but they are preventable with the right precautions and mindset. By understanding the hazards associated with falls, struck-by objects, electrocutions, and caught-in or caught-between accidents, employers and workers can take proactive steps to mitigate these dangers. Implementing proper safety measures, training, and equipment safeguards can save lives and prevent injuries.