The four leading hazards in the construction industry, described by OSHA are falls, caught in or between, struck by, and electrocution
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2016, the Focus Four Hazards—also called the Fatal Four—were responsible for 64% of all fatalities in the construction sector. (OSHA separately states that 90% of construction fatalities come from these four hazards.) Falls lead the group with 384 out of 991 total deaths (38.7%), followed by struck by object—93 deaths (9.4%); electrocutions—82 deaths (8.3%); and caught in between—72 deaths (7.3%). (The caught-in-between category includes construction workers killed when caught in or compressed by equipment or objects and struck, caught, or crushed in collapsing structures, equipment, or material.) Also in 2016, failure to comply with OSHA’s fall protection regulations topped all other violations cited by the agency. Construction inspections comprise 60% of OSHA’s total inspections.
Common ways that workers are injured or killed by these hazards
Falls
Falls on the same level
Falls from heights
Unprotected sides, edges and holes
Failure to wear and use personal fall arrest systems
Failure to properly use personal fall arrest systems
Slips and trips
Struck by
Falling objects—rigging failure; loose or shifting materials; equipment tip over or malfunction; lack of overhead protection
Vehicle and equipment strikes
Struck by flying objects
Caught in/Caught between
Caught in or compressed by equipment of objects
Trench/excavation collapse
Rotating equipment
Unguarded parts
Collapsing structures or materials
Electrocution
Contact with overhead power lines
Contact with live circuits in panels
Poorly maintained cords and tools
Lack of AR and FR rated clothing
Improper use of AR and FR rated clothing
Comments