Construction sites are dangerous. From falls to equipment accidents, employees are constantly at risk. Still, the majority of construction accidents are avoidable. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), eliminating the 4 most common construction accidents would save almost 600 lives every year.
What Are Construction’s “Fatal Four?”
OSHA refers to the 4 most common construction site accidents as the “Fatal Four.” These accidents were responsible for 58.6% of construction worker fatalities in 2018.
The “Fatal Four” includes:
- Falls
- Being struck by an object
- Electrocutions
- Caught-in/between accidents – being caught-in or compressed by equipment or objects and struck, caught, or crushed in a collapsing structure, equipment, or material
Keep reading for more information about each type of accident.
Falls
Construction workers often complete their job duties from great heights, such as scaffolding, rooftops, and ladders. Any fall from this height can be fatal or lead to serious injuries. Even slips, trips, and falls on the ground can cause broken bones, sprains, and other injuries.
Being Struck By An Object
Just like people, tools, building materials, and other supplies can fall from high places. If these objects hit someone on the ground, they can cause serious injuries or death. Workers may also be hit by vehicles or simply struck by a stray object that is not stored properly and is heavy enough to cause harm.
Electrocutions
During construction, structures often feature exposed wires and unfinished electrical systems. Sometimes, there are even downed power lines on or around the construction site. If a construction worker encounters one of these hazardous situations, the results can be catastrophic.
Caught-in/Between
When working in unstable structures, such as trenches or unfinished buildings, construction workers run the risk of being crushed or entrapped. Construction workers can also get stuck between building materials or have accidents involving equipment.
Whether a tractor tips over with a construction worker inside or a structure gives out, caught-in/between accidents can lead to devastating injuries and losses.
What If I Get Hurt on the Job?
If you work in construction, you are exposed to countless risks. Your employer and all the third parties you work with should help keep you safe from these risks. If they do not, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation or a third-party negligence claim.
Recovering from a workplace accident and injury is not easy, but our attorneys at Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC can help.
Whether you were harmed by one of the “Fatal Four” or another construction site accident, call us at (843) 968-0886 to discuss your legal options today.
You can also contact us online to schedule a free case review with our experienced trial attorneys.
We’ve been helping clients since 1999, and we want to help you, too – call or click to put 125 years of combined legal experience on your side.