Are you aware of the most dangerous safety hazards in the construction industry? Known as the "Fatal Four" or "Focus Four," these hazards—falls, electrocution, struck-by incidents, and caught-in/between situations—are responsible for a significant portion of workplace injuries and fatalities. Beyond the human cost, these hazards also impose financial burdens, including substantial workers’ compensation claims.
The Cost of Focus Four Hazards
According to the 2024 Workplace Safety Index by Liberty Mutual, some of these hazards rank among the top 10 causes of severe workplace injuries, with annual costs to employers including:
- Falls to a lower level: $5.68 billion
- Struck by objects or equipment: $5.55 billion
- Caught in or compressed by equipment: $2.05 billion
Here’s a closer look at each hazard and strategies for prevention: Caught-in or Between Hazards
These incidents involve workers being trapped or crushed by equipment, structures, or collapsing materials. While they may seem similar to struck-by hazards, caught-in or between injuries typically result in crushing rather than impact. Examples include trench cave-ins, scaffold collapses, or being pinned between equipment and a fixed object.
Key Risks Include:
- Trench collapses and excavation cave-ins
- Unguarded machinery or power tools
- Workers being pinned between moving equipment and solid structures
OSHA Action:
OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on trenching and excavation has led to targeted inspections. Fatalities from trench collapses dropped nearly 70% between 2022 and 2024, underscoring the effectiveness of enforcement and awareness efforts.
Employer Responsibilities:
- Use protective systems for trenches and scaffolding
- Guard moving parts on machinery
- Assign a competent person to oversee site safety
Electrocution Hazards
Electrical injuries can result in burns, shocks, arc flashes, and even fatal electrocutions. Hazards include contact with overhead power lines, damaged wires, and improper use of extension cords.
Electrical injuries can result in burns, shocks, arc flashes, and even fatal electrocutions. Hazards include contact with overhead power lines, damaged wires, and improper use of extension cords.
Preventative Measures Include:
- Ensuring proper grounding and using GFCI protection
- Implementing lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures
- Training workers to avoid contact with overhead power lines
Falls
Falls continue to lead OSHA's list of most frequently cited violations. In FY 2024, over 6,300 violations were recorded under the fall protection standard. Despite efforts, falls remain a leading cause of fatalities in construction.
Falls continue to lead OSHA's list of most frequently cited violations. In FY 2024, over 6,300 violations were recorded under the fall protection standard. Despite efforts, falls remain a leading cause of fatalities in construction.
Real-World Incidents:
- A worker fell 60 feet during the demolition of a Brooklyn building, resulting in OSHA penalties exceeding $374,000.
- A skylight incident in Georgia led to severe injuries and a $61,065 OSHA fine for the employer.
Solutions:
- Provide effective fall arrest systems
- Regularly inspect worksites for fall risks
- Train workers on proper use of fall protection equipment
Struck-by Hazards
These involve workers being hit by flying, falling, swinging, or rolling objects. Unlike caught-in hazards, struck-by injuries result solely from impact. Common risks include accidents involving heavy machinery, unsecured tools, or collapsing materials.
These involve workers being hit by flying, falling, swinging, or rolling objects. Unlike caught-in hazards, struck-by injuries result solely from impact. Common risks include accidents involving heavy machinery, unsecured tools, or collapsing materials.
Prevention Strategies:
- Provide adequate training and personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Ensure rigging equipment is properly rated and inspected
- Implement wearable technology to alert workers of nearby equipment
Addressing Workplace Health Hazards
Beyond the physical risks, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) has identified major health concerns in construction:
Beyond the physical risks, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) has identified major health concerns in construction:
- Manual material handling: Leading to musculoskeletal disorders.
- Noise exposure: Increasing risks of hearing loss.
- Air contaminants: Potentially causing respiratory illnesses and long-term health effects.
- Heat stress: Leading to heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
Employers can mitigate these risks by investing in safer tools, implementing engineering controls, and providing rest breaks, hydration, and proper PPE.
Understanding and addressing the Fatal Four hazards can significantly reduce workplace injuries and fatalities in construction. By adhering to OSHA standards, investing in employee training, and implementing proactive safety measures, employers can create safer work environments while minimizing financial risks.
Explore more about general construction safety resources to ensure your team stays protected.