What Are the Fatal Four Construction Accidents?
The Fatal Four construction accidents, as defined by OSHA, include falls, being struck by objects, electrocution, and getting caught in or between equipment or materials. These types of accidents account for the majority of fatalities in the construction industry, and they highlight the critical importance of safety protocols on job sites. OSHA’s statistics show that these four hazards are responsible for nearly 60% of all construction worker deaths.
1. Falls: The Leading Cause of Construction Worker Deaths
Falls account for nearly 37% of construction worker fatalities, making it the most common type of fatal accident. This includes falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or even unfinished buildings. The danger of falling is present in nearly every aspect of construction work, particularly when workers are at elevated heights.
2. Struck-By Accidents: The Silent Killer
Being struck by objects—whether falling materials or moving equipment—represents about 8% of construction worker deaths. This type of accident can occur when tools or materials are improperly secured or when heavy machinery is operated too close to workers. A struck-by accident could involve anything from a worker being hit by falling debris to being injured by moving equipment or vehicles on site.
3. Electrocution: The Hidden Danger
Electrocution is responsible for about 8% of construction worker fatalities. This type of accident often occurs when workers come into contact with live electrical wires or faulty equipment. Common causes of electrocution include exposed wiring, failure to de-energize equipment before working on it, and improper grounding of electrical systems.
4. Getting Caught In or Between Equipment or Materials
Workers getting caught in or between equipment or materials represent about 5% of construction worker fatalities. This category includes accidents where a worker is trapped or pinned between machinery, vehicles, or structural components of a building. These accidents can occur when equipment malfunctions, materials collapse, or workers are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The Importance of Safety Protocols
Understanding the Fatal Four construction accidents—falls, struck-by accidents, electrocution, and getting caught in or between materials—is essential for reducing fatalities and injuries on construction sites. These accidents can often be prevented through proper safety measures, training, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
By ensuring that workers are provided with the necessary tools and training to work safely, we can mitigate the risks associated with the Fatal Four and help prevent these devastating accidents from happening.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable for Fatal Construction Accidents
If you were injured in a construction accident in Queens, the personal injury accident lawyers at Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. are ready to fight for your rights. Call us today at (718) 550-5738 for a free consultation. Our team works with medical professionals, industry experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to build strong cases that reflect both your current injuries and potential long-term challenges. We handle every construction accident case on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us by phone or through our online contact form to get started. Nosotros hablamos español and Мы говорим по русски.
Why Choose Cohen
Personal injury matters have many facets. Our New York personal injury lawyers know that building a strong case from the outset is critical. We are able to leverage our strength in negotiations. However, when litigation is necessary, we have a solid track record in every level of litigation, a record of success in pretrial legal arguments, a strong reputation for obtaining meaningful verdicts, and an appellate practice that helps our clients save money when the opposing party challenges a verdict. We address medical lien issues to help our clients retain more money after a verdict or settlement. We do not rest on our past success stories; we strive to exceed the expectations of clients in every case we handle.