Beware of the Fatal 4 in Construction

The nature of construction work often subjects construction workers to unsafe conditions. It’s the responsibility of construction  companies to ensure that workers have a safe workplace. 

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there are four primary hazards that lead to worker deaths in this industry. More than half of construction deaths across the country could be prevented by addressing these hazards alone. 

1. Falls

Falling from any height accounts for around 36.5% of deaths in the construction industry. It is vital that proper fall arrest devices are enforced by employers and used by workers. Having an established fall prevention protocol can also help prevent these incidents. 

2. Struck by an object

Being struck or hit by objects, including moving vehicles and falling objects, causes around 10.1% of fatalities in this industry. To prevent these accidents from occuring employers should have clear guidelines for securing equipment and tools, as well as securing rigging.

3. Electrocutions

8.6% of construction worker deaths occur from electrocutions. The primary focus of this kind of prevention is to reduce the risk of workers coming into contact with live wires. It’s important to also have protocol revolving working with electricity around water, checking for frayed wires, and avoiding overhead lines. Lockout/tagout procedures are also important to have.

4. Being caught in or between

Incidents involving workers being caught in or between things in construction account for 2.5% of fatalities in this industry. Proper trench procedures and protocols for avoiding moving parts and vehicles can help to prevent these fatalities.

While some construction workers will survive these kinds of accidents, the above statistics show that these 4 types of accidents can also be deadly. The individuals that don’t survive, as well as their family members, can receive workers’ compensation benefits. 

If you are the surviving family member of a deceased worker, the workers’ compensation process for wrongful death can be difficult to take on alone. A certified workers’ compensation specialist can help ensure you receive the benefits you rightly deserve.

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.