What are the OSHA fatal four?

The OSHA fatal four refers to the four leading causes of death in the construction industry: falls, struck-by incidents, caught-in or between accidents, and electrocutions. Together, these hazards account for nearly 60% of all construction worker deaths annually.

Can I get workers' comp if I was injured by a fatal four hazard?

Yes, most construction workers are covered by workers' compensation insurance from their first day on the job. If you are injured by a fall, falling object, or machinery, you are generally entitled to medical coverage and wage replacement regardless of fault.

How can construction falls be prevented?

Falls can be prevented through a combination of planning, providing the right equipment, and training. This includes using guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems while ensuring all workers are trained on how to properly set up and use ladders and scaffolding.

What Are the Fatal Four in the Construction Industry? - Work Injury Advisor

If you’ve ever been on a construction site, you know it’s no ordinary office. There are towering scaffolds, heavy machinery humming nearby, and a lot of things that could go wrong in a split second.

However, the most serious injuries and deaths come from just four main hazards. This is what the industry calls the “fatal four.” Knowing what they are and how to protect yourself can make all the difference if you or someone you work with ever faces one of these dangerous situations.

The Fatal Four in Construction Safety

The fatal four in the construction industry are responsible for nearly 60% of worker deaths.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) keeps a close eye on these hazards.

They include:

Falls
Struck-by incidents
Caught-in or between accidents
Electrocutions

Each of these hazards is different. However, they are preventable when safety measures, training, and the right equipment are in place. And if an accident does happen, knowing your workers’ compensation rights makes sure you get the care and support you need.

Falls: The Leading Cause of Construction Site Deaths

Falls are the most common killer in construction. Any misstep can lead to a serious injury or worse. But falls are also one of the easiest hazards to prevent when you know the rules.

Smart fall-prevention tips include:

Guardrails or safety nets for elevated areas
Harnesses and personal fall arrest systems worn correctly
Properly maintained ladders and scaffolding
Training on spotting risks and using equipment safely

Even with all precautions in place, accidents can happen in seconds.

Struck-by Hazards: Preventing Impact Injuries

Struck-by might sound like a baseball term, but in construction, it’s anything that hits you: falling tools, swinging machinery, or vehicles on site. These accidents can leave you with fractures, concussions, or worse.

Ways to stay safe from struck-by hazards:

Secure tools and materials so they don’t fall
Use barriers to keep workers clear of moving vehicles
Wear high-visibility clothing and hard hats
Follow OSHA guidelines for operating machinery safely

Even with careful planning, accidents cannot always be avoided. However, workers’ compensation will help cover medical care and time off work if you’re hit by equipment or debris.

Caught-In or Between Accidents and Entrapment

These accidents happen when someone gets trapped in machinery, crushed by collapsing walls, or pinned in a trench. Trench collapses are extremely dangerous, and they can happen in seconds.

Prevention strategies include:

Using trench boxes and shoring to keep walls from collapsing
Keeping body parts clear of moving equipment
Locking out machinery during maintenance
Emergency training for extraction procedures

Quick prevention is the best defense against serious injuries on the job.

Electrocution Risks and Electrical Safety Protocols

Electricity is invisible but deadly. Coming into contact with live wires or equipment can result in severe injury or death. OSHA sets strict standards for electrical safety on construction sites.

Electrocution prevention tips:

De-energize circuits before work
Use insulated tools and PPE
Maintain proper grounding and bonding
Follow OSHA’s electrical safety standards

Electrical hazards are serious, but following protocols can save your life.

Employer Responsibilities for Workplace Hazard Prevention

Employers aren’t off the hook when it comes to safety. They are responsible for regularly inspecting workplaces for potential hazards, making sure every worker has the right personal protective equipment and fall protection, and providing thorough training on safe work practices and emergency procedures.

Keeping accurate records of accidents and safety compliance is also part of their duty.

A proactive employer doesn’t just reduce injuries; they help create a work environment where everyone can go home safely at the end of the day.

Workers’ Compensation Rights After a Construction Accident

If you get hurt, workers’ compensation has your back. Most construction workers are covered from day one. Benefits can include:

Medical care for injuries
Wage replacement while you recover
Rehabilitation services if needed
Death benefits for families of those killed on the job

Filing a claim right away is key. Even if it wasn’t your fault, documenting the accident and following procedures helps you get the care you need quickly.

Understanding the fatal four, practicing safety, and knowing your rights can turn a risky job into one where you go home safely every day.

How Work Injury Advisor Can Support You After a Jobsite Accident

Getting hurt at work is stressful, and figuring out your next steps can feel confusing.

Work Injury Advisor is here to help. Our site offers resources to guide you through what to do after a construction accident, including understanding your workers’ compensation benefits, how to file a claim, and what to expect from the medical and wage-replacement process.

We focus on practical information so you can get the support you need.

Work Injury Advisor has your back every step of the way.

What Are the Fatal Four in the Construction Industry?